Pterostylis grandiflora
Cobra or Superb 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
- SynonymDiplodium grandiflorum
- FamilyOrchidaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size10-40 cm high
- Plant groupingOrchids
- LeavesUpright or ground-hugging rosette of 3-9 stalked dark green egg-shaped leaves 10-40 mm x 6-15 mm, on non-flowering plants and occasionally on fertile plants after flowering. 4-9 lance-shaped stem leaves on flowering plants.
- Flower colourTranslucent white with green stripes
- Flowering timeMay to August
- FlowersSingle flower to 35 mm. Hood erect, top curved forward, flared reddish-brown tinged petals, sepal tip shortly pointed. Lateral sepals erect, gap wide, points erect to 50 mm. Lip brown, tapering, tip protruding and visible.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist well drained soils in open forests. Dappled 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 statusVulnerable in Victoria to continued depletion. Very rare within the Shire. Locally common in one location, extinct from others.
- Aboriginal Use Food - tuber
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 2, 4 Peter Kinchington ©; 3 C&M Rowan, RetiredAussies ©
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