Cyrtostylis reniformis

Gnat Orchid

Slender brown- to green-stemmed perennial herb, growing from small tubers.

SynonymAcianthus reniformis
FamilyOrchidaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size3-10 cm high
Plant groupingOrchids
LeavesSingle round ground-hugging grey-green leaf 10-35 mm x 10-35 mm, paler below, network of paler veins.
Flower colourGreenish- to reddish-brown
Flowering timeJuly to October
Flowers1-4 flowers to 10 mm across, sepals and petals similar, to 8 mm long, slender, sepals pointing forward, petals downward, central sepal erect. Lip projecting forward, oblong with ragged tip and 2 raised ridges from the back. Column erect, winged.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsWell drained stony clay soil in open forest and woodland. 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 few local sites. Common in some remaining locations, extinct in others.
Aboriginal Use Food - tuber