Pterostylis alpina
Alpine Greenhood
Perennial herb rising from round tubers to form scattered colonies. Central sepal and petals united into a galea (hood) over the column and labellum (lip).
Additional information
- FamilyOrchidaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Sizeto 30 cm high
- Plant groupingOrchids
- LeavesLoose rosette of 3-5 stalkless fleshy green elliptic leaves 2-6 cm x 10-15 mm, encircling and shortly ascending the base of the stem. Stout rough fleshy stem has 3-5 stem leaves, decreasing in size. Sterile plants form a ground-hugging rosette.
- Flower colourTranslucent white with dark green stripes
- Flowering timeAugust to October
- FlowersSingle flower to 35 mm. Hood erect, top shortly curved, flat, tip blunt. Lateral sepals joined at the base, ending in fine points, erect, loosely embracing hood, gap broadly notched, points curved behind hood to 15 mm. Green lip protruding.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist well drained soil in mountain forests and on grassy slopes. 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 statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
- Aboriginal Use Food - tuber
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 Cathy Powers ©; 3 Colin & Mischa Rowan, RetiredAussies ©
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