Calochilus robertsonii is commonly known as Purplish beard orchid. The name 'beard orchid' refers to the long hairy labellum that is present in this species. The flower is generally greenish or brownish and does not stand out in the bush (in fact they are quite hard to spot). Rather than colour, It may be the hairy labellum that attracts this orchid's pollinator. This could be a male wasp which is led to believe that the hairy labellum is a female wasp waiting for fertilisation, alternatively, it may be a female wasp which mistakes the 'beard' for a site to deposit her eggs. In either case, one or several pollinia would be picked up, and on a second attempt, be transferred to another orchid.


Pollen images
light microscopy
electron microscopy