About Corybas recurvus D.L.Jones
Corybas recurvus D.L.Jones, commonly called the western helmet orchid, is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous herb. It produces a single thin leaf that is round or broadly heart-shaped, measuring 15–40 mm (0.6–2 in) long and 15–45 mm (0.6–2 in) wide. The upper surface of the leaf is green, while the lower surface is silvery green. A single dark reddish purple or purplish black flower grows from each plant; the flower measures 15–20 mm (0.6–0.8 in) long and 8–12 mm (0.3–0.5 in) wide and leans backwards. The dorsal sepal is 23–34 mm (0.9–1 in) long and 12–20 mm (0.5–0.8 in) wide, and curves forward over the labellum. The lateral sepals are whitish, about 5 mm (0.2 in) long and 0.5 mm (0.02 in) wide, joined at their bases and projected forwards. The petals are also whitish, about 3 mm (0.1 in) long and 0.5 mm (0.02 in) wide, and taper to a thread-like tip. The labellum is tube-shaped at the base, with the tube measuring 6–7.5 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long, before opening into a dish-shape. The expanded dish-shaped portion is 14–20 mm (0.6–0.8 in) long and 9–11 mm (0.35–0.43 in) wide, dark reddish purple or purplish black, with many broad, blunt teeth around its edge. Flowering occurs from July to September. This orchid is widespread and common between Bunbury and Albany, where it grows in moist forests. It sometimes grows in large colonies in dense coastal scrub and in introduced pine plantations.
