Calochilus paludosus
Red Beard-orchid
Perennial herb with egg-shaped tubers. Slender, green stem with 1-2 bracts. Occurs as scattered individuals.
Additional information
- FamilyOrchidaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size24-40 cm high
- Plant groupingOrchids
- LeavesSingle folded, erect, ribbed, dark green leaf with reddish base, to 18 cm x 5 mm .
- Flower colourGreen with thick purple stripes
- Flowering timeOctober to January
- Flowers1-9 flowers to 25 mm; central sepal broad, hooded; lateral sepals spreading, pointed; petals shorter, incurved. Short lip has purple warts (calli) at base, centre covered with long coarse reddish hairs, tail is long and bare.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist soils near swamps and in heathy woodlands. Semi shade. Flowers open wider in warm sunny weather.
- 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 statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from few local sites where it is not common.
- Aboriginal Use Food - tuber
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 2 Colin & Mischa Rowan, retiredaussies ©; 3 Cathy Powers ©
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