Calochilus metallicus, commonly known as the metallic beard orchid,[2] is a species of orchidendemic to Tropical Queensland. It has a single dark green leaf and up to four pale green flowers with a pinkish or reddish "beard" on the labellum.
Calochilus metallicus is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous, herb with an underground tuber and a single dark green leaf which is only partially developed at flowering time, 80–180mm (3–7in) long, 3–4mm (0.1–0.2in) wide when fully developed. Up to four pale green flowers with darker markings, 13–16mm (0.5–0.6in) long and 7–9mm (0.3–0.4in) wide are borne on a flowering stem 200–300mm (8–10in) tall. The dorsalsepal is 5–6mm (0.20–0.24in) long and about 5mm (0.2in) wide. The lateral sepals are a similar length but about narrower. The petals are about 6mm (0.2in) long and 2mm (0.08in) wide. The labellum is flat, 12–14mm (0.5–0.6in) long, about 5mm (0.2in) wide and green with red markings. The labellum is mostly covered with thin, metallic hairs 2–3mm (0.08–0.1in) long, except for the tip which is hairless. Flowering occurs from December to February but each flower only lasts only a few hours.[2]
Taxonomy and naming
Calochilus metallicus was first formally described in 2004 by David Jones and the description was published in The Orchadian from specimens collected near the Wenlock River.[3] The specific epithet (metallicus) is derived from the Ancient Greek word metallon.[4]
1 2 3 Jones, David L. (2006). A complete guide to native orchids of Australia including the island territories. Frenchs Forest, N.S.W.: New Holland. p.265. ISBN1877069124.
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