Prasophyllum lindleyanum
Green Leek-orchid
Slender erect perennial herb growing from a fleshy tuber, new tubers produced at base of plant. Green stem. Flowers upside down with lip (labellum) on top
Additional information
- FamilyOrchidaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size10-35 cm high
- Plant groupingOrchids
- LeavesSingle slender erect green leaf with reddish base, round in cross section, to 35 cm long, free section to 18 cm, tip limp, non sheathing, often withering by flowering time.
- Flower colourGreen with white or pink lip
- Flowering timeSeptember to January
- FlowersLoose spike to 6 cm long of 10-50 scented flowers, to 8 mm across, ovary short. Central sepal pointed; lateral sepals free, erect or curved back, margins incurved. Velvety lip folded in a flat 's' bend, wavy with finely toothed margins.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsWell drained fertile soil in scrub heathland. Semi shade. Does not require fire to flower.
- 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 statusVulnerable in Victoria to continued depletion. Restricted to the Dandenongs where it still occurs in small numbers. Possibly occurs in Messmate Shrubby Foothill Forest.
- 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.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 3 Colin Rowan, RetiredAussies ©; 2 Cathy Powers ©
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