Microtis unifolia Onion-leaf orchis (Orchidaceae)

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Microtis unifolia
Onion-leaf orchis
(1 Page of 5)

The Microtis unifolia plant species is found in New Zealand. It is a member of the Orchidaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Onion-leaf orchis. Some home gardeners know the variety as M. porrifolia. R.Br.

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Latin Name:  Microtis unifolia
Common Name:  Onion-leaf orchis
Family:  Orchidaceae
Author:  (Forst.f.)Reichb.f.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  0.5   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Open places such as on banks and in poor pastures in North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands[44].

Cultivation Notes: We have very little information on this species. It is a terrestrial orchid that can tolerate light frosts and so could possibly be grown outdoors in the mildest parts of Britain, but its late autumn flowering habit might make it more suited to the greenhouse. The flowers have a powerful if sickly scent[245]. Orchids are, in general, shallow-rooting plants of well-drained low-fertility soils. Their symbiotic relationship with a fungus in the soil allows them to obtain sufficient nutrients and be able to compete successfully with other plants. They are very sensitive to the addition of fertilizers or fungicides since these can harm the symbiotic fungus and thus kill the orchid[230].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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