Prasophyllum flavum

Yellow Leek Orchid

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

Additional information

FamilyOrchidaceae
StoreyLower storey
Sizeto 90 cm high
Plant groupingOrchids
LeavesSingle erect fleshy purplish leaf, round in cross section, to 60 cm long, closely sheathed, free section short, to 30 mm.
Flower colourYellow-green
Flowering timeNovember to January
FlowersCrowded spike to 20 cm long of 8-50 scented flowers to 10 mm across, ovary gradually narrowing. Central sepal oval, incurved, erect lateral sepals joined, flat, petals narrow. Lightly bent lip is green with white wavy margins.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist soils amongst undergrowth in tall mountain forests. Dappled to full 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 statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from a few sites in the Dandenongs where it still occurs in small numbers.
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.