Species of orchid
Diuris nigromontana, commonly known as Canberra donkey orchid[2] or Black Mountain leopard orchid,[3] is a species of orchid that is endemic to the Australian Capital Territory. It has two grass-like leaves and up to eight yellow-orange flowers with brownish marks on the labellum.
Description
Diuris nigromontana is a tuberous, perennial herb with two linear leaves folded lengthwise. Between two and eight yellow-orange flowers are borne on a flowering stem up to 350 mm (14 in) tall. The dorsal sepal is tall and usually erect, more or less triangular but with a bluntly-pointed tip. The lateral sepals are crossed, but usually not turned backwards. The petals are usually erect, egg-shaped to round. The labellum has brownish marks and three lobes, the side lobes relatively large and oblong. Flowering occurs in October and November.[2] This orchid is similar to D. semilunulata but is a brighter shade of yellow, has less prominent darker markings and erect petals.[4]
Taxonomy
Diuris nigromontana was first formally described in 2008 by David Jones in "The Orchadian" from a specimen collected on Black Mountain.[4][5] The specific epithet means "black mountain", referring to Black Mountain where this species is common.[4]
Distribution and habitat
Canberra donkey orchid grows in shrubby woodland and forest, and is locally common around Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory.[2][4]
References
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