721B-2-Diuris-chryseopsis-fl-Geoff-Lay-RBG.jpg

Diuris chryseopsis

Small Snake Orchid

Slender erect perennial herb spreading from daughter tubers to produce extensive colonies.

Additional information

  • Synonymseparated from Diuris lanceolata
  • FamilyOrchidaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size10-30 cm high
  • Plant groupingOrchids
  • LeavesTuft of 5-9 erect grass-like, channelled leaves to 15 cm x 3 mm.
  • Flower colourLemon yellow with a few brown lines, lateral sepals pale green
  • Flowering timeAugust to November
  • Flowers1-4 flowers to 25 mm across; oval central sepal pointed forward; narrow lateral sepals. Petals stalked, oval, pointed, spreading or drooping; lip 3-lobed, lateral lobes small, mid lobe shovel-shaped.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsMoist soil in depressions and winter wet areas of woodlands and open forest. 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. Remains in few locations.
  • Aboriginal Use Food - tuber
Photographer/s: 1, 3 Neil Blair, © Royal Botanic Gardens Board; 2 Geoff Lay, © Royal Botanic Gardens Board

Plant Communities

  • 30 Swamp Gum Swampy Riparian Woodland (EVC 83)
  • 22 Silver-leaf Stringybark Heathy Woodland (EVC 48)
  • 38 Yellow Box Valley Grassy Forest – Middle Yarra (EVC 47)
  • 18 Messmate Shrubby Foothill Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 45)
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