Eriochilus cucullatus

Parson's Bands

Slender erect perennial herb growing from a round tuber. Stem brownish-green.

FamilyOrchidaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size8-25 cm high
Plant groupingOrchids
LeavesSingle shiny dark green egg-shaped leaf at base of stem, develops fully after flowering, 10-25 mm x 8-10 mm.
Flower colourWhite to pinkish lateral sepals, other parts dark red, lip cream to green
Flowering timeFebruary to May
Flowers1-5 terminal flowers to 20 mm across, lateral sepals large, spreading; erect hooded central sepal; petals small, narrow. Lip 3-lobed with stiff pinkish hairs, strongly curved under.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist to dry soils in grasslands, woodlands, heathy woodlands and open forest. Full sun, 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 very few local sites.
Aboriginal Use Food - tuber