Onion Orchids (Microtis species)

Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid family).

Natives of Eastern Australia.

The onion orchids have small green usually crowded flowers. The leaves are round and onion-like. They are very common and can grow in profusion. They flower in late spring.

Slender Onion Orchid (Microtis parviflora)

• the labellum is triangular, and not notched
• the labellum does not have a raised callus (swelling) at its tip.

It is common and widespread.

Common Onion Orchid (Microtis unifolia)

• the tongue is cut off more or less square, or slightly bilobed.
• the dorsal sepal is blunt ended.

This is the most common of the local onion orchids.

Notched Onion Orchid (Microtis arenaria)

• the dorsal sepal has a pointed upturned lip
• the labellum is prominently bilobed.

It is the least common of the species.

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