Thismia rodwayi

Fairy Lanterns

Saprophytic herb, growing below the leaf litter on a creeping mycorrhizal root system. Only the flower appears above the ground. (Saprophyte - lacks chlorophyll, derives nutrients from decaying matter)

Additional information

FamilyBurmanniaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size5-30 mm high
Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
Leaves6 scale-like white leaves along the underground stem.
Flower colourReddish to pink or whitish
Flowering timeOctober
FlowersSingle terminal lantern-shaped flower to 18 mm long, 12 vertical coloured stripes, outer 3 petals curved outwards, inner 3 curved inwards.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo. Possibly pollinated by ants.
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsDamp humus and leaf litter in fern gullies and on ridgelines in tall shady, damp forests. Full shade.
Garden useNot applicable.
Commercially availableNever
Conservation statusVulnerable in Victoria to continued habitat depletion. Occurs in the Dandenongs where it is seldom seen and has not been collected since 1935. Discovered in Gladysdale in 2008 on private property.