Leporella fimbriata
hare orchid
Overview
Leporella fimbriata is a small terrestrial orchid growing from an underground tuber, with a single flat leaf and a slender wiry flowering stem 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) tall. The leaf is ground-hugging, oval to heart-shaped, 0.6-1.6 inches (1.5-4 cm) long, dark green often with reddish tones beneath, and lies flat against the soil. Each stem carries one to four flowers, each 0.6-1.2 inches (1.5-3 cm) across, greenish-yellow to reddish-brown, with two erect narrow petals standing up like ears above the flower and a labellum fringed along its margin. Flowering occurs in autumn, before or as the main leaf develops. The flowers are pollinated by winged male ants, which are drawn to the labellum. After flowering, a capsule releases dust-like seed, and the plant dies back to the dormant tuber over summer. Growth is restricted to the cooler, moister months. Colonies spread slowly by tuber division and form loose groups in suitable sandy ground. The plant is small and easily overlooked among leaf litter and low vegetation.
Native Range
Native to southern Australia, occurring in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania. Grows in heath, sandy woodland, and open forest on well-drained sandy soils, often among low shrubs and leaf litter.Suggested Uses
Grown in specialist native orchid collections and undisturbed bush settings rather than general garden beds, owing to its reliance on a soil fungus. Used in conservation and habitat-restoration plantings on sandy sites. Colonies are left in place where they occur in heath and woodland.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 6"
Width/Spread2" - 4"
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Flowers in autumn, mainly from April to June, often appearing after the first significant autumn rains and before the leaf is fully developed. Each flower lasts one to two weeks, and a colony flowers over several weeks. Flowering is more reliable in seasons with early autumn rain.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
greenish-yellow to reddish-brownFoliage Description
dark green with reddish undersideGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 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