Australian Tropical Rainforest Orchids
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Eulophia pelorica

Gonzo Orchid

Eulophia pelorica D.L.Jones & M.A.Clem., Orchadian 14(8): Suppl. ix (2004). Type: Queensland. Adjacent to Rocky Claudie River crossing, 14 May 2003, B. Gray 9624 and D.L. Jones (holo QRS).

Distribution

Occurs in far north-eastern Queensland on the Janet Range, Iron Range and McIlwraith Range.

Altitude: 100-300 m.

Description

Terrestrial herb forming slender clumps. Pseudobulbs crowded, above-ground, erect, cylindrical, tapered, 8-15 cm x 1.5-2 cm, fleshy. Leaves 2 per pseudobulb, erect, apical, petiole 4-15 cm long; lamina narrowly elliptic to lanceolate, 15-30 cm x 6-10 cm, dark green, 3 veins prominent, apex acuminate. Inflorescence an axillary raceme, erect, 300-800 mm long, from base of pseudobulb; pedicels 15 mm long. Flowers 6-20, resupinate, erect to porrect, tubular or cupped, opening narrowly, 10-12 mm long, green with brown markings. Dorsal sepal narrowly elliptic, 10-12 mm x 3 mm, apex acuminate. Lateral sepals free, narrowly ovate, 10-12 mm x 3 mm, apex acuminate. Petals broader than sepals, ovate, 9-11 mm x 4 mm. Labellum unlobed, petaloid, ovate, 10-12 mm x 6-7 mm; base shallowly pouched. Callus absent. Column 5 mm long, slender. Column foot absent. Capsules pendulous, dehiscent.

Ecology

Occurs on shady slopes in rainforests, often growing among rocks and in accumulations of leaf litter and humus. The flowers are autogamous, self-pollinating before opening. The labellum is similar in appearance to the petals and lacks any calli.

Highly localised.

Flowering period: April-June.

Name Changes

Until recently confused with Eulophia pulchra.

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