496B-2-Cryptostylis-leptochila-fl-Colin-Rowan.jpg

Cryptostylis leptochila

Small Tongue-orchid

Stiffly erect perennial herb. 2-3 sheathing bracts scattered on stem.

Additional information

  • FamilyOrchidaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size20-60 cm high
  • Plant groupingOrchids
  • Leaves1-2 erect, thick leathery broadly lance-shaped leaves 4-11 cm x 10-40 mm, on stalks 1-8 cm long, green on upper surface, reddish-purple below.
  • Flower colourGreen with dark red lip (labellum)
  • Flowering timeOctober to April
  • Flowers5-17 stalkless flowers, sepals and petals spreading, narrow, inrolled. Hairy lip at top of flower, 2 rows of shiny black warty projections (calli); lip oblong, inrolled, humped near column.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsMoist foothill forests, occasionally drier 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 statusUncommon species which remains abundant in a few locations within the Shire.
  • Aboriginal Use Food - tuber
Photographer/s: 1 Sue Guymer, NatureShare ©; 2 Colin Rowan. Retired Aussies ©; 3 Cathy Powers ©

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  • 21 Broad-leaf Peppermint Heathy Dry Forest (EVC 20)
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