Scientific Name: Paraprasophyllum tunbridgense Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region

Common Name: tunbridge leek-orchid

Family Classification (Clade): Monocots

Family: Orchidaceae

Threatened Species Status: Endangered

Permit: It is an offence to collect, disturb, damage or destroy this species unless under permit.

Form Description: A robust, white-lipped leek orchid with a single, tubular bright green leaf, base purplish, 200-300mm long.

Height (m): 0.3 – 0.4

Flowers: 10-25 large, crowded, fragrant flowers with projecting ovaries and a large, oblong, labellum with strongly crinkled margins, strongly recurved in the middle. A yellowish-green callus ends just beyond the labellum bend.

Municipality
Northern MidlandsSouthern Midlands
Plant Communities
Grassland
Habitat Notes

Known from only a few areas of remnant native grassland in the Tasmanian Midlands

Propagation Calendar

  • Flowering Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Seed Collecting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sowing Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Cutting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Specialist Method

Seed Information

Seed Treatment Notes

Orchid seeds are very minute yellow, brown or blackish dust-like particles. Orchid seeds are produced within a capsule that splits at maturity and releases thousands to millions of seeds. Dispersed by wind and water and only germinate following infection of the embryo by a suitable mycorrhizal fungus. Very few seeds become mature plants. For more information see Jones, Wapstra, Tonelli, Harris (1999): The Orchids of Tasmania.