Chiloglottis | |
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Chiloglottis reflexa 1810 illustration |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
(unranked): | Angiosperms |
(unranked): | Monocots |
Order: | Asparagales |
Family: | Orchidaceae |
Subfamily: | Orchidoideae |
Tribe: | Diurideae |
Subtribe: | Drakaeinae |
Genus: |
Chiloglottis R.Br., 1810 |
Type species | |
Chiloglottis diphylla R.Br. |
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Synonyms | |
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Chiloglottis is a small genus in the orchid family Orchidaceae.
The botanical name of the genus is derived from Greek words, referring to the tongue-shaped lip. The type species is Chiloglottis diphylla R.Br..
This genus of deciduous, terrestrial orchids is indigenous to Australia and New Zealand (including Chatham Island and the Antipodes).
The species have 1 to 4 paired oblong-lanceolate, glabrous leaves (usually two) and tuberoids. The flowers have 4 pollina. The short peduncle elongates after fertilisation of the flower. The flower is insect-pollinated by sexual deception (pseudocopulation) of specific wasps. The lip has raised calli, whose structures mimic the flightless female of the wasp pollinator.
Intergeneric hybrid: Chiloglottis × pescottiana R.S.Rogers, (1918).: (Chiloglottis valida x Myrmechila trapeziformis) : Alpine Bird Orchid (SE Australia)