Simpliglottis is a genus in the Orchidaceae indigenous to Australia and New Zealand. These deciduous, small terrestrial plants are tuberous and are commonly known as bird orchids. Previously included in Chiloglottis, this genus was separated out in 2001 from the autumn flowering species. Since this segregation has not been accepted universally, photos will be shown on both wiki pages.
Simpliglottis valida , syn. Chiloglottis valida, or the large Bird orchid is found in moist slopes and gullies in forests in New South Wales and Victoria, Australia. It has two ground hugging green leaves and a greenish to purplish flower about 3.5 cm. across. It is supposed to resemble a small bird with its beak open waiting to be fed. Photos were taken near Menzies Creek, Australia October 2007 by Bob Rutemoeller and Mary Sue Ittner.
