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.