Small Tongue-orchid

The Small Tongue-orchid is a ground orchid with small tongue shaped flower and relatively large leaf. The flower is erect and about 4 cm long. The most striking part of the flower is the maroon-coloured labellum which is tongue-shaped and covered with fine hairs on the upper surface giving a furry appearance. The labellum has a thin black stripe running along the centre, and a row of black spots (calli) along each side. The petals and sepals are narrow and green. Flowering is in spring and summer from October to April. The leaves are green above and purple underneath and grow to about 10 cm long and up to 4 cm wide.