Microtis parviflora
Slender Onion-orchid
Slender green perennial herb with round tubers forming loose colonies. Flower stem erupts from hollow onion-like leaf.
Additional information
- FamilyOrchidaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size9-50 cm high
- Plant groupingOrchids
- LeavesSingle erect leaf 10-40 cm long, sheath opening well below flowerhead.
- Flower colourGreen
- Flowering timeOctober to January
- FlowersCrowded spike of 10-80 tiny flowers; round central sepal hooded, partly hiding petals, tip curved back; lateral sepals drooping, slightly curled under. Heart-shaped lip curved down, tip rounded or pointed, margins entire or wavy.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist to winter wet soils in low-lying areas of heathy woodlands and forests. 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 statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
- Aboriginal Use Food - tuber
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 2 Russell Best, NatureShare ©; 3 Peter Kinchington ©
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