Photo 13047888, (c) memopob, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by memopob

Attribution © memopob
some rights reserved
Uploaded by memopob memopob
Source iNaturalist NZ
Associated observations

Photos / Sounds

What

Small Onion Orchid (Microtis oligantha)

Observer

memopob

Date

January 2018

Description

Dryish trackside habitat on ultramafics at elevation. Rather a surprise to find it in this habitat, but shows well the folly of stereotyping habitats.
Key distinguishing features, few flowers; the petal shape and attitude; broad dorsal cap; and [not so obvious in my pix] the large calli at the bases of the labellums.

Naturally sparse but not threatened and easily overlooked, this was a first sighting for me in Nelson's Eastern Ranges.
9 plants in this area, greatest threat... being walked on.

Sizes