Bonnet (or Tartan) Orchid

When I was with Alan Stephenson, the other day, down the South Coast, I commented to him that I would like to photograph the Bonnet Orchid (also known as the Tartan orchid) - Cryptostylis erecta.

Easily done, said Alan. We pulled into a park which runs along a creek within the built-up area of Ulladulla, and we walked along a very wide "bike path". Sure enough we came to an area where the growth was not "creek gully scrub", but rather typical Spotted Gum and Turpentine forest. Huge trees, and not much undergrowth. That's where we found the Bonnet Orchids.

This particularly tall leaf stood out noticeably.
There is a bent stem, with flowers, but one tends to see the leaf first.

This is what the full stem looks like.
From low down, you can see why this flower is called the Bonnet Orchid.
And the other name "Tartan Orchid" is also appropriate.
These plants typically grow in clusters close to the base of huge gum trees.
The theory is that in light rain or misty conditions,
rain is collected by the tree, and runs down the trunk.
These plants will not flower this season - maybe next year.
Remember where you saw them, and check again this time next year.
These upright leaves are typical of most Tongue Orchid species.
In this case they are green on the upper surface, and maroon underneath.
They are not as dark on the underneath as the "Small Tongue Orchid".
Check this image to see what I mean.

According to David Jones' big book, these plants are "widespread and common; occurs in rainforest, wet and drier forests, Wallum communities and heathland, locally common on coastal plains and headlands, among grasses, sedges and low shrubs"

Distribution: Qld (n to Kroombit Tops); NSW; Vic (e). Altitude 0 - 600 metres.

Mick, sounds like this is probably in your area, especially the Great Sandy National Park - from what you showed us last week.