Pterostylis pedunculata
Maroonhood
Perennial herb rising from round tubers to form large 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 25 cm high
- Plant groupingOrchids
- LeavesGround-hugging rosette of 3-6 stalked, veined, dark green egg-shaped leaves 10-65 mm x 6-18 mm, around the base of the stem, margins wavy. 2-3 small stem-clasping leaves on slender stem.
- Flower colourTranslucent white with green stripes becoming reddish-brown
- Flowering timeJuly to October
- FlowersSingle flower to 20 mm. Hood mostly upright, top curved forward. Lateral sepals loosely erect, gap narrow, points erect and spreading to 30 mm. Lip reddish-brown, just visible.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist soil in leaf litter in fern gullies and moist to wet forests. Dappled to 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 statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
- Aboriginal Use Food - tuber
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 Ken Harris ©; 2, 3 Neil Blair, Royal Botanic Gardens Board ©
Plant Communities