Corunastylis morrisii

Bearded Midge-orchid

Slender erect perennial herb growing from a fleshy tuber, stem reddish-brown. Flowers appear upside down with lip (labellum) on top.

SynonymGenoplesium morrisii, Prasophyllum morrisii
FamilyOrchidaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size15-25 cm high
Plant groupingOrchids
LeavesSingle slender purplish leaf, round in cross section, hollow, to 25 cm long, closely sheathed along stem until just below flower spike, open blade to 20 mm long, pressed to stem.
Flower colourDark purplish or greenish
Flowering timeFebruary to May
FlowersOpen spike 1-3 cm long of 5-15 flowers to 8 mm wide; hairy margins on petals and striped hooded central sepal; lateral sepals pouched at base. Lip oblong, densely fringed.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist seasonally wet clays and loamy soil in heathy woodlands and open 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 statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites where it is on the decline. Known only from historical records at some locations.
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.