Corunastylis archeri
Variable or Archer's Midge-orchid
Slender erect perennial herb growing from a fleshy tuber, stem greenish. Flowers upside down with lip (labellum) on top.
Additional information
- SynonymGenoplesium despectans, Prasophyllum despectans
- FamilyOrchidaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size10-20 cm high
- Plant groupingOrchids
- LeavesSingle slender leaf, round in cross section, to 12 cm long, sheathed along stem until just below flower spike, open blade to 20 mm long, pressed against stem.
- Flower colourYellowish-green with red stripes, lip purple
- Flowering timeJanuary to April
- FlowersSpike 2-3.5 cm long of 5-12 crowded, nodding flowers to 10 mm across. Central sepal oval, hooded, petals and curved lateral sepals spreading. Lip densely bearded, curved upwards.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsSeasonally moist clay soils in heathy woodland and open forest. 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 statusUnknown status. Noted from very general lists. Uncommon within its preferred habitat.
- Aboriginal Use Food - tuber
- Related speciesSimilar to Prasophyllum. Distinguish by the movable claw on the labellum and the leaf sheath which opens near the flower spike rather than well below it. Flowering is summer/autumn rather than spring.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 3 Colin Rowan ©; 2 Cathy Powers ©
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