16 July 2008

Dwarf Mosquito Orchid - Cyrtostylis tenuissima

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Dwarf Mosquito Orchid - Cyrtostylis tenuissima

A very finely structured orchid, found in damp acid sand/peat soil in low-lying areas of flood plains, light seepage zones and on small mounds around ephemeral swamps. Common in area, although usually not seen or overlooked, occurring in small, widely separated, compact colonies.

The small green leaves (finger/thumb nail size) are usually first noticed, with the flowering portion being very slender requiring more careful investigation. The leaves are green on both sides and the small (4-5 mm) labellum is triangular in shape. Flowering time is September/October period.