Corybas fimbriatus, commonly known as the fringed helmet orchid,[2] is a species of terrestrial orchid endemic to eastern Australia. It has a broad egg-shaped to round leaf and a dark reddish purple to crimson flower with translucent patches. It is similar to C. hispidus but its labellum lacks a creamy-white centre and is not covered with bristly hairs.

Fringed helmet orchid
Corybas fimbriatus at Coles Bay
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Orchidoideae
Tribe: Diurideae
Genus: Corybas
Species:
C. fimbriatus
Binomial name
Corybas fimbriatus
Synonyms[1]
  • Corysanthes fimbriata R.Br.
  • Corybas callosus Blume
  • Corysanthes callosa (Blume) Blume

Description

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Corybas fimbriatus is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous, herb with a single broad egg-shaped to round leaf 15–40 mm (0.6–2 in) long and wide. The leaf is dark green on the upper surface and silvery green on the lower side. There is a single dark reddish purple to crimson flower with translucent patches. The dorsal sepal is 20–25 mm (0.8–1 in) long and 15–18 mm (0.6–0.7 in) wide and concave, partly forming a hood over the labellum. The lateral sepals are linear, about 5 mm (0.2 in) long and usually joined to each other. The petals are linear and about 4 mm (0.2 in) long. The labellum is about 15 mm (0.6 in) long with a transparent central mound and has many long, narrow teeth on the edges. Flowering occurs from May to August.[2][3][4]

Taxonomy

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The fringed helmet orchid was first formally described in 1810 by Robert Brown and given the name Corysanthes fimbriatus. The description was published in Brown's book Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van Diemen.[5][6] In 1871 Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach changed the name to Corybas fimbriatus.[7] The specific epithet (fimbriatus) is a Latin word meaning "fringed" or "fibrous".[8]

Distribution and habitat

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Corybas fimbriatus is widespread and common, growing in heath and moist forest. It occurs in Queensland south from Gympie, on the coast and ranges of New South Wales, in south-east Victoria and in Tasmania. There is also an isolated population on the Atherton Tableland.[2][3][4]

Use in horticulture

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Although usually only cultivated by orchid enthusiasts, C. fimbriatus is more easily grown than other orchids in the same genus. It is grown in a free draining, sandy mix and requires good air circulation with 50% sun.[9]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Corybas fimbriatus". World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (WCSP). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
  2. ^ a b c Jones, David L. (2006). A complete guide to native orchids of Australia including the island territories. Frenchs Forest, N.S.W.: New Holland. p. 171. ISBN 1877069124.
  3. ^ a b Jeanes, Jeff. "Corybas fimbriatus". Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Retrieved 8 May 2018.
  4. ^ a b Jones, David L. "Corybas fimbriatus". Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Retrieved 8 May 2018.
  5. ^ Brown, Robert (1810). Prodromus florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van Dieman. London. p. 328. Retrieved 8 May 2018.
  6. ^ "Corysanthes fimbriatus". APNI. Retrieved 7 May 2018.
  7. ^ "Corybas fimbriatus". APNI. Retrieved 7 May 2018.
  8. ^ Brown, Roland Wilbur (1956). The Composition of Scientific Words. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press. p. 246.
  9. ^ "Corybas fimbriatus". Australian Native Plants Society Australia. Retrieved 8 May 2018.
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