Prasophyllum sphacelatum

1 Large Alpine Leek-orchid at Cotter River, ACT

Prasophyllum sphacelatum at Cotter River, ACT - 20 Dec 2020
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Identification history

Prasophyllum sphacelatum 9 Feb 2021 DerekC
Prasophyllum sp. 6 Feb 2021 MattM
Prasophyllum sphacelatum 20 Dec 2020 MattM

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User's notes

Only 4-5 flowering plants, but several more leaves present. Early flowering time (December) and somewhat withered leaf tip suggests P. sphacelatum. Given the similarities between P. sphacelatum and P. tadgellianum, I would appreciate a double check for the ID.

3 comments

DerekC wrote:
   9 Feb 2021
Matt I would confirm P.sphacelatum for the following reasons. P. tadgellianum flowers are more crowded where these are more evenly spaced and the the petals of tadgellianum are relatively shorter to the sepals. The Callus of sphacelatum is wrinkled as is this one where tadgellianum Callus is smooth and again the labellum relative smaller and narrower. I am happy this is P. sphacelatum.
MattM wrote:
   9 Feb 2021
Ok. I will defer to your judgement. I haven't seen enough of either species to be confident of the ID.
DerekC wrote:
   9 Feb 2021
I am not sure I am either but using David's new book I feel a little more confident. There is a very interesting photo of P. tadgellianum and descriptions I am relying on. I have been having similar difficulties but feel I understand better now, but could well be wrong.

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Location information

Sighting information

  • 4 - 15 Abundance
  • 20 Dec 2020 03:35 PM Recorded on
  • MattM Recorded by

Additional information

  • 10cm to 30cm Plant height
  • True In flower

Species information

Record quality

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  • Verified by an expert moderator
  • Nearby sighting(s) of same species
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