Genus Arthrochilus
Arthrochilus F. Muell., Fragm. 1 (1858) 42
Synonyms:
- Phoringopsis M.A.Clem. & D.L.Jones, Orchadian 13 (2002) 457
- Thynninorchis M.A.Clem. & D.L.Jones, Orchadian 13 (2002) 457
Terrestrial plants with subterranean tubers. Leaves few, rosulate, sheathing at the base, glabrous, dorso-ventrally flattened, not articulate, convolute, herbaceous. Inflorescence terminal, a raceme, often flowering before the leaves appear. Flowers rather small, not resupinate. Sepals free. Petals free, narrow, shorter than the dorsal sepal. Lip without spur, clawed, the blade hammer-shaped, mobile, hairy. Column-foot present. Pollinia 4, mealy, caudicles absent, stipe absent, viscidium absent.
Species present in New Guinea:
Arthrochilus dockrillii
Arthrochilus irritabilis
Arthrochilus laevicallus
Australia, New Guinea. About 4 species; in New Guinea 2 species.
Terrestrial in seasonally wet open places in savanna woodland.
- Subfamily Orchidoideae
- Tribe Diurideae
- Subtribe Thelymitrinae
- Genus Arthrochilus
- Blaxell, D.F. 1972. Arthrochilus F.Muell. and related genera (Orchidaceae) in Australasia. Contr. New South Wales Nat. Herb. 4: 275-283.
- Lavarack, P. 1975. Arthrochilus dockrillii: A new species of orchid from North Queensland. Proc. Roy. Soc. Queensl. 86 (1975) 155-156.
Arthrochilus is closely related to the bizarre Australian genus Drakaea, in which it has been included in the past. From other terrestrial orchids in New Guinea it is readily distinguished by the hinged insect-like apical part of the lip. Three species seem to occur in New Guinea, but they have each been found only once. Two have been found conspecific with previously known Australian species, but some botanists (e.g. M. A. Clements) are not convinced this is correct.
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Genus Arthrochilus
Arthrochilus irritabilis (F.Muell.) Rchb.f., flower, lateral view, photo Jon Cara, from Australia, Sunshine Coast
Genus Arthrochilus
Arthrochilus irritabilis (F.Muell.) Rchb.f., flower, front view, photo Jon Cara, from Australia, Sunshine Coast
Genus Arthrochilus
Arthrochilus dockrillii Lavarack, drawing N.H.S. Howcroft 117, based on Pullen 7216