Leptoceras
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Leptoceras menziesii |
Leptoceras is a monotypic genus of Orchid found throughout southern states of Australia, its single species is Leptoceras menziesii. It is found in large colonies, each plant reaching a height of between 100 to 300 mm. The flowers appear between September and November, especially after a bushfire, and are of a very small size. Each of these has forward-facing white lateral sepals, and a pink and white and hood shaped central structure which may be striated. The petals, often deep red, are relatively long and erect, their appearance inspiring the common name of Rabbit Orchid. It is found in winter-wet areas, particularly on granitic soils and near creeks.
The only species for this genus, Leptoceras menziesii, was first described by Robert Brown, naming it Caladenia menziesii after Archibald Menzies. Menzies was the collector of the holotype at King George Sound in Western Australia, during his visit in 1791. In 1840 John Lindley transferred the species from Caladenia to Leptoceras in The Genera and Species of Orchidaceous Plants: 416.
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[edit] References
- Leptoceras menziesii. FloraBase. Department of Environment and Conservation, Government of Western Australia.
- Leptoceras menziesii. Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government.
- Liddelow, Bob (2006). Guide to Native Orchids of South Western Australia, p. 116. ISBN 0 9587532 4 5.
