Australian Tropical Rainforest Orchids
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Bryobium queenslandicum

Dingy Urchin Orchid

Bryobium queenslandicum (T.E.Hunt) M.A.Clem. & D.L.Jones, Orchadian 13(11): 501 (2002).

Eria queenslandica T.E.Hunt, North Queensland Naturalist 15(85): 14 (1947). Type: North Queensland: Bellenden-Ker, Sep. 1946, J.H. Wilkie s.n. (holo BRI).

Distribution

Occurs in north-eastern Queensland from McIlwraith Range to the Tully River valley.

Altitude: 500-1000 m.

Description

Epiphytic or lithophytic herb forming dense clumps. Rhizomes creeping, branched. Pseudobulbs crowded, erect, cylindrical, 4-6 cm x 0.8-1.2 cm, fleshy, green. Leaves 2 per pseudobulb, erect, apical, on short petioles; lamina ovate to lanceolate, 6-12 cm x 1.6-2 cm, dark green, thick, apex unequally emarginate. Inflorescence an axiliary raceme, arching, short, 20-40 mm long, covered in fine hairs, pedicels 3 mm long. Flowers 3-12, resupinate, porrect, opening tardily or cup-shaped, 3 mm wide, cream or pinkish, externally hairy. Dorsal sepal ovate, incurved, 3 mm x 1.4 mm. Lateral sepals free, incurved, triangular, falcate, 3 mm x 2 mm. Petals obliquely erect, ovate to obovate, 2.5 mm x 1 mm, apex acute. Labellum 2 mm x 1.5 mm, curved, 3-lobed; lateral lobes erect; midlobe triangular, deflexed, with 2 short ridges at base of lateral lobes. Column 0.5 mm long. Column foot, 0.7 mm long, at right-angles to column. Capsules erect or porrect, dehiscent.

Ecology

Occurs in rainforests in areas of free air movement accompanied by clouds and mists, growing on trees or rocks. The flowers open reluctantly and are self-pollinating.

Widespread and common.

Flowering period: August-October.

Name Changes

Until recently known as Eria queenslandica.

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