Prasophyllum sphacelatum

Large Alpine Leek-orchid at Kosciuszko National Park, NSW

Prasophyllum sphacelatum at Kosciuszko National Park, NSW - 23 Jan 2022
Prasophyllum sphacelatum at Kosciuszko National Park, NSW - 23 Jan 2022
Prasophyllum sphacelatum at Kosciuszko National Park, NSW - 23 Jan 2022
Prasophyllum sphacelatum at Kosciuszko National Park, NSW - 23 Jan 2022
Prasophyllum sphacelatum at Kosciuszko National Park, NSW - 23 Jan 2022
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Identification history

Prasophyllum sphacelatum 26 Apr 2022 MichaelMulvaney
Prasophyllum sphacelatum 9 Feb 2022 NedJohnston

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2 comments

DerekC wrote:
   27 Apr 2022
Ned it is very hard to tell P. sphacelatum and P. tadgellianum apart by the flower but one feature often referred to is the state of the leaf at time of flowering with P. sphacelatum observed to being withered at flowering where P. tadgellianum is observed as remaining green well after flowering. Your photos show the leaf as still green. It is quite possible these are P. tadgellianum. That growing in clumps is also similar to my finds for P. tadgellianum. I find the reference to the lateral sepals being fused or free not always reliable.
NedJohnston wrote:
   27 Apr 2022
Hi Derek,
I was definitely a bit uncertain of my id with this one as leek orchids are quite hard to tell apart. The plants were noticeably taller than P. tadgellianum seen on the same walk and the tips of the leaves are withered (you can just make it out in the third photo) which I think is seen in P. sphacelatum but possibly also P. tadgellianum. They were growing in the water of a bog if that helps id. I trust your expertise though and your experience in leek orchids.

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Location information

Sighting information

  • 4 Abundance
  • 23 Jan 2022 11:21 AM Recorded on
  • NedJohnston Recorded by

Additional information

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

Species information

Record quality

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  • More than one media file
  • Confirmed by an expert moderator
  • Nearby sighting(s) of same species
  • GPS evidence of location
  • Description
  • Additional attributes
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