Zeuxine oblonga R.S.Rogers & C.T.White

Species Classification and Growth Form

Zeuxine oblonga (common jewel orchid) is a terrestrial, tuberous, perennial herb.

Leaf Characteristics

It produces between three and seven dark green, narrow egg-shaped leaves that each measure 40–80 mm (2–3 in) long and 20–30 mm (0.8–1 in) wide; these leaves form a loose rosette.

Flowering Stem and Inflorescence

Between five and thirty resupinate, dull green and white flowers, around 4 mm (0.2 in) long and 3 mm (0.1 in) wide, are crowded onto a fleshy, hairy, pinkish flowering stem that is 100–300 mm (4–10 in) tall.

Outer Flower Surface

The outer surface of the flowers is hairy.

Dorsal Sepal Description

The dorsal sepal is around 4 mm (0.2 in) long and 2 mm (0.08 in) wide, and overlaps the petals to form a hood over the column.

Sepal and Petal Coloration

The dorsal sepal is green with pink edges, the lateral sepals are green, and the petals are white.

Lateral Sepal and Petal Dimensions

The lateral sepals and petals are each around 3 mm (0.1 in) long and 1.5 mm (0.06 in) wide, with the lateral sepals spreading apart from one another.

Labellum Characteristics

The labellum is white, around 4 mm (0.2 in) long and 3.5 mm (0.1 in) wide, and has two lobes at its end.

Flowering Period

Flowering takes place from July to September.

Species Distribution

This species is endemic to northern Australia, and has been recorded in the far north-east of Western Australia, between the Keep and Adelaide Rivers in the Northern Territory, and from Cape York Peninsula in Queensland to Coffs Harbour in New South Wales.

Habitat Preferences

It typically grows in colonies on dark, moist sites on rainforest floors, and is locally common in swampy areas with peaty soils alongside streams.