9e0e36bd5be6d40e8b3cf8f28c6f72b7

This taxon is the earliest member of the Corybas trilobus agg to come into flower by at least two months. For this reason alone it is evident that because it has adapted to perhaps utilise a pollinator which is only present at this part of the year, then it probably warrants separate status at species level. It also displays unique growth habit. The bud is formed below ground and appears simultaneously with the leaf which is furled about it as it emerges from the soil. [eg visible in 2nd shot] The plant then places all it's energies into flower formation with the leaf remaining diminutive until flower dieback, when roles are reversed and the leaf develops fully and the leaves of many non-flowering plants begin appearing which grow to quite a size. Of necessity, the flower is somewhat smaller physically than most in the aggregate, simply because it is produced almost entirely from the reserves held below ground in tubers. This form is quite widespread, commonly found in sandy situations, for example in the Manawatu and in coastal dune country of NW Nelson. If it is not a case of adaptation to pollinator then it is an adaptation to soil conditions which may only support associated fungi during wetter periods. Further studies are needed to ascertain this.