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Image not available.
Scientific Name
Paracaleana minor
Family Name
ORCHIDACEAE
Common Name
Small Duck Orchid
Status
Height
0.15m (15cm)
Flowers
Small, 2-3 occasionally 7. The reddish column and its wings make the 'body' of the duck.
Fruit
Form
Very slender plant with flowering stem erect and wiry.
Municipalities
Communities
Coastal Vegetation; Heath
Habitat Notes
Occasional but widespread in damp coastal heaths.
Site Tolerance
Exposed; Moist; Windy
Frost Tolerance
Soil Tolerance
Loam; Phosphorous intolerant; Poor; Poorly-drained; Sandy
General Notes
The labelllum at top of flower is covered with dark red raised glands and attached by a narrow flexible strap which acts as a hinge enabling the 'head' to swing down when an insect alights on the flower. Pollination is effected as the insect struggles out of the body cavity. Suitable below powerlines.
Propagation Details
Propagation Calendar
Flowering Months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Seed Collecting Months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sowing Months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Cutting Months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Seed Information
Seed Collection
Seed Treatment Method
Standard
Seed Storage Life
Viable Seeds Per Gram
Seed Treatment Notes
Orchid seeds are very minute yellow, brown or blackish dust-like particles. Orchid seeds are produced within a capsule that splits at maturity and releases tousands to millions of seeds. Dispersed by wind and water and only germinate following infection of the embryo by a suitable mycorrhizal fungus. Very few seeds become mature plants. For more information see Jones, Wapstra, Tonelli, Harris (1999): The Orchids of Tasmania.
Germination Time
Suitable for Direct Seeding
Cuttings
Expected Time to Take Root
Expected Time to Plant Out
Propagation by Division
N.B. Transplant only from nearby to avoid disease.
Cutting Notes
Copyright 2000-2009, Understorey Network Incorporated. Updated 2024-12-12
Database development and website design by
Andrew Smith