Acianthus caudatus

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Common Name:

Mayfly Orchid

Family:

Orchidaceae

Distribution (from Flora of Victoria):

Wannon, Grampians, ?Riverina, Midlands, Otway Plain, Eastern Highlands, Gippsland Plain, Gippsland Highlands, Wilsons Promontory, East Gippsland (DE?HJKNPSTWXZ) SA, QLD, NSW, Tas
Map - Australasian Virtual Herbarium

Distribution and ecological preference at Wilsons Promontory (if known):

Shady sites in dry to damp forest and woodland 1
tea-tree heath 2

Flower Description:

Dark purple or greenish-purple 1

Habit:

Small orchid to 250 mm 2

Distinguishing characteristics (within family/genus):


There are up to 5 purple flowers on a stem. There is a single heart shaped dark green leaf which is purple on the underside 2

Images:

Image: Will Neal

Links to more images:

Atlas of Living Australia MELU

Links to description of this species:

eFloraSA NSW Flora VicFlora

Conservation status:

Not threatened

References:

1 Meagher, D. and Kohout, M. (2001). “A field guide to Wilsons Promontory”. Oxford University Press, South Melbourne, Vic.
2 Ellis, M. (unpublished). “A Field Guide to South Gippsland Flora”.