About Chiloglottis grammata G.W.Carr
Chiloglottis grammata G.W.Carr is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous herb that grows two leaves, each 50–80 mm (2–3 in) long and 15–25 mm (0.6–1 in) wide. A single greenish purple to purple flower, 16–19 mm (0.6–0.7 in) long and 25–30 mm (0.98–1.2 in) wide, is carried on a 20–40 mm (0.8–2 in) high flowering stem. The dorsal sepal is broadly egg-shaped to spatula-shaped, with the narrower end positioned toward the base; it measures 15–19 mm (0.6–0.7 in) long and 8–11 mm (0.3–0.4 in) wide. The lateral sepals are linear to lance-shaped, 14–16 mm (0.55–0.63 in) long and about 2 mm (0.08 in) wide, tapering toward their tips. All three sepals end in a glandular tip that is 0.5–1.0 mm (0.02–0.04 in) long. The petals are curved lance-shaped, 13–16 mm (0.5–0.6 in) long and about 4 mm (0.2 in) wide, and spread widely apart from each other. The labellum is egg-shaped to heart-shaped, 8–11 mm (0.3–0.4 in) long and 7–10 mm (0.3–0.4 in) wide. Most of its upper surface is covered in short, shiny greenish to reddish or black calli that reach up to 1 mm (0.04 in) long, plus low ridges that resemble writing. Flowering of this species takes place from October to February. This orchid, commonly called the small bird orchid, is widespread and locally common in Tasmania. It grows mainly in moist to wet forest in mountainous areas, and sometimes forms dense colonies.
