Didymoplexis pallens

Didymoplexis pallens Griff.

Gastrodia pallens; Epiphanes pallens; Leucorchis sylvatica; Arethusa ecristata; Arethusa bengalensis; Apetalon minutum; Pogonia pachystomoides; Didymoplexis sylvatica; Cheirostylis kanarensis; Nervilia pachystomoides

Lily of the valley orchid

William Griffith in Calcutta J.Nat.Hist. 4:383, Tab. 17 (1844)

Kimberley region, Camp Creek, Mitchell Plateau and Edkins Range, growing in black loamy soils in grassy areas and in seasonally moist to wet grassy woodland. Flowering plants are more easily seen in grassland that has been recently burnt. The species is also found in the Northern Territory, Queensland, Afghanistan, China, Japan, Taiwan, Assam, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Christmas Island, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

Jan Feb Mar · · · · · · · · ·

A rarely seen, leafless species 60–300 mm high with up to 15 insignificant white flowers 6–8 mm across that open for one day only. Following pollination the flower stalk elongates rapidly, most likely to aid in seed dispersal.

Priority One