Onion Orchids (Microtis)
are widespread and common orchids in Tasmania (especially M.
unifolia, which can even be a garden weed). There are four
species in Tasmania. These species has a single, erect narrow leaf held high on
the flowering stalk (scape). The scape is erect and unbranched and
bears several to many shortly stalked flowers. The flowers are small
and quite inconspicuous, with sepals and petals less than 2 mm long.
These species are very similar to other onion orchids,
Hydrorchis orbicularis and Microtidium
atrata, but differs in having dark swellings on the
labellum. |