Eriochilus valens

Eriochilus valens Hopper & A.P.Br.

Red-lipped Bunny Orchid

Eriochilus dilatatus (White Bunny Orchids)

Stephen Hopper & Andrew Brown in Nuytsia 16:58, Fig. 8 (2006)

West of Walpole to Munglinup, In the higher rainfall lower southwest the species grows in sandy soils in shrublands and woodlands surrounding seasonally wet flats and flowers best in the season following summer fire with flowering plants rare or absent in unburnt bushland. However, between the Stirling Range and Munglinup it grows in sandy-clay soils in Mallee-heath and at least some plants flower every year.

· · Mar Apr May · · · · · · ·

A relatively rare species 50–150 mm high with a smooth or wavy margined leaf 10–20 mm long by 8–10 mm wide and up to three (rarely more) white, dull green and red flowers 9–12 mm across.

It is distinguished from the closely related White Bunny Orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus) by its fewer flowered inflorescence and larger more colourful labellum.

Not Listed