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Plants of the Fraser Coast Region

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Species information

Calanthe triplicata     (Willemet) Ames

This native groundcover is commonly known as Christmas orchid.

Calanthe triplicata is described as a "monocot" in the Orchidaceae family.

Flagged as a potential locally significant species in the Fraser Coast Region. In the Queensland Nature Conservation Act it is classified as Least Concern. Under the Federal Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act it is not classified.

A large, robust plant with up to 10 large pleated elliptical leaves 40cm long X 10cm wide. Flower stem 30-60cm high with 8-20 pure white 4cm high flowers. Flowering period December-February. Within the Fraser Coast region a disjunct population recorded only on K'gari (Fraser Island). Previously reported at Dundowran where now extinct (Alan Logan). Listed as a special least concern species in Queensland (https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/plants/protected-plants/harvesting). 

It has been recorded in the Wide Bay district in the Queensland Herbarium Census and is listed as occurring in the Fraser Coast region in Queensland Herbarium Wildlife Online.

Reported at 1 Fraser Coast locality: K'gari.


Fraser Coast distribution based on unverified field reports.


             AVH

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