About Calochilus paludosus R.Br.
Calochilus paludosus is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous herb that grows from an underground tuber. It produces a single fleshy, light green to yellowish-green leaf that is linear to lance-shaped, measuring 100–180 mm (4–7 in) long and 4–7 mm (0.2–0.3 in) wide. Unlike some other species in the Calochilus genus, the leaf is fully developed when the plant flowers. Up to nine greenish flowers with reddish stripes grow on a flowering stem that is 150–350 mm (6–10 in) tall. The dorsal sepal of the flower is 11–15 mm (0.4–0.6 in) long and 6–8 mm (0.2–0.3 in) wide; lateral sepals are a similar length but broader. Petals measure 5–8 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long and 4–5 mm (0.2–0.2 in) wide. The labellum is flat, 22–28 mm (0.87–1.1 in) long and 7–9 mm (0.28–0.35 in) wide. It has short, reddish calli near its base and a flap-like ridge on each outer edge. The middle section of the labellum is covered in coarse, dull red or coppery hairs up to 7 mm (0.3 in) long, while the tip has a hairless "tail" that is 10–14 mm (0.4–0.6 in) long and about 1 mm (0.04 in) wide. The column does not have the sham "eyes" that most other beard orchids possess. Flowering takes place from September to January. Commonly called the red beard orchid, this species is widespread across eastern Australia, where it grows in heath and open forest. It often grows in wet locations, but can also be found in drier open forest. In Australia, it occurs south from Burleigh Heads in Queensland, across mostly coastal districts of New South Wales, in mostly higher rainfall areas of Victoria, throughout Tasmania, and is only known from a single population in South Australia. In New Zealand, C. paludosus grows in the North Island, often near geothermally active ground, and in the northern part of the South Island.
