Corybas aconitiflorus

Spurred Helmet-orchid

Tiny solitary perennial herbs forming large colonies, growing from a small tuber.

FamilyOrchidaceae
StoreyLower storey
Sizeto 20 mm high
Plant groupingOrchids
LeavesSingle round to heart-shaped green leaf 10-35 mm x 9-30 mm, purplish below, ground hugging.
Flower colourReddish-purple
Flowering timeMay to July
FlowersSingle terminal flower on short thick stalk; central sepal elliptic, curved over and downwards in a semi-circle, hood covering lip, tip pointed. Lateral sepals and petals minute. Lip tiny, erect, tubular at base, 2 pointed spurs project down along stem.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist well drained light soil in sheltered forests and heathy woodlands. Partial to full 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 statusRare in Victoria with few known populations. At high risk of extinction in one known site, secure at another location and known from historical records at others.
Aboriginal Use Food - tuber
Related speciesCorybas fimbriatus may have occurred within the Shire.