Erythrorchis cassythoides (A.Cunn. ex Lindl.) Garay

Growth Form

Erythrorchis cassythoides is a leafless, climbing, myco-heterotrophic herb.

Stem Characteristics

It produces thin, wiry, dark brown to blackish stems that can reach up to 5 metres (20 feet) in length.

Inflorescence Structure

Its flowers are arranged in branched clusters, holding between 10 and 30 resupinate flowers each. The flower clusters measure 80–150 mm (3–6 inches) long.

Flower Dimensions & Color

Each individual flower is yellow to greenish, and 20–25 mm (0.8–1 inch) wide.

Sepal & Petal Traits

The sepals and petals are 11–18 mm (0.4–0.7 inches) long and 2–4 mm (0.08–0.2 inches) wide; the lateral sepals and petals are curved and spread apart from one another.

Labellum Characteristics

The labellum is white, measuring 9–12 mm (0.4–0.5 inches) long and 4–7 mm (0.16–0.28 inches) wide, with wavy or crinkled edges.

Labellum Age-Related Changes

As the labellum ages, it develops brown or reddish streaks.

Labellum Callus Structure

In the centre of the labellum, there is a callus made up of a hairy plate and two round ridges.

Flowering Period

Flowering takes place from August to December.

Fruit Characteristics

After flowering, the plant produces a capsule fruit that is 60–200 mm (2–8 inches) long and 8–15 mm (0.3–0.6 inches) wide.

Habitat

This species grows in forest, where it grows on eucalypts, stumps, and logs.

Distribution Range

It occurs in near-coastal areas and adjacent tablelands, ranging from Blackdown Tableland in Queensland to Waterfall in the Royal National Park, New South Wales.