Chiloglottis formicifera Fitzg.

Nomenclature and Habit

Chiloglottis formicifera Fitzg., commonly known as common ant orchid, is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous herb.

Leaf Morphology

It grows two leaves that measure 30–60 mm (1–2 in) long and 15–25 mm (0.6–1 in) wide.

Inflorescence and Flower Dimensions

One single greenish or reddish flower, 12–16 mm (0.5–0.6 in) long and 6–8 mm (0.2–0.3 in) wide, is produced on a flowering stem that stands 60–100 mm (2–4 in) high.

Dorsal Sepal Morphology

The dorsal sepal is spatula-shaped, 10–12.5 mm (0.4–0.5 in) long and approximately 3 mm (0.1 in) wide.

Lateral Sepal Morphology

The lateral sepals are 9–10 mm (0.35–0.39 in) long, around 0.7 mm (0.03 in) wide; they are erect at their base and curve downwards further along their length.

Sepal Glandular Tips

All three sepals have a glandular tip roughly 0.5 mm (0.02 in) long at their end.

Petal Shape and Size

The petals are lance-shaped, with the narrower end oriented toward the base. They measure 8–10 mm (0.3–0.4 in) long, around 3 mm (0.1 in) wide, and bend strongly downwards.

Labellum Morphology

The labellum is diamond-shaped, 7–10 mm (0.3–0.4 in) long and 6–7.5 mm (0.2–0.3 in) wide. Most of the labellum's upper surface is covered by a narrow, shiny black, ant-like callus.

Flowering Period

Flowering takes place from August to November.

Australian Distribution and Habitat

This orchid grows in moist locations within forest, ranging between the Northern Tablelands and Nowra in Australia.

New Zealand Distribution Record

There is one single historical record of this species from Kaitaia, New Zealand.