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      Item Details  

Scientific Name : Glossodia major
Common Name : Wax-lip orchid
Height : 300 mm
Description : This pretty little orchid is quite a common site in open forest. It has a single, hairy leaf at the base of the stem, Lanceolate, 100mm by 10mm. The stem bears 1 to 3 flowers. The perianth segments are similar in size, shape and colour, 25mm long, ovate and usually purple, but occasionally white. The Labellum is 10mm long, ovate, but drawn out into an elongated point. Its base is white, but the outer half is deep purple. The Column is conspicuous, being dark purple and standing upright behind the Labellum. The Column has been likened to a parson, standing behind his pulpit, which is the rear of the Labellum. This gives rise to the alternative name 'Parson-in-the-Pulpit'.
Habitat : Heaths and open forests.
Distribution : Queensland to South Australia and Tasmania. Widespread and common in Victoria, except for the North-West. Fairly common in the Park, on hills on both sides of Fosters Gully and on Silvertop Hill.
Flowering Season : September and October
Family : Orchidaceae
 
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Wax-lip orchid flower on Stringybark Ridge


Wax-lip orchid flower on Stringybark Ridge
October 22nd 1989




 
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