Pterostylis parviflora
Tiny 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
- SynonymSpeculantha parviflora
- FamilyOrchidaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size8-25 cm high
- Plant groupingOrchids
- LeavesFlowering plants - 1-3 ground-hugging rosettes form on side shoots from the stem. 3-10 stalked egg-shaped grey-green leaves to 20 mm x 10 mm, with wavy margins. 2-4 closely sheathing stem leaves on wiry stem. Sterile plants have a small rosette.
- Flower colourWhite and green striped with green tinges
- Flowering timeMarch to May
- Flowers1-12 flowers to 10 mm, facing into stem. Hood mostly erect, top curved forward, tip blunt. Lateral sepals erect, gap broad, protruding, points minute to 3 mm. Lip just visible.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsWell drained and poor soils in open forest and heathy woodlands. 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 statusScattered in a few locations within the Shire.
- Aboriginal Use Food - tuber
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 Mischa Rowan ©; 2-4 Cathy Powers ©
Plant Communities