Pterostylis foliata

Slender Greenhood

Perennial herb rising from round tubers to form loose colonies. Central sepal and petals united into a galea (hood) over the column and labellum (lip). Lateral sepals joined at the base, ending in fine points.

Additional information

FamilyOrchidaceae
StoreyLower storey
Sizeto 30 cm high
Plant groupingOrchids
LeavesLoose rosette of 3-6 stalkless dark to grey-green elliptic leaves 2-5 cm x 8-16 mm, circling or shortly ascending the base of the stem & decreasing in size. Smooth fleshy stem. Sterile plants form a ground-hugging rosette.
Flower colourWhite with broad green stripes
Flowering timeSeptember to December
FlowersSingle flower to 30 mm. Hood erect, top curved forward, brown tipped, sepal tip finely pointed to 10 mm long. Lateral sepals erect, closely embracing hood, gap narrow, points erect to 20 mm. Brown lip curved, protruding through gap.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist soil on slopes of Eucalyptus regnans closed forests. 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 statusPresumed extinct within the Shire. Collected in 1931
Aboriginal Use Food - tuber