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