Pterostylis nana group

Snail Orchids
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There are many different snail orchids, most of which are currently not named - being known as 'sp. something'. Snail Orchids are common and widespread throughout the south west of Western Australia.Several species such as the Short Eared Snail Orchid (P. sp. 'short eared') and the Hairy Stemmed Snail Orchid are very distinc and are easily identified. Other species tend to look alike, making identification difficult. Distinguishing featues include the length of the lateral sepals ('ears'), the height of the plant, the 'pointiness' of the 'nose' and the presence or absense of a basal rosette of leaves. Snail orchids are colony forming and in good years, can be found in large clumps.