Australian Tropical Rainforest Orchids
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Taeniophyllum cymbiforme

Toothed Ribbonroot

Taeniophyllum cymbiforme T.E.Hunt, North Queensland Naturalist 14(82): 20-21, f. (1947). Type: Babinda, July 1946, J.H. Wilkie ex T.E. Hunt 545 (holo BRI).

Distribution

Occurs in north-eastern Queensland in coastal areas south of Cairns.

Altitude: 5-50 m.

Description

Leafless epiphytic or lithophytic herb forming small clumps. Roots adherent, 2-4 cm x 0.1 cm wide, green, round in cross-section. Stems c. 0.1 cm long. Leaves absent. Inflorescence an axillary raceme, 10-30 mm long, hairless, zig-zagged, with prominent floral bracts; pedicels 1 mm long, filiform. Flowers 5-12, resupinate, porrect, tubular, 4 mm x 2 mm, pale green, opening one at a time; buds, open flowers and capsules can be present simultaneously. Sepals and petals fleshy, basally fused, spreading in upper half. Dorsal sepal 3 mm x 0.6 mm. Lateral sepals 3 mm x 0.6 mm. Petals 2 mm x 1.4 mm. Labellum unlobed, cymbiform, 3 mm long, concave; apex incurved, with long appendage; spur 1.3 mm long, globose. Capsules porrect, 10 mm long, dehiscent.

Ecology

Occurs in or close to rainforests, where it grows on trees or shrubs. Flowers are produced in succession over a few months, with each flower lasting for 5-7 days.

Poorly known.

Flowering period: July-October.

Name Changes

Previously confused with Taeniophyllum muelleri.

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