Genoplesium carectum

Genoplesium carectum is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous, herb with an underground tuber and a single leaf 100–180 mm (3.9–7.1 in) long, sheathing the flowering stem with the free part 10–30 mm (0.39–1.18 in) long and about 2 mm (0.079 in) wide. Between three and thirteen brownish-green flowers with purple and red markings are arranged along a flowering stem 20–35 mm (0.79–1.38 in) long. The flowers are 7–8 mm (0.28–0.31 in) long and about 6 mm (0.24 in) wide. As with others in the genus, the flowers are inverted so that the labellum is above the column rather than below it. The dorsal sepal is egg-shaped and forms a hood over the column, 4.0–4.5 millimetres (0.16–0.18 in) long and about 2.2 mm (0.087 in) wide with red markings. The lateral sepals are linear, 5.0–5.5 mm (0.20–0.22 in) long, about 1.2 mm (0.047 in) wide, and lack a humped base. The petals are narrowly egg-shaped, 3.8–4.2 mm (0.15–0.17 in) long, about 1 mm (0.039 in) wide with red edges and a red stripe along the centre. The labellum is narrowly elliptic to elliptic, about 4 mm (0.16 in) long and 1.5 mm (0.059 in) wide with many short, purple hairs. There is a purple callus covering half the base of the labellum and extending nearly to its tip. Flowering is variable, but has been observed between November and February.

Genoplesium carectum grows in swampy habitat with low shrubs and grasses. It is only known from three populations in and near the Wollemi National Park.

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