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Robust Snail Orchid
Pterostylis dilatata A.S.George 1984

Synonyms

Notes

The Robust Snail Orchid is found in WA south-west of a line from Geraldton to Esperance, where it grows in woodlands and on granite outcrops. It is quite distinctive and easily distinguished from other species of Snail Orchid by its early, mid-winter flowering period, its relatively large and bloated flowers, and the fact that flowering plants lack a rosette of leaves on the ground. The lateral sepals are comparatively long and slightly clubbed at the end.

Photos

Pterostylis dilatata
The lateral sepals are fairly long and slightly clubbed at the end. (Keysbrook, WA, 16 / 07 / 2017)
Pterostylis dilatata
The flowers are comparatively large (for a Snail Orchid) and have a bloated appearance. (Keysbrook, WA, 16 / 07 / 2017)
Pterostylis dilatata
The petals and dorsal sepal form a characteristic, fairly broad, pointed hood. (Serpentine, WA, 16 / 07 / 2017)
Pterostylis dilatata
Flowering plants carry several stem leaves,… (Keysbrook, WA, 16 / 07 / 2017)
Pterostylis dilatata
…but they lack a rosette of leaves on the ground. (Serpentine, WA, 16 / 07 / 2017)
Pterostylis dilatata
Robust Snail Orchids usually grow in small groups. (Keysbrook, WA, 16 / 07 / 2017)
Pterostylis dilatata
Non-flowering plants have a rosette of leaves. (Keysbrook, WA, 16 / 07 / 2017)
Pterostylis dilatata
View of the woodland habitat, with the orchids growing in lateritic soil through the leaf litter. (Keysbrook, WA, 16 / 07 / 2017)

References