Dipodium punctatum

Hyacinth orchid

Family: Orchidaceae

The Hyacinth orchid is a saprophyte, which means it is a leafless plant which obtains nourishment from decaying wood or plant matter, usually in association with a fungus.

Dipodium punctatum has a reddish-purplish fleshy stem 40-80cm high, with up to 50 bright pink flowers, which are usually spotted. The colour of the stem and the flowers distinguish it from its cousin Dipodium variegatum.

It prefers dry sandy soils in coastal forests, but grows in a variety of habitats. There are patches growing in leaf litter along roads and tracks in Lane Cove National Park.

Dipodium punctatum flowers from November to January.

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