Pterostylis nana and related – Snail Orchids | Orchids of South-west Australia

There are many different snail orchids and as a group, they are common and widespread throughout the south west of Western Australia. Several species such as the Short Eared Snail Orchid and the Hairy Stemmed Snail Orchid are very distinct and are easily identified. Other species tend to look alike, making identification difficult. Distinguishing features include the length of the lateral sepals ('ears'), the height of the plant, the 'pointiness' of the 'nose' and the presence or absence of a basal rosette of leaves. Snail orchids are colony forming and in good years, can be found in large numbers.

Pterostylis crispula - Slender Snail Orchid

The Slender Snail Orchid is distinguished by its slender flower with long sepals ('ears') and the presence of a basal rosette of leaves. It is found mainly along the Darling Range between Perth and Albany.

Pterostylis crispula - Slender Snail Orchid

Pterostylis ectypha - Murdoch Snail Orchid

The Short-eared Snail is identified by the very short sepals. It is found in coastal areas from Perth to east of Esperance.

Pterostylis ectypha - Murdoch Snail Orchid

Pterostylis pyramidalis - Tall Snail Orchid

The Tall Snail is identified by its plant height (up to 30cm) It also has large broad leaves on the stem. The flowers are much the same size and shape as the Slender Snail Orchid It is found between Perth and Albany and favours swampy areas, although it can also be found in forests.

Pterostylis pyramidalis - Tall Snail Orchid

Pterostylis setulosa - Hairy-stemmed Snail Orchid

The Hairy-stemmed Snail orchid is identified by its hairy stems (hence the name). The orchids have a basal rosette of leaves and the flowers are much the same as other snail orchids. This is the most common snail orchid in the wheatbelt, being very common on and around granite outcrops where there is more water available from runoff.

Pterostylis setulosa - Hairy-stemmed Snail Orchid

Pterostylis erubescens - Red-sepalled Snail Orchid

This orchid is named from the way the flowers become reddish-brown with age. The flowers have long sepals and a long, pointed dorsal sepal. It is found in a variety of habitats between Mandurah and Albany.

Pterostylis erubescens - Red-sepalled Snail Orchid

Pterostylis dilatata - Robust Snail Orchid

The Robust Snail Orchid is named for the large, robust flowers with distinct, upturned edges of the top of the hood. It is one of the largest flowered snail orchids and is also distinguished by the lack of a basal rosette of leaves on flowering plants.

Pterostylis dilatata - Robust Snail Orchid

Pterostylis timothyi - Brittle Snail Orchid

This snail orchid is the most common snail orchid found in the south eastern Wheatbelt between Hyden and Esperance.

Pterostylis timothyi - Brittle Snail Orchid