Contents
Description
Chiloglottis Cornuta is a species of orchid that is native to Australia. It is also known as the Horned Bird Orchid due to its unique pollination strategy that involves attracting male sawflies with a scent that mimics a female sawfly pheromone. When the male sawfly attempts to mate with the flower, it becomes covered in pollen that it then transfers to the next flower it visits.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Chiloglottis |
Appearance
Chiloglottis Cornuta has a single basal leaf that is oval-shaped and can grow up to 8cm long. The flower stem can grow up to 30cm tall and bears up to six flowers. The flowers are greenish-yellow in color and have a distinctive horn-like structure that gives the orchid its common name. The lip of the flower is also fringed and has a reddish-brown coloration.
Care Guide
Chiloglottis Cornuta is a terrestrial orchid that requires well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. It prefers bright, indirect light and should be kept in a location that receives filtered sunlight. Fertilize the plant with a balanced orchid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Chiloglottis Cornuta is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Chiloglottis Cornuta is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. It can also be affected by fungal diseases such as black rot and root rot. To prevent these issues, ensure that the plant is not overwatered and is kept in a well-ventilated location. Infestations can be treated with insecticidal soap, while fungal diseases can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
Chiloglottis Cornuta is native to southeastern Australia and can be found growing in dry sclerophyll forests and heathlands. It prefers well-draining soil and can often be found growing on rocky outcrops or in areas with sandy soil.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the pollination strategy of Chiloglottis Cornuta?
A: Chiloglottis Cornuta attracts male sawflies with a scent that mimics a female sawfly pheromone, leading to pollination.
Q: Where is Chiloglottis Cornuta native to?
A: Chiloglottis Cornuta is native to southeastern Australia.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Chiloglottis Cornuta?
A: Chiloglottis Cornuta is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, black rot, and root rot.
Q: What is the hardiness zone of Chiloglottis Cornuta?
A: Chiloglottis Cornuta is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
- Chiloglottis reflexa
- Chiloglottis valida
- Chiloglottis trapeziformis
References
- “Chiloglottis Cornuta.” Australian National Botanic Gardens. Accessed 23 Mar. 2021. https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/gnp11/chiloglottis-cornuta.html.
- “Chiloglottis Cornuta.” Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Accessed 23 Mar. 2021. https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/Science/Evolutionary-Ecology-Research/Orchid-Research/Orchid-Genera/Chiloglottis/Chiloglottis-cornuta.
- “Chiloglottis Cornuta.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Accessed 23 Mar. 2021. http://wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=34561.
