Prasophyllum

Prasophyllum - Leek Orchids
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There are around 25 species of Leek Orchids in the south west of Western Australia. Most of these require a hot summer burn, after which they flower in profusion. There is great variety within the genus, with species ranging from the tiny Laughing Leek Orchid (P. gracile) to the King Leek Orchid (P. regium), which can reach over 1.5 metres in heigh with over 80 flowers.

Prasophyllum fimbria Fringed Leek Orchid	Prasophyllum fimbria Fringed Leek Orchid	Prasophyllum fimbria Fringed Leek Orchid	Prasophyllum fimbria Dark variety
Prasophyllum fimbria Fringed Leek Orchid	Prasophyllum fimbria Fringed Leek Orchid
The Fringed Leek Orchid is quite variable in terms of stem colour (green to black), flower spacing and plant height. It will flower in unburnt bushland, but flowers in much greater prifusion after a burn. It flowers from August to October.
Prasophyllum parvifolium Autumn leek Orchid	Prasophyllum parvifolium Autumn leek Orchid	Prasophyllum parvifolium Autumn leek Orchid	Prasophyllum parvifolium Autumn leek Orchid
One of the first Leek Orchids to flower, starting in July, the Autumn Leek Orchid does not require a burn and reaches up to 25cm tall.
Prasophyllum giganteum Bronze Leek orchid	Prasophyllum giganteum Bronze Leek orchid	Prasophyllum giganteum Bronze Leek orchid
Prasophyllum elatum Tall Leek Orchid	Prasophyllum aff elatum Crowded Leek Orchid
The Tall Leek Orchid (P. giganteum) and the Bronze Leek Orchid (P. elatum) are very similar, distinguished mainly by the labellum. In P. giganteum, the inner part of the labellum is flattened and pointed, in P. elatum, it is more cupped and rounded on its top edge.
Prasophyllum regium King Leek Orchid	Prasophyllum regium King Leek Orchid	Prasophyllum regium King Leek Orchid
A very tall leek orchid, the King Leek Orchid can reach over 1.5 metres tall. It flowers late in the season, from November to December.
Prasophyllum drummondii Swamp Leek Orchid	Prasophyllum drummondii Swamp Leek Orchid	Prasophyllum drummondii Swamp Leek Orchid
The Swamp Leek Orchid does not require a burn and prefers winter wet areas. It grows up to 70cm tall and flowers from October to November.
Prasophyllum gracile Little Laughing Leek orchid	Prasophyllum gracile Little Laughing Leek orchid	Prasophyllum gracile Little Laughing Leek orchid	Prasophyllum macrostachyum Laughing Leek Orchid
The smallest Leek Orchids, the Little Laughing Leek Orchid does not require a burn and is widely distributed over south west Western Australia. In drier areas it is is confined to areas receiveing extra water such as granite outcrops. P. macrostachyum is similar with slightly larger and darker flowers.
Prasophyllum hians Yawning Leek Orchid	Prasophyllum hians Yawning Leek Orchid	Prasophyllum hians Yawning Leek Orchid
This dainty species flowers only after a hot summer burn and grows to 50cm tall.
Prasophyllum plumiforme Dainty Leek Orchid	Prasophyllum plumiforme Dainty Leek Orchid	Prasophyllum plumiforme Dainty Leek Orchid	Prasophyllum cyphochilum Pouched Leek Orchid
Three closely related species are P. cyphochilum, P. plumiforme and P. ovale (not picture here). They are distinguished by distribution and flower colour and size. P. plumiforme has smaller flowers and is found in sandy soil mainly on the coastal plain, while P. cyphochilum has larger (8mm) flowers and is found in winter wet areas in white gum areas.
Prasophyllum cucullatum Hooded Leek Orchid	Prasophyllum cucullatum Hooded Leek Orchid	Prasophyllum cucullatum Hooded Leek Orchid
Found only along the south coast from Albany to east of Esperance, this orchid requires a burn and grows up to 20cm tall. Flowering occurs from August to October.
Prasophyllum brownii Christmas Leek Orchid	Prasophyllum brownii Christmas Leek Orchid	Prasophyllum brownii Christmas Leek Orchid
Distinguished by its striped petals and pale green colouring, the Christmas Leek Orchid flowers from November to December and can reach just over a metre in height. It only flowers after a burn.
Prasophyllum sargentii Frilled Leek Orchid	Prasophyllum sargentii Frilled Leek Orchid	Prasophyllum sargentii Frilled Leek Orchid
The Frilled Leek Orchid will sometimes flower in unburnt bushland and reaches up tp 60cm in height. Flowering occurs from August to October.

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