Prasophyllum elatum

Tall Leek-orchid

Stout erect perennial herb growing from a fleshy tuber, new tubers produced at a distance. Fleshy green to blackish stem. Flowers upside down with lip (labellum) on top.

Additional information

FamilyOrchidaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size0.6-1.5 m high
Plant groupingOrchids
LeavesSingle stout fleshy green to blackish leaf, round in cross section, to 1.2 m long.
Flower colourPale green to dark brown, lip white or pink
Flowering timeSeptember to December
FlowersDense crowded spike 5-40 cm long of 10-60 scented flowers to 15 mm wide, ovary gradually narrowing. Central sepal oval, incurved; flat erect lateral sepals joined. Lip slightly bent near tip margin wavy, thick yellow ridge down the centre, edges raised.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist to well drained soil in heathy woodlands and open forest. Full sun, semi shade. Flowers better after fire.
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 a few sites in the foothills of the Dandenongs.
Aboriginal Use Food - tuber
Related speciesSimilar to Corunastylis. Distinguish by the claw-less labellum and the leaf sheath which opens well below the flower spike rather than just below it. Flowering is spring rather than summer/autumn.