Acianthus, Orchid
Acianthus is a genus of terrestrial orchids in the family Orchidaceae, comprising 9 species. Eight species are endemic to Australia and one in New Zealand. The species are locally known as Pixie-caps, Gnat Orchid, and Mosquito orchid. They can be found growing on decaying litter on forest floor, or on partially decaying logs or bracken fern. The genus name is derived from Greek words achis (meaning point or the end) and anthos (meaning flower), in referring to the pointed sepals. Acianthus plants normally form dense vegetative colonies in coastal scrub and moist forest. The leaves are 1-4 cm long, 1-2 cm wide, with upper surface dark green and lower surface reddish purple. The terminal raceme is 1-3 cm tall, bearing 1-10 flowers of translucent pinkish with a green or dark purplish-red lip. Each flower is 1-1.5 cm long and resemble mosquitoes.  Acianthus fornicatus Author: Poyt448 (public domain) | ||
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