Fairy lanterns

This deciduous terrestrial orchid grows in protected areas of open eucalypt forests. It is often locally common and generally occurs in groups.

The leaf grows to about 30 mm diameter and grows just above the leaf litter. The 30 mm flower occurs on a short stem and is sparkling white with pinkish edges. The very distinctive flower gives this orchid the common name of helmet orchid.

There is only one other similar orchid occurring around Brisbane, Corybas aconitiflorus, but can be separated as Corybas aconitiflorus has a smaller pink to purplish flower, not the sparkling white of Corybas barbarae.