Corybas imperatorius (J.J. Sm.) Schltr.

Leaf: up to 15 x 13.5mm but often smaller, grey-green with broad silvery veining above, dark shiny crimson beneath, held close to the ground    

Flowers: about 1 cm long 

Dorsal sepal: almost completely covering the lip, curved through 180° so that its acute apex is pointing downwards 

Lateral sepals: inconspicuous and minute, 2mm long 

Lateral petals: inconspicuous and minute, 0.75 mm long 

Labellum: recurved, densely short-hairy in its apical half, colored pale pink veined either red or white.  

Spurs: two, rather long     

Distribution: Reported from Central Java but especially common in East Java in mountain grasslands at from 1280- 1730m. It thrives in very poor soil conditions which cannot support vigorous plant growth (which would smother it) and may be found either in quite open spots, where it often grows together with Caladenia carnea, or else in semi shade in soil at the lower side of large rocks. Its existence seems to depend on the fires which occur every 3 - 5 years in the dry season and which ensure permanent grassland; these fires get rid of the mat of dead plant material which would smother the Corybas. Curiously it is threatened in some habitats by otherwise commendable re-afforestation; it is never found in forests. Endemic.