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Orthoceras spp.
horned orchid
Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia
Overview
Orthoceras is a small genus of terrestrial orchids in the family Orchidaceae, native to Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia, with about two species. The widespread O. strictum, the horned orchid, grows from a pair of underground tubers and produces a few narrow, grass-like leaves at the base of an erect flowering stem 20-60 cm (8-24 in) tall. From late spring into summer the stem bears several green to brownish flowers held close to the stem, partly hidden by leafy bracts. Each flower has two long, stiff, upward-curving lateral sepals that resemble horns and give the genus its common name, framing a short, hooded lip. The flowers are dull-coloured and easily passed over among grass and sedge. Like many terrestrial orchids, Orthoceras depends on mycorrhizal fungi and on summer warmth, growing in seasonally moist heathland, sandy flats, and open forest, often on nutrient-poor, acidic soils. Plants die back to the tuber after flowering and reappear with autumn and winter rains.
Native Range
Orthoceras is native to eastern and southern Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, and New Caledonia. It grows in seasonally moist heathland, sandy flats, swamp margins, and open forest on nutrient-poor, acidic soils.Suggested Uses
Orthoceras is of interest mainly to native-orchid growers and in heathland conservation rather than in general gardens. In the wild it forms part of seasonal ground flora in heath, sedgeland, and open woodland.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'
Width/Spread4" - 8"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
green to brownFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight