Calochilus campestris

Copper Beard-orchid

Perennial herb with egg-shaped tubers. Stout, fleshy green stem with 2 copper-coloured bracts. Occurs as scattered individuals.

Additional information

• FamilyOrchidaceae
• StoreyLower storey
• Size30-60 cm high
• Plant groupingOrchids
• LeavesSingle rigidly erect, ribbed dark green leaf to 30 cm x 10 mm, sometimes smaller, always shorter than flower spike, triangular in cross section.
• Flower colourPale green, petals red-striped
• Flowering timeOctober to January
• Flowers3-12 flowers to 18 mm; sepals broad, incurved, spreading, pointed; petals shorter, pointed, erect. Lip curved, pair of smooth purple plates at base, centre covered with dense purplish hairs, tail bare and folded under.
• Bird attractingNo
• Butterfly attractingNo
• Frog habitatNo
• Growing conditionsMoist soils in open mountain forests. Semi shade.
• 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 statusUncommon within the Shire. Known from few local sites.
• Aboriginal Use Food - tuber

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