Aciathus pusillus (mosquito orchid)
The mosquito orchid is possibly the most common native orchid in Tasmania. this is not to say it’s not an interesting plant and it has fascinating tiny flowers which require close observation to fully appreciate their beauty. Found in the South, East North and Northwest of Tasmania, this orchid typically prefers open eucalypt forest where it can be found in the light shade of open scrub, bracken ferns and gums. the orchid forms colonies and the mid-green oval or heart-shaped leaves may be scattered over large areas. The underside of the leaves is red-purple and this is a useful distinguishing feature as other species such as the gnat orchids – Cyrtostylis species – have a similar shaped leaves though these are a duller shade of green and crystalline-light-grey underneath.
The images below were captured at Coles Bay in April 2022 where this orchid is widespread on rocky slopes and hills amongst a light under-story.
