About Calochilus paludosus R.Br.
Growth Form
Calochilus paludosus is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous herb that grows from an underground tuber.
Leaf Characteristics
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.
Flowering Stem
Up to nine greenish flowers with reddish stripes grow on a flowering stem that is 150–350 mm (6–10 in) tall.
Sepal Dimensions
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.
Petal Dimensions
Petals measure 5–8 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long and 4–5 mm (0.2–0.2 in) wide.
Labellum Structure
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.
Labellum Hairs and Tip
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.
Column Feature
The column does not have the sham "eyes" that most other beard orchids possess.
Flowering Period
Flowering takes place from September to January.
Common Name and General Habitat
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.
Australian Distribution
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.
New Zealand Distribution
In New Zealand, C. paludosus grows in the North Island, often near geothermally active ground, and in the northern part of the South Island.
