Hyacinth-orchid

There are about six species of this genus in Victoria.

 

Most if not all the Hyacinth-orchids that grow in Victoria are epiparasites – a parasite that feeds on another parasite making the species difficult to cultivate. The Hyacinth-orchid relies on a fungal parasite in the soil for its nutrition. Our Hyacinth-orchids are leafless and do not use photosynthesis to produce food.

 

Most of the woodland Hyacinth-orchids I come across are growing close to a large eucalypt, generally of the Stringybark family – maybe a strong connection.

 

Hyacinth-orchids are common throughout a variety of woodland habitats from the coast to the ranges. They can flower from late spring to late summer.

 

As you can see in the photo below, the forward projecting labellum has a packet of hairs. I presume this is to cause the pollinating insect to struggle, thus dispersing and collecting pollen – not sure?

 

Sometimes there can be several flower stems from the one tuber and they can be nearly a metre tall, making them easy to spot generally. One of the very few orchids in Victoria that can be seen from the car!