Pterostylis elegantissima

Pterostylis elegantissima (D.L.Jones & C.J.French) D.L.Jones

Pterostylis sp. 'elegant'; Oligochaetochilus elegantissimus

Elegant Rufous Greenhood

Pterostylis rufa (Rufus Greenhoods)

David Jones & Christopher French in Australian Orchid Review 79(4): 46-50 (2014) as Oligochaetochilus elegantissimus

Mulline to Gnowangerup, growing in sandy, sandy-clay soils in woodlands and shrublands, and shallow soil pockets on inland granite outcrops.

· · · · · · · · · Oct Nov ·

A little-known species 150–450 mm high with six to 10 leaves forming a ground-hugging basal rosette 20–60 mm across and up to eight well-spaced translucent, green and white or brown and white flowers 10–12 mm across.

It is distinguished from the related Exserted Rufous Greenhood (Pterostylis exserta) by its almost black labellum and easterly and south-easterly distribution. From other members of the Pterostylis rufa complex it is distinguished by its taller inflorescence, widely spaced flowers and almost black labellum.

Priority One