About Leptoceras menziesii (R.Br.) Lindl.
Leptoceras menziesii, commonly known as the rabbit orchid, is a tuberous perennial herb. It reaches a height of 6–20 cm (2–8 in), and may occasionally grow as tall as 30 cm (10 in). Plants produce between one and three flowers per individual, and a single glabrous leaf that varies widely in size and shape. Most leaves are lance-shaped to broadly egg-shaped or oblong, measuring 30–120 mm (1–5 in) long and 5–23 mm (0.2–0.9 in) wide.
The small flowers of this orchid are sometimes entirely white, but more often display a mix of white, pink, and red. The top dorsal sepal, positioned at the back of the flower, is approximately 11 mm (0.4 in) long, dark reddish, and spoon-shaped, forming a hood that covers the flower's column. The back of this dorsal sepal is covered in many glandular hairs. The lower lateral sepals are white or pink, 10–15 mm (0.4–0.6 in) long, widest at the middle, and taper toward both ends. The petals, which form the orchid's characteristic "ears," are erect, purplish-red, and very narrowly linear, ending in a club-shaped tip. These petals measure 16–30 mm (0.6–1 in) long and also bear many glandular hairs.
The central labellum is white with pink or red markings, egg-shaped to almost circular, around 7 mm (0.3 in) long, and attached with a short claw. It has 2 to 4 rows of calli with large heads. The column itself is erect, has wide wings, and features pink markings. This species flowers from August to November. Flowering is much more prolific after recent bushfires, and may be delayed in some locations until after rainfall.
The rabbit orchid forms colonies via vegetative reproduction. It grows across a range of soil types in heath, scrub, or forest habitats, mainly favoring damp areas. It is widely distributed across Victoria, Tasmania, southern South Australia, and the south-west of Western Australia.
