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Prior names
Prasophyllum patens var. patens, partly
Common names
Pretty Waterhole Leek Orchid
Etymology
Prasophyllum from the Greek ‘prason’ meaning a leek and ‘phyllon’ meaning a leaf, referring to the leek-like orchid leaf. The transcript name refer to the waterhole habitat of the species.
Distribution and status
Found in the lower South-east in South Australia and restricted to waterholes in river red gum flats which fill with water in winter and dry out in spring-summer. Also found in Victoria. Native. Very rare in South Australia. Rare in Victoria.
Herbarium region: South Eastern
AVH map: SA distribution map (external link)
Plant description
Terrestrial orchid with a robust, reddish stem to 30 cm tall and a single leaf-blade to 20 cm long, purple at the base. Inflorescence a crowded spike with numerous green, pink, white and brown flowers. Lateral sepals widely spreading and thrust horizontally forward, labellum white, curved back gradually at nearly 180 degrees, margins very frilly and crisped. The column wings are usually pink and exposed. Flowering between November to February. Fruits are brown papery ellipsoid capsule. Seeds are very small dark brown ellipsoid seed with an ovoid translucent brown mesh-like covering.
Seed collection and propagation
Collect seeds between November and March. Collect fat capsules as they start to dry and turn brown. Pods will split and release the seeds quickly and will require monitoring. To increase the chances of collecting mature pods, it is recommended that a small breathable bag (ie. Organza bags) be used to enclose the developing capsules. Place the capsules in a container that will hold fine seeds and leave to dry for a few weeks or until the capsule split. Then carefully hold the capsule and tap it gently to release the seeds. Store the seeds with a desiccant such as dried silica beads or dry rice, in an air tight container in a cool and dry place, refrigerator or in liquid nitrogen.
| Location | No. of seeds (weight grams) | Number of plants | Date collected | Collection number Collection location | Date stored | % Viability | Storage temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BGA | 230,000 (0.149 g) | 30+ | 11-Dec-2013 | DJD2815 South Eastern | 1-Nov-2016 | 48% | -80°C |
| BGA | 540,000 (0.351 g) | 10 | 10-Nov-2013 | DJD2800 South Eastern | 1-Nov-2016 | 30% | -80°C |
Number of plants: This is the number of plants from which the seeds were collected.
Collection location: The Herbarium of South Australia's region name.
% Viability: Percentage of filled healthy seeds determined by a cut test or x-ray.