Pterostylis is a ‘Terrestrial‘ orchid which literally means an orchid that grows in the ground. According to an article by Frankie Fraser, there are approximately 1200 native orchid species in Australia and more than half of these are terrestrials which are mostly unique to Australia. They have tubers, and few roots because they live in association with fungi, (mycorrhizal fungi), which gather nutrients for the orchid. Some of these orchids are easy to grow, while some are difficult and others are impossible because of a special symbiotic relationship that they have with the mycorrhizal fungi. More information on Pterostylis can be found in the article by Frankie Fraser”Native Terrestrial Orchids – Give Them a Go!” (from ‘Even More Orchids in Victoria‘, 2006).
For more information: Visit the Orchid Societies Council of Victoria (OSCOV) Website under the section Articles & Resources.
- For photos of Pterostylis see our Pterostylis photo page.
For further information about orchid care at Southern Suburbs Orchid Society (SSOS) or membership enquiries, please do not hesitate to Contact Us.
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