Classification
Class
Magnoliopsida Brongn.
Order
Asparagales Link
Family
Orchidaceae Juss.
Genus
Chiloglottis R.Br.
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Chiloglottis formicifera Fitzg. (1877)
Synonymy:
  • ≡ Myrmechila formicifera (Fitzg.) D.L.Jones & M.A.Clem., 15: 37 (2005)
Vernacular Name(s):
Ant orchid
 Description

"Stem rarely exceeding 9 cm. in height, relatively robust. Leaves sessile, stem-clasping, their margins often but not invariably much undulate-crisped. Dorsal sepal narrowly cuneate with a short point. Lateral sepals narrow-linear, spreading, sometimes recurved. Petals broad-linear, spreading or almost erect. Expanded lamina of the labellum almost rhomboid, but occasionally rounded in front, with a short point. Calli numerous, chiefly in two groups, one towards the claw and one on the anterior half extending to the apex; the posterior calli including several insectiform ones, one very large and double-headed, resembling an ant; the anterior calli small. Column-wings broader than [ and ], not as high as the anther. Fl. chiefly Sept."

[From: Moore and Edgar (1970) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 2]

 Biostatus
Indigenous (Non-endemic)
 Bibliography
de Lange, P.J.; Norton, D.A.; Courtney, S.P.; Heenan, P.B.; Barkla, J.W.; Cameron, E.K.; Hitchmough, R.; Townsend, A.J. 2009: Threatened and uncommon plants of New Zealand (2008 revision). New Zealand Journal of Botany 47: 61–96. [as Myrmechila formicifera (Fitzg.) D.L.Jones & M.A.Clem.] [Vagrant]
de Lange, P.J.; Rolfe, J.R.; Barkla J.W.; Courtney, S.P.; Champion, P.D.; Perrie, L.R.; Beadel, S.N.; Ford, K.A.; Breitwieser, I.; Schönberger, I.; Hindmarsh-Walls, R.; Heenan, P.B.; Ladley, K. 2018: Conservation status of New Zealand indigenous vascular plants, 2017. New Zealand Threat Classification Series. No. 22. [Vagrant]
de Lange, P.J.; Rolfe, J.R.; Champion, P.D.; Courtney, S.P.; Heenan, P.B.; Barkla, J.W.; Cameron, E.K.; Norton, D.A.; Hitchmough, R.A. 2013: Conservation status of New Zealand indigenous vascular plants, 2012. New Zealand Threat Classification Series 3. Department of Conservation, Wellington. [Vagrant]
Jones, D.L.; Clements, M.A. 2005: Miscellaneous Nomenclatural Notes and Changes in Australian, New Guinea and New Zealand Orchidaceae. The Orchadian 15: 33–42.
Miller J.T.; Clements, M.A. 2014: Molecular phylogenetic analyses of Drakaeinae: Diurideae (Orchidaceae) based on DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region. Australian Journal of Botany 27: 3–22.