Pterostylis tasmanica

Southern Bearded Greenhood

Solitary perennial herb rising from round tubers to form small, 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

SynonymSeparated from Pterostylis barbata, Plumatochilus tasmanicum
FamilyOrchidaceae
StoreyLower storey
Sizeto 15 cm high
Plant groupingOrchids
Leaves8-14 fleshy lance-shaped dark green leaves with white veins, crowded around the base of the stem and extending upwards, to 25 mm x 7 mm. Margins smooth or wavy. 2-3 small closely sheathing stem leaves.
Flower colourShiny white and green with darker veins; lip hairs yellow ending in a brown knob
Flowering timeOctober
FlowersSingle flower to 25 mm. Hood erect, constricted in the middle, sepal tip blunt. Lateral sepals narrow, drooping, free points incurved, to 10 mm long. Lip fine, densely bearded, projecting forward.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsWell drained sandy or loam soil in heathy woodland. 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 statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from a single location. Poorly known for Victoria.
Aboriginal Use Food - tuber
Related speciesPterostylis plumosa differs in being larger. The hood ends in a fine upturned point and the labellum hairs (or beard) is not as dense and ends in a less prominent green or brownish knob.