eriochilus

Illustration of fourteen West Australian orchids, by Emily Pelloe.

Eriochilus, [air-ee-o-kyle-uss] from erios, wool, and cheilos, a lip; referring to the hairy or woolly surface of lip.

A genus closely allied to Caladenia, principally represented in Western Australia, but occurring also in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania. Usually hairy plants, with leaf solitary at the base of, or higher up, the stem. Flower, one or more, pink and white. Lateral sepals longer than the erect upper one. Lip shorter. Species are commonly “Parson’s Bands” or “Donkey’s Ears.” Fertilised by insects and producing seed more freely than most orchids not self-fertilised.

Eriiochilus Species in Western Australia

Eriochilus dilatatus, broad.
Stem above 6 in. Leaf at or below the middle of stem, linear-lanceolate, sessile and stem-clasping. Flowers usually one, two or three.  ... Read more