Antelope Greenhood at Bungonia.

Yesterday, Kirsten and I visited Bungonia State Conservation Area, following notes provided by Alan Stephenson, following an ANOS Illawarra visit there several weeks ago.

We found a number of the same Orchids, but not sure if we got them all. However, the most striking one was easily found - Diplodium Laxum, the Antelope Greenhood.


As "Common Names" go this is a good one, if your imagination allows a little Greenhood Orchid to be named after a tall, long-horned African and Asian ruminant herbivores.

Edward Topsell (c. 1572 – 1625) (courtesy Wikipedia)

Here is why I like that name.

Antelope Greenhood - Diplodium laxum

This image makes the flower look like it is running as fast as the wind. Of course, it is stuck in the dirt, on a 4 inch stem. But don't let reality block your imagination or mine.

There is considerable variation in
colour and shape amongst these flowers.

Long point of the dorsal sepal (hood) and swept back Lateral Sepals

From the front you can see the 

"points" of the lateral sepals are wide spread.

Diplodium laxum - same flower as above - front on.

You can note the colour variations between flowers.

Diplodium laxum - point of the dorsal sepal (tip of the "hood") is clearly visible

This flower has a relatively short dorsal sepal point,

but the tell-tale lateral sepals are strongly reflexed.

The labellum is clearly visible (inside the "sinus" of the flower

When the labellum is "set"
(they do click back inside the flower 
in response to insect activity
or movement of the flower)
the tip of the labellum protrudes.
Compare this to another species I will show soon.
The labellum of this species is quite coarse.