One of the earliest spider orchids to flower each year, this attractive medium-sized orchid grows in the heathlands and open forest. It is highly variable in appearance. Usually the scented flowers are white to pale-yellowish with purple infusions. Sometimes flowers are all red. However, the dark wine-red labellum and the dense red glandular hairs on the tips of the petals and sepals are key features.
Wine-lipped Spider Orchid (photo by Keith McLean)
This orchid is now extremely rare in the district and is listed as critically endangered at a state level. Please let us know if you should find this species amongst your orchid observations.
Margaret MacDonald and Alison Watson
