| Scientific Name : |
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Chiloglottis valida |
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| Common Name : |
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Common bird-orchid |
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| Height : |
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50 mm |
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| Description : |
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This orchid bears its flowers very close to the ground, but the stem elongates in the fruiting stage. There are two leaves at the base, Ovate, green, 35mm by 10mm.The flower is solitary on the stem and opens upwards. The name bird-orchid relates to the open flowers resembling baby birds in a nest with open beaks waiting to be fed. The perianth segments are purplish-brown, 20mm long, but are often pale green when the flower first opens. The Dorsal Sepal is broad and forms a partial hood over the Column. The lateral Sepals taper to slender points and are directed down and forwards. The lateral Petals are broader and are usually cureved forward. The Labellum is Ovate. The Labellum is covered with blackish Calli, both Sessile and stalked, including one tall slender Callus at the base of the labellum. This tall stalked Callus distinguishes it from the similar Chiloglottis cornuta. |
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| Habitat : |
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Tall moist forests, often in deep shade. |
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| Distribution : |
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New South Wales to Soth Australia and Tasmania. Widespread in Victoria, except for the North-West. Common in Fosters Gully and on Silvertop Hill near Brewsters Road. Occasional on Stringybark Ridge. |
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| Flowering Season : |
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October and November |
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| Family : |
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Orchidaceae |
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