glossodia

Illustration of fourteen West Australian orchids, by Emily Pelloe.

Glossodia, [glos-o-dee-er] from glossa, a tongue, and oidos, like; referring to the tongue-like appendage within the flowers.

An Australian genus of five species. Usually hairy plants. Leaf solitary, oblong or lanceolate. Flowers one or two. Sepals and petals obtuse, nearly equal, spreading. This genus is closely allied to Caladenia, differing in the absence of calli on the surface of he lip, but having at its base calli-like appendages, distinct and large in West Australian species. It is divided into two sections, which might easily be considered distinct genera-one, peculiar to the Eastern States only, having one bifid (or cleft) appendage the base of the column; the other, endemic to Western Australia, with two basal appendages to the column.

West Australian species are known as “Enamel” “Wax” or “China Orchids” because of the shining appearance of the waxy upper surface of the flowers which are heavily spotted on the under side.  ... Read more