About Cryptostylis ovata R.Br.
Cryptostylis ovata is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous herb that typically grows in colonies, though only a small number of plants may flower in a given year. It produces one to several egg-shaped leaves that are 100–250 mm (4–10 in) long and 40–80 mm (2–3 in) wide, carried on a 30–60 mm (1–2 in) long petiole. The upper leaf surface is dark green with a central white vein, while the lower leaf surface is purplish red. This species is the only orchid native to Western Australia that retains leaves year-round. Between four and fifteen flowers, each 20–30 mm (0.8–1 in) long and 15–20 mm (0.6–0.8 in) wide, grow on a flowering stem that reaches 250–700 mm (10–30 in) in height. The sepals and petals of the flower are greenish yellow; sepals measure 20–30 mm (0.8–1 in) long and 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) wide, while petals are shorter and narrower than sepals. The flower’s most prominent feature is its labellum, which is 26–30 mm (1.0–1.2 in) long and 10–14 mm (0.4–0.6 in) wide when flattened, projects stiffly forward, and is reddish brown with a fine network of darker veins. Flowering takes place between November and February. This species, commonly called the slipper orchid, is widespread and common across a broad variety of habitats, ranging from coastal scrub to high-rainfall forests. It occurs mainly between Perth and Albany, and is occasionally found further east, within the Esperance Plains, Jarrah Forest, Swan Coastal Plain, and Warren biogeographic regions.
