22/09/2026
🌿 A tautological orchid discovery at Phillipskop! 🌿
This week we finally discovered what has been hiding in plain sight at Phillipskop — Pterygodium volucris, a “Winged Orchid”.
We have actually known about this orchid for several years. Each spring, an extensive patch of plants appears in dense vegetation alongside one of our streams. Most plants produce nothing more than a single, prostrate, broadly lanceolate leaf, but no flowers (see fourth photo). So, for years, we have wondered which orchid these mysterious leaves belonged to.
This year, finally, one flowering spike appeared — and solved the mystery! 🌱
The name Pterygodium volucris is intriguing because it is basically tautological: both names have a connection with wings. Pterygodium means “winged” or “wing-like”, referring to the spreading lateral sepals, while volucris is Latin for “flying” or “winged” (often in reference to a bird).
In this species, the lip is actually even more wing-like than the sepals, with prominent spreading lobes. These lobes are also convoluted and form an unusual tubular entrance at the top of the lip, presumably providing access for the pollinator. It is a wonderfully distinctive little orchid once you finally get to see the flowers!
The common name currently applied to the species is Green Bonnet Orchid. A perfectly pleasant name perhaps, but we rather regret that it misses the connection between the scientific names and those wing-like floral structures. After all, the “Winged Winged Orchid” has a certain charm! 🌿
Another small botanical mystery solved after several years of waiting. That's one of the joys of exploring the flora of the Klein River Mountains. ❤️
