Hi orchid nerds I uploaded this sighting on behalf of Max and suggested H bicolour MAX uploaded the same pics (there was a crossover) Hymenochilus cycnocephalus (Swan greenhood) and Matt suggested H. cynocephalus 2 issues 1. MAX seems to have a problem with embedded data such as showing the coordinates which is puzzling because when I uploaded his photos on CNM, the correct data and coordinates came up. 2. We are keen to know the species. If I have the opportunity I'll take more photos of the orchids; according to MAX there are > 30 in a small patch. To ensure that I catch the distinguishing features of the two Hymenochilus species, which part of the plants are important to be in focus?
If you could please focus on the "black tip" on the labellum. One species will have a black/green "T" shape and the other will have a black/green square or "M". You may need to get down on the ground to get the shots.
EDIT: both species have been observed to co-occur on Majura.
How Interesting, such small apparent differences. My Q.? Is, with all due respect... is this difference in "species" or perhaps localised varieties, Actually backed up by more Solid GENETIC differences Evidence, rather than the more subjective morphological /anatomical differences ? Has anyone done an Actual Genetic Evidence study / research on this ? Thanks for your consideration.
That might be a question for Tobias as it is relevant to his PHD. From my observations I would put H. bicolor and cycnocephalus as different species. When observed up close, the labellum appendages do appear very different and the shape of the lateral sepals looks slightly different. We have a rare beard orchid in Canberra called Calochilus montanus. On PlantNET you will find it is one of three synonyms of the common and widespread C. campestris. There is certainly more work to be done on orchid genetics.
I propose H bicolor; I took photos of H specimen in the same small patch today and found the black labella appendages m-shaped in all H specimen that I investigated and that still flowered. See Hymenochilus bicolor (Black-tip Greenhood)
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