Calochilus gracillimus

Late Beard Orchid

Family: Orchidaceae

Calochilus is a terrestrial or ground orchid with a richly coloured beard distinguishing it from other orchids in the area. It usually grows on moist sandy soil in open forest or grassland. There are 4 species of Calochilus growing in Lane Cove National Park.

Calochilus gracillimus is found in sheltered woodland, not on marshy land.

The flowers grow at the end of the hairless stalk. They are about 30 mm wide: green with reddish or purplish stripes. The labellum or lip on which insects land has coarse purple or bronze hairs with a tail to 25mm long.

Calochilus gracillimus is distinguished from the others by its late flowering time - December and January.