Chiloglottis gunnii

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Tall bird orchid (Chiloglottis gunnii)

Chiloglottis gunnii is a Tasmanian orchid that grows on the ground. It is a perennial, deciduous herb with two broad leaves and a single green to purplish-brown flower.

Key features
- Leaves: two, 40–60 mm long and 15–20 mm wide
- Flower: one, 20–24 mm long and 20–25 mm wide, on a stem 60–100 mm high
- Flower parts: the dorsal sepal is egg-shaped to spatula-like; lateral sepals are linear; petals are lance-shaped; the labellum has a line of pillar-like calli with swollen heads along its midline
- Habitat: widespread but uncommon, mainly in coastal districts and moist to wet forests

Taxonomy notes
- Described in 1840 by John Lindley
- The name gunnii honors Ronald Campbell Gunn, who collected the type specimen

Overview
The tall bird orchid is common in its range but not often seen, thriving in wet forest and coastal scrub environments.