10 August 2008

Large Gnat Orchid - Cyrtostylis robusta

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Large Gnat Orchid - Cyrtostylis robusta

Easily identified by the broad labellum, but the leaves (green on both sides) are what you will notice first. These orchids often occur in compact colonies that may spread over a couple of metres, and whilst most plants in some years can be found in flower, in others only a few will. This may depend on habitat, with those heavily overgrown by vegetation less likely to bloom, although they do appreciate cool sheltered locations.


Commonly encountered on and around granite outcrops, in sheltered moist locations under sandy heath and in sheltered hollows amongst stabilised alkaline dunes, particularly those with a southerly aspect. Flowering time is from June to September.