Pterostylis falcata
Sickle 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
- SynonymPterostylis furcata
- FamilyOrchidaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Sizeto 30 cm high
- Plant groupingOrchids
- LeavesLoose rosette of 3-6 stalkless dark green elliptic leaves 2-8 cm x 15-25 mm, scattered on basal part of the stem. Smooth fleshy stem has 2-4 lance-shaped stem leaves. Sterile plants form a ground-hugging rosette.
- Flower colourWhite and green striped
- Flowering timeOctober to March
- FlowersSingle flower to 80 mm. Hood sickle-shaped, sepal tip tapering to 30 mm long. Sepals erect, loosely embracing hood, gap V-shaped, protruding, points erect to 35 mm. Curved brown lip projected forward.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsWet soils in seepage areas of open forests, swamps and by watercourses. 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, 2, 4 Peter Kinchington ©; 3 Cathy Powers ©
Plant Communities