About Calochilus gracillimus Rupp
Calochilus gracillimus Rupp, commonly known as slender beard orchid, is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous herb that grows from an underground tuber. It produces a single fleshy, channelled leaf that is linear to lance-shaped, dark green, 150–300 mm (6–10 in) long and 6–8 mm (0.2–0.3 in) wide, with a reddish base at its attachment. The leaf is fully developed by the time the first flower opens. Between two and nine flowers grow on a flowering stem 300–450 mm (10–20 in) tall. Each flower is green with red stripes, 30–37 mm (1.2–1.5 in) long and 7–9 mm (0.3–0.4 in) wide. The dorsal sepal is 10–12 mm (0.4–0.5 in) long and 6–8 mm (0.2–0.3 in) wide; lateral sepals are a similar length but narrower. The petals measure 7–8 mm (0.28–0.31 in) long and around 5 mm (0.2 in) wide. The labellum is flat, 30–34 mm (1.2–1.3 in) long and 5–6 mm (0.20–0.24 in) wide, with short purple calli located near its base. The middle section of the labellum is covered in coarse reddish, brownish or purplish hairs up to 7 mm (0.3 in) long, and the tip of the labellum bears a glandular "tail" 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) long. The column has two purple "eyes" connected by a faint ridge. Flowering takes place from November to January. This orchid grows on ridges and slopes in forest and woodland habitats. It is distributed in New South Wales north of Woodford, and in southeastern Queensland.
