717B-3-Orthoceras-strictum-fl-Cathy-Powers.jpg

Orthoceras strictum

Horned or Crow Orchid

Erect perennial herb growing from egg-shaped tuber. Pale greenish-red stem with 1-3 bracts, pointed floral bracts at the base of each flower, longer than the flower.

Additional information

  • FamilyOrchidaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size25-80 cm high
  • Plant groupingOrchids
  • LeavesTuft of 2-5 erect, grass-like channelled leaves 5-20 cm long.
  • Flower colourYellowish-green, maroon to dark brown
  • Flowering timeNovember to February
  • Flowers1-9 flowers to 10 mm across; central sepal oval, hooded over column, hiding tiny petals; lateral sepals long, narrow, tips thickened, erectly spreading. Lip 3-lobed, curved down with a yellow central spot.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsMoist to wet soils of swamp margins, drier open forests and woodlands. 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 statusUnknown status. Collected in the Dandenongs
  • Aboriginal Use Food - tuber
Photographer/s: 1, 4 Colin Rowan, RetiredAussies ©; 2, 3 Cathy Powers ©

Plant Communities

  • 12 Manna Gum Riparian Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 18)
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