Western underground orchid
Rhizanthella gardneri R.S.Rogers
Rhizanthella gardneri, known as the western underground orchid, is a member of the Orchidaceae family and is found only in the southwest of Western Australia. This herb remains entirely at or below ground level throughout its life cycle, including during flowering. It produces a cluster of up to 100 small, inward-facing flowers, ranging in color from reddish to cream, surrounded by large cream bracts and a horizontal rhizome. Flowering occurs between May and July.
Description
Rhizanthella gardneri is a species of flowering plant in the Orchidaceae family. It is endemic to the southwest region of Western Australia. The plant is unique in that it lives and flowers entirely at or below the soil surface. During its flowering period, which occurs between May and July, it produces a head of up to 100 small, inward-facing flowers that are reddish to cream in color. These flowers are surrounded by large, cream-colored bracts and a horizontal rhizome. The species was first described in 1928 by R.S. Rogers.
Other common names
Western underground orchid
Distribution
Western Australia
