Wispy Elbow Orchid

Arthrochilus prolixus

This rare orchid appears to have no leaves, as the base of the stem is bare. However one or more rosettes of leaves can be found growing on separate lateral shoots from an underground tuber.

The colony observed between 25 January 2011 and 11 February 2011 at Tumbi Wetlands had only two flower shoots. This was the first sighting of a new colony since 2000. These 2 shoots were 18 cm high and within 30 cm of each other.

As you can see the flowers are very small - on one of the stems there were at least 15 flowers.

Scale in cms

Created on 10-02-2011

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