About Orthoceras strictum R.Br.
Orthoceras strictum R.Br. is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous herb that grows from an underground tuber. It produces a tuft of 2 to 5 linear to thread-like, grass-like leaves, which measure 150–300 mm (6–10 in) long and 2–3 mm (0.08–0.1 in) wide. Up to 9 flowers, each 8–10 mm (0.3–0.4 in) wide, grow on a rigid flowering stem that reaches 300–600 mm (10–20 in) tall. Flower colour ranges from blackish, brownish, and maroon to yellowish green.
The dorsal sepal is egg-shaped and forms a hood that covers the rest of the flower; it measures 9–12 mm (0.4–0.5 in) long and 8–10 mm (0.3–0.4 in) wide. The lateral sepals are linear and horn-like, 20–25 mm (0.8–1 in) long, about 1 mm (0.04 in) wide, and can be erect, spreading, or curved. The petals are oblong, 8–10 mm (0.3–0.4 in) long, about 3 mm (0.1 in) wide, and are hidden inside the dorsal sepal hood. The labellum is 6–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in) long and has three lobes. The middle lobe is elliptic to egg-shaped, 6–7 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long and 5–6 mm (0.20–0.24 in) wide, while the side lobes are 5–6 mm (0.20–0.24 in) long and about 1.5 mm (0.06 in) wide. A pyramid-shaped callus is located near the base of the labellum. Flowering occurs between November and February.
Commonly called the bird's-mouth orchid, this species is widespread but uncommon. It is found in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and New Caledonia, and grows in a wide range of habitats from grassy forest to heath. Differences between this species and the New Zealand Orthoceras novae-zeelandiae are described as "very slight and dubious".
