889B-4-Chiloglottis-reflexa-RetiredAussies.jpg

Chiloglottis reflexa

Autumn Bird-orchid

Perennial herb with a slender reddish-brown stem, growing from a small round tuber. Forms large colonies.

Additional information

  • FamilyOrchidaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size5-15 cm high
  • Plant groupingOrchids
  • Leaves2 dark green egg-shaped leaves with wavy margins 20-60 mm x 6-30 mm, at ground level.
  • Flower colourGreenish-bronze to purplish
  • Flowering timeMarch to August
  • FlowersSingle flower to 15 mm wide; central sepal erect, incurved, tip curved up; club-tipped lateral sepals narrow, curved down; narrow petals pressed down to stem. Spoon-shaped lip on long claw, densely covered in blackish warts, large stalked basal gland.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsWell drained loamy or humus rich soil in open forests. Semi shade. Flowering is stimulated after fires.
  • 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
Photographer/s: 1 Helen Moss ©; 2 Richard Hartlands ©; 3 Cathy Powers ©; 4 C & M Rowan, RetiredAussies ©

Plant Communities

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  • 13 Manna Gum Riparian Forest - Upper Yarra (EVC 18)
  • 08 Mountain Grey Gum Damp Forest – Dandenongs (EVC 29)
  • 07 Mountain Grey Gum Damp Forest - Central Highlands (EVC 29)
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