SafePlants

Helmet Orchid

The term "Helmet Orchid" is a common name applied to several different genera of orchids. This can lead to confusion, as the name doesn't refer to a single, specific plant.

Considerations for Pets

• Helmet orchids are very small plants, with leaves up to 3cm across and flowers around 0.5-1cm. These small parts could be a choking hazard for pets.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

• Common Name: Helmet Orchid
• This name is used for orchids in the following genera:
  • Coryanthes
  • Corybas
  • Cranichis
  • Nematoceras
  • Pterostylis

Specific Examples and Synonyms:

• Nematoceras dienemum: Also known as the Windswept Helmet-orchid.
• Corybas cheesemanii: Also known as the Spurred Helmet Orchid.
• Corybas dilatata: Synonym for Corysanthes dilatata, the Veined Helmet Orchid.
• Corybas fimbriatus: Synonym for Corysanthes fimbriata, the Fringed Helmet Orchid.

Distribution and Habitat

• Nematoceras dienemum is endemic to Australia's subantarctic Macquarie Island.
• Species of Corybas are found in Australia, with approximately 20 species occurring there.
• The Swamp Helmet Orchid is known to grow in only one site in New Zealand, in the Waikato region, in restiad-dominated peat bogs.
• Yellow Helmet Orchids are found in wetlands with lots of shade, such as in Collier County, Florida, including the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and the Everglades.
• Some species, such as the Mountain Helmet Orchid (Corysanthes sp aff diemenica), favor moist, sheltered sites.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Orchids of the genus Pterostylis, referred to as Helmet Orchids, have leaves in a basal rosette and green flowers often striped purple, brown, or red.
• Helmet orchids are generally very small, with leaves up to 3cm across and flowers the size of a marble (around 0.5-1cm).
• They can form large colonies.
• The Red Helmet Orchid is a tuberous species that grows in clonal colonies. It has a solitary dark green heart-shaped to circular leaf.
• Swamp Helmet Orchids are inconspicuous and grow to only 30 mm tall.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions monitoring pollination in the spurred helmet orchid (Corybas cheesemanii) and trapping insects that visit the orchids.

Quirky Facts

• Australian Bush Flower Essences, including those derived from the Red Helmet Orchid, are used for treating emotional imbalances that can underlie a physical condition. The Red Helmet Orchid essence is specifically associated with helping men bond with their children and addressing unresolved father issues.

Resources and Further Information

• PlantNET Flora Online is mentioned as a resource.
• The Biodiversity Conservation Unit in Adelaide Region, Australia is mentioned as a source of further information about the Dune Helmet-orchid (Corybas expansus).
• ARKive has information and photos of the Windswept helmet orchid.