Cyrtostylis huegelii is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous, herb with a single, almost round, ground-hugging leaf 30–70 mm (1–3 in) long and 20–50 mm (0.8–2 in) wide. Up to fifteen green and fawn-coloured or dull red flowers 10–20 mm (0.4–0.8 in) long and about 5 mm (0.2 in) wide are borne on a flowering stem 100–350 mm (4–10 in) high. The dorsal sepal is erect and curves forward, 10–14 mm (0.4–0.6 in) long and about 2 mm (0.08 in) wide. The lateral sepals are 8–11 mm (0.3–0.4 in) long, about 1 mm (0.04 in) wide and curve forwards or downwards. The petals are similar in size and shape to the lateral sepals and curve downwards. The labellum is purplish, shelf-like, tapered oblong, 8–11 mm (0.3–0.4 in) long and about 3 mm (0.12 in) wide with a pointed tip but lacking the serrations of the form found in eastern Australia. Flowering occurs from July to September.
The western gnat orchid grows in shrubland, woodland and forest in wetter parts of the state and on granite outcrops in more inland areas. It is found from Kalbarri to Esperance.
Cyrtostylis huegelii is listed in the following regions:
Maps
Warren National ParkPlaces
Yeagarup, WA