Plant of the week #3

Corybas diemenicus
(veined helmet orchid) 

A brief description:
A winter flowering orchid, this species prefers cool damp Eucalyptus woodlands. Being small (about a centimeter or two in height) they are easily missed - look for the heart-shaped leaves with prominent veins appearing in May-July. The flowers, like all orchids, are insect pollinated, and appear in late winter.

Taxonomy:
The veined helmet orchid is one species of about 100 that belongs to the genus Corybas (Family: Orchidaceae). This genus is found throughout Oceania, with about 20 Australian endemic species.

Distribution: Eastern states; eastern SA, Vic, Tas, and NSW (south-eastern coast).

Conservation status: Locally common in Eastern Australia, less common in SA; not considered at risk in the wild

Interesting things about the veined helmet orchid: 
Veined helmet orchids like cool, moist environments. They're often found on the underside of logs and around cool, rocky streams. Even in large patches all the flowers tend to face south, and produce quite a spectacular display in large quantities.