499B-2-Diuris-orientis-fl-John-Knight.jpg

Diuris orientis

Wallflower or Donkey Orchid

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

Additional information

  • SynonymDiuris corymbosa
  • FamilyOrchidaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size10-50 cm high
  • Plant groupingOrchids
  • LeavesTuft of 1-3 narrow, channelled leaves 6-25 cm x 12 mm, erect or lax.
  • Flower colourYellow, suffused with reddish-brown
  • Flowering timeSeptember to October
  • Flowers1-8 flowers to 50 mm across; central sepal broad, pointing forward; narrow greenish-brown lateral sepals drooping. Petals stalked, oval, erectly curved back; lip (labellum) 3-lobed, lateral lobes spreading.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingAttracts native bees
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsWell drained to dry soils in open forests and heathy woodlands. 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
Photographer/s: 1 Marty White/SYR ©, 2 John Knight ©; 3 Marilyn Bull ©

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