Acianthus caudatus

Mayfly Orchid

Slender erect perennial herb growing from small tubers.

Additional information

• FamilyOrchidaceae
• StoreyLower storey
• Size5-15 cm high
• Plant groupingOrchids
• LeavesSingle thin heart-shaped leaf 7-33 mm x 7-30 mm, green above, reddish-purple below, margins bluntly toothed, held flat above ground level.
• Flower colourDark purple-red
• Flowering timeAugust to October
• Flowers1-6 musty-smelling flowers, sepals more than 15 mm long, tapering to a long fine point, petals shorter to 5 mm, curved back. Lip (labellum) raised at base then curved down.
• Bird attractingNo
• Butterfly attractingNo
• Frog habitatNo
• Growing conditionsMoist clay-loams in cool shady open forests.
• Garden useUse of orchids in gardens is not recommended, unless they already occur naturally, in which case they need to be protected. Removing orchids from the bush usually results in their death and further depletes remaining wild orchid populations.
• Commercially availableNever
• Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
• Aboriginal Use Food - tuber

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