Microtis arenaria
Notched Onion-orchid
Slender green perennial herb with round tubers forming loose colonies. Flower stem erupts from hollow onion-like leaf.
Additional information
- SynonymM. biloba
- FamilyOrchidaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size10-60 cm high
- Plant groupingOrchids
- LeavesSingle erect fleshy leaf to 40 cm, sheath opening well below flowerhead.
- Flower colourPale to yellow-green
- Flowering timeOctober to November
- FlowersCrowded spike of 8-100 tiny scented flowers; central sepal hooded, partly hiding petals, pointed upturned tip; lateral sepals drooping, curled under. Lip bent down, ending in 2 rounded lobes, margins wavy.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist or dry soils from depressions to slopes of foothills. Full sun, semi shade. Fires stimulate mass flowering.
- 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 statusWidespread within the Shire
- Aboriginal Use Food - tuber
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 Cathy Powers ©; 3, 4 Peter Kinchington ©
Plant Communities