Kingdom Plantae Family Orchidaceae Tribe Diurideae Rank Species | Order Asparagales Subfamily Orchidoideae Subtribe Caladeniinae | |
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Similar Glossodia, Diuris pardina, Caladenia carnea, Caladenia catenata, Pterostylis nutans | ||
Glossodia major, commonly known as the Waxlip Orchid is a small terrestrial orchid, found in eastern Australia. This plant first appeared in scientific literature in 1810, in the Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae authored by the prolific Scottish botanist, Robert Brown.
Reaching 12–32 cm (4.5–12.5 in) in height, Glossodia major consists of a single herbaceous stem and lanceolate leaf which measures 4 to 15 cm (1.5 to 6 in) long. One or two flowers appear from August to October. Measuring up to 6 cm (2.5 in) across, they are predominantly purple but occasionally white. The labellum is white at the base.
Glossodia major can be distinguished from the small waxlip orchid (Glossodia minor) by its larger flowers. The latter species lacks the white base to the labellum.
Glossodia minor is found in the eastern Australia in Queensland and across central and eastern New South Wales, where it reaches as far west as Ardlethan district.