Plants
Orchids
Sighting 4456059

Microtis unifolia

Common Onion Orchid at Molonglo Valley, ACT

Microtis unifolia at Molonglo Valley, ACT - suppressed
Microtis unifolia at Molonglo Valley, ACT - suppressed
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Identification history

Microtis unifolia 28 Nov 2022 DerekC
Microtis (genus) 27 Nov 2022 DerekC
Unverified 27 Nov 2022 MatthewFrawley

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6 comments

DerekC wrote:
   27 Nov 2022
Matthew to determine the species we need a clear closeup photo of the labellum of an individual flower, not always easy but I am not quite sure I can see what is needed in this photo.
MatthewFrawley wrote:
   27 Nov 2022
Thanks Derek, I knew that was the case but couldn't get a clear enough photo this time.
DerekC wrote:
   27 Nov 2022
Its great you know, it was a suggestion just in case, and I i said yes it is not easy as I well know from my own failed attempts at times.
MatthewFrawley wrote:
   27 Nov 2022
Well from what you were telling me about the finer art of photography of orchids a few weekends ago, it is comforting to know that even you have some failed attempts. It's much more satisfying to get an identification that is specific so you can rest assured I'll be working harder next time I find an Onion Orchid.
DerekC wrote:
   28 Nov 2022
Matthew, I have had another close look and I believe I am happy to confirm this as M. unifolia. What I am looking at/for is 1. the shape of the labellum being either heart-shape or rectangular, 2. the apex (tip) no notch or notch, 3. margins (edges) basically flat or crinked etc.
I can see several labellum sufficient to see they are rectangular rather than heart shaped (or narrowing towards the tip), the edges are, I think, crinkled rather than just wavy, and while I am having difficulty seeing a shallow notch in the tip, I am reasonable sure this is M. unifolia.
MatthewFrawley wrote:
   28 Nov 2022
Thanks for the ID Derek and also the detailed explanation on what to look for with M. unifolia.

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Location information

Sighting information

Additional information

  • 10cm to 30cm Plant height
  • True In flower

Species information

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  • Verified by an expert moderator
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