Helmet Orchid

Description:

Terrestrial herb. Leaf 16–32 mm long, 18–36 mm wide, upper surface dull green, lower surface purplish. Flowers crystalline white to pinkish, 15–22 mm long. Dorsal sepal curved, 25–32 mm long, 16–20 mm wide when flattened, hooded, enclosing most of the labellum. Lateral sepals linear to filiform, c. 1.8 mm long, c. 0.2 mm wide. Petals linear to filiform, c. 1 mm long, c. 0.2 mm wide. Labellum tubular in proximal half, lamina flared widely, the margins recurved, the surface covered with hispid bristles c. 0.25 mm long; auricles deflexed or curved forwards, 5–7.5 mm long, tapered, closed at the apex.

Habitat:

Grows in sclerophyll forest and woodland, usually on sheltered slopes