Cryptostylis subulata
Large Tongue-orchid
Stiffly erect perennial herb. 3-5 sheathing bracts scattered on stem.
Additional information
- FamilyOrchidaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size30-80 cm high
- Plant groupingOrchids
- Leaves1-3 erect, thick leathery narrowly elliptic leaves 3-18 m x 13-40 mm, on stalks 1-19 cm long, green on both surfaces.
- Flower colourYellow-green with red-brown lip
- Flowering timeOctober to April
- Flowers5-12 stalked flowers, sepals and petals spreading, narrow, inrolled. Lip at top of flower, pointing down, oblong, margins rolled back to meet in centre, 4 dark purple ridges running down to meet at tip as a prominent projection, 2 beaded, 2 fine.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist 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 statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
- Aboriginal Use Food - tuber
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 Sue Guymer, NatureShare ©; 2 Cathy Powers ©; 3 Richard Hartlands ©
Plant Communities