Dainty bird orchid, Broad-lipped Bird Orchid
Chiloglottis trapeziformis
Family: Orchidaceae
What it is like
A small orchid. It keeps growing from year to year but dies back in winter. It grows 8-12 cm high. There is one pair of leaves near the base. The leaves are oval to sword shaped. They are 5-8 cm long by 1.5-2.5 cm wide. There is a single flower on the end of the stem. The flowers are brownish green.
There are about 8-30 Chiloglottis species in New Zealand and Australia.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows on coastal scrub on soils rich in humus. It also grow in shady damp forest. It does best in rich, moist, well-drained soils in a protected shady position.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Tuber, root
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by dividing the clump.
It is easy to grow and multiplies easily.
Its other names
Local names
Erect ant orchid