Thanks to the keen eyes of Angair member, Simone Shaw, we have a new helmet orchid to add to our extensive orchid list: the Spurred Helmet Orchid, Corybas aconitiflorus.
Usually found in south-eastern Victoria it was very exciting to observe a good colony, six flowers and about 50 leaves, of this unmistakable helmet orchid growing on the side of one of the heathland tracks.
Spurred Helmet Orchid
The greyish-red to reddish-purple hooded dorsal sepal curves over and downwards almost like a scimitar, enclosing most of the labellum. There are two spur-like tubular appendices (auricles) at the base of the labellum, clasping the ovary and giving the orchid its common name of Spurred Helmet Orchid. An alternative common name is Cradle Orchid which seems a great name considering the shape of the flower. The heavily veined, heart-shaped leaf is dark-green above and purple underneath.
Congratulations to Simone on her discovery and many thanks for sharing.
Alison Watson and Margaret MacDonald