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Coastal Banded Greenhood
Pterostylis orbiculata (D.L.Jones & C.J.French 2017) D.L.Jones & C.J.French 2018

Synonyms

Notes

The Coastal Banded Greenhood looks very similar to the Dark Banded Greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea), but can be distinguished by its usually more widely spaced flowers with narrower, slightly cupped lateral sepals and a narrower labellum. The colour of the flowers is highly variable and can range from dark brown to green. As with all Banded Greenhoods, the labellum is irritable and will flick up when touched.

As suggested by its common name, the Coastal Banded Greenhood is found in coastal areas of south-western WA between Bunbury and Dongara, where it is generally very common. The plants grow in sandy soil in woodlands and flower in mid-winter. They are usually found growing underneath trees in small groups.

Photos

Pterostylis orbiculata
The Coastal Banded Greenhood is characterised by its brown and white flowers. (West Coolup, WA, 29 / 06 / 2014)
Pterostylis orbiculata
Another characteristic are the broad, slightly cupped lateral sepals and narrow labellum. (West Coolup, WA, 29 / 06 / 2014)
Pterostylis orbiculata
Close-up view of the lateral sepals and tiny labellum. (Wellard, WA, 20 / 08 / 2017)
Pterostylis orbiculata
The colour of the flowers varies considerably; here a red-brown specimen is seen next to a green one. (Kings Park, WA, 20 / 07 / 2014)
Pterostylis orbiculata
Some specimens are plain green and look very similar to the Banded Greenhood (Pterostylis vittata). (Wellard, WA, 09 / 07 / 2017)
Pterostylis orbiculata
Two specimens with beautiful chocolate-brown flowers. (Kings Park, WA, 20 / 07 / 2014)
Pterostylis orbiculata
The number of flowers per plant varies greatly; large plants sometimes carry over a dozen flowers. (Kings Park, WA, 20 / 07 / 2014)
Pterostylis orbiculata
Non-flowering plants produce a characteristic rosette of leaves. (West Coolup, WA, 29 / 06 / 2014)

References