Kingdom Plantae Family Orchidaceae Tribe Cranichideae Scientific name Zeuxine oblonga | Order Asparagales Subfamily Orchidoideae Subtribe Goodyerinae Rank Species | |
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Zeuxine oblonga is a deciduous terrestrial orchid belonging to the subfamily Orchidoideae. It is found in northern Australia.
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Description
The orchid has a fleshy stem and grows to 150 mm in height. The 3–7 leaves form a loose rosette; they are 80 x 30 mm, dark green in colour with wavy margins. The pinkish flower stem bears 5–30 dull green and white, small, hairy flowers about 4 mm across. It is recognised by its flowers and its divided labellum.
Distribution and habitat
The orchid is endemic to northern Australia and has been recorded from the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales. It usually grows in colonies on dark, moist sites on the rainforest floor, and. is locally common in swampy areas, with peaty soils, next to streams.
Status and conservation
In the Northern Territory it is listed as Vulnerable because there it has an estimated population size of fewer than 1000 individual plants, and an estimated area of occurrence of less than 20 km2. Potential threats include feral animal disturbance, changes to hydrology and horticultural harvesting.