Cyrtostylis reniformis
gnat orchid
Overview
Cyrtostylis reniformis is a small deciduous terrestrial orchid growing from an underground tuber, with a flowering stem 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) tall. Each plant produces a single kidney-shaped to heart-shaped leaf 0.4-1.2 inches (10-30 mm) long that lies flat against the ground, green above and often reddish beneath. The wiry stem carries one to several flowers, each 0.3-0.6 inch (8-15 mm) across, with narrow spreading segments coloured reddish to translucent green. The labellum is broad and held forward. Flowering occurs in winter and spring, mainly July to September. Flowers are pollinated by fungus gnats, which the blooms attract. The leaf emerges in autumn, and the whole plant dies back to the tuber over the dry summer. Plants often grow in colonies from tuber division, forming loose patches in leaf litter. It grows in open forest and woodland on sandy soils with surface humus. Like most terrestrial orchids it depends on soil fungi and does not transplant readily.
Native Range
Native to southern Australia, occurring in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia. Grows in open eucalypt forest, woodland, and heath on well-drained sandy soils with leaf litter.Suggested Uses
Grown mainly in specialist native-orchid collections and in conservation plantings of local woodland species. Not suited to general garden beds because of its dependence on soil fungi and summer dormancy. In natural settings it occurs as scattered colonies in the forest floor litter.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 6"
Width/Spread1" - 4"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
reddish to translucent greenFoliage Description
green, reddish beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight