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Project Noah Nature School
Microtis arenaria
This orchid plant was about 50 cm high. I could see a single long sheath like leaf from teh centre of which rose a slender green stem bearing a spike of flowers.
The central sepal was hooded covering the petals. Lateral sepals curled backwards. The lip was bilobed with a slightly wavy margin.
Spotted in semi-shade in a reserve with native vegetation.
At first this plant looked like it had unopened buds- the flowers were so small and are not conspicuous. They are apparently scented !
Tubers were eaten as food by indigenous Australians.
Family: Orchidaceae
Spotted on Oct 30, 2014
Submitted on Nov 1, 2014
2 Comments
Thanks Vinny. Walked past it a couple of times and then decided to have a closer look. Lucky I did.
Nice spot!