About Chiloglottis triceratops D.L.Jones
Chiloglottis triceratops D.L.Jones is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous herb that grows two leaves. Each leaf is 30–60 mm (1–2 in) long and 10–25 mm (0.4–1 in) wide. A single greenish brown to purplish brown flower is carried on a 15–40 mm (0.6–2 in) tall flowering stem; the flower itself is 15–24 mm (0.6–0.9 in) long and 25–30 mm (0.98–1.2 in) wide. The dorsal sepal is spatula-shaped to egg-shaped, with the narrower end oriented toward the base, and measures 15–24 mm (0.6–0.9 in) long and 8–11 mm (0.3–0.4 in) wide. The lateral sepals are linear to narrow lance-shaped, 15–20 mm (0.6–0.8 in) long and approximately 2 mm (0.08 in) wide. All three sepals end in a glandular tip 2–3 mm (0.08–0.1 in) long. The petals are curved lance-shaped, 15–20 mm (0.6–0.8 in) long and 4–6 mm (0.16–0.24 in) wide, and curve toward the front of the flower. The labellum is broadly egg-shaped to heart-shaped, 12–15 mm (0.5–0.6 in) long and 9–13 mm (0.4–0.5 in) wide. It has a brown to black, column-like callus 3–4 mm (0.1–0.2 in) tall at its center, and this central callus is surrounded by similar but shorter calli. The column is greenish brown with dark red streaks, 15–16 mm (0.59–0.63 in) long and 5–7 mm (0.2–0.3 in) wide, and has narrow wings. Flowering of this species takes place from November to January. Commonly called the three-horned bird orchid, this orchid is widespread and common across Tasmania. It grows in shrubby and heathy forest, and often forms dense colonies.
