Cryptostylis erecta

Hooded orchid, Bonnet orchid

Family: Orchidaceae

Cryptostylis erecta, a terrestrial orchid, grows on sandy soils in heath and woodland, forming dense colonies in shady locations, often on mossy rock ledges. It is reasonably common in the northern suburbs of Sydney and the Blue Mountains.

It has 1-3 erect lanceolate leaves at the base of the stalk, which can be from 15 -40 cm tall. The leaves are 8-15cm long, and purplish underneath.

The conspicuous part of the flower is the bonnet-shaped labellum, which is pale with red veins. There may be 2-10 flowers on each plant.

Cryptostylis erecta flowers from October to March.