Pterostylis nutans
Nodding 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
- FamilyOrchidaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size10-30 cm high
- Plant groupingOrchids
- LeavesGround-hugging rosette of 3-6 stalked dark green egg-shaped leaves 20-90 mm x 10-20 mm, around the base of the stem, margins wavy. 2-3 small stem-clasping leaves.
- Flower colourTranslucent green with darker stripes
- Flowering timeMarch to October
- FlowersSingle nodding flower to 20 mm. Hood curved forward, orange-red pointed tips. Sepals projecting out past hood, gap narrow, deeply notched, points to 15 mm. Lip brown-tipped, rough, curved in semi-circle through gap.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist rich soils in open and wet forests. Semi shade 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 availableRarely
- Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
- Aboriginal Use Food - tuber
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 Neil Blair, Royal Botanic Gardens Board ©; 2 Barry Sheffield ©; 3 Marilyn Bull ©
Plant Communities