Plectorrhiza
Plectorrhiza, commonly called tangle orchids, is a small group of three Australian orchids. They grow on trees or rocks (epiphytic or lithophytic) and have long, tangled roots, two or more short leathery leaves, and small flowers on a short, thin stem. The flowers have sepals and petals that look alike and are free from each other. The lip has three lobes and a backward-pointing spur with a hairy, finger-like callus.
The genus was described in 1967 by Alick Dockrill. The three species were previously placed in Cleisostoma. They grow in shady, humid forests.
Species and distribution:
- Plectorrhiza tridentata: eastern Queensland, New South Wales, and far north-eastern Victoria.
- Plectorrhiza brevilabris: Queensland.
- Plectorrhiza erecta: coastal Lord Howe Island.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 12:14 (CET).