Pterostylis atrans
Blunt-tongue Greenhood
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
- SynonymSeparated from Pterostylis obtusa; Diplodium atrans
- FamilyOrchidaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size10-25 cm high
- Plant groupingOrchids
- LeavesGround-hugging rosette of 3-6 stalked dark green egg-shaped to oblong leaves 15-25 mm x 10-15 mm, margins wavy, on non-flowering plants only. 2-5 lance-shaped stem leaves on flowering plants.
- Flower colourShiny bright green and white striped
- Flowering timeJanuary to May
- FlowersSingle flower to 20 mm. Hood erect, top curved forward, brown tipped, sepal tip finely pointed to 10 mm long. Lateral sepals erect, gap raised, protruding, points erect to 20 mm. Blunt brown lip curved, not protruding.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist to well drained soils on moist slopes and ridges in heathy woodland and open forest. 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 distribution within the Shire.
- Aboriginal Use Food - tuber
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1-3 Marilyn Bull ©; 4 Cathy Powers ©
Plant Communities