Microtis (plant)

For the mollusc genus, see Microtis (gastropod).

Onion orchids
Microtis parviflora growing on Black Mountain in the A.C.T.
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Orchidoideae
Tribe: Diurideae
Subtribe: Prasophyllinae
Genus: Microtis
R.Br., 1810
Synonyms[1]
  • Goadbyella R.S.Rogers
  • Hydrorchis D.L.Jones & M.A.Clem
  • Microtidium D.L.Jones & M.A.Clem

Microtis, commonly known as onion orchids or mignonette orchids is a genus of about 20 species of plants in the orchid family, Orchidaceae. Onion orchids are terrestrial herbs with a single leaf at the base of the plant. They are similar to orchids in the genus Prasophyllum in that they have an onion-like leaf. The flowers are small but often scented and attractive to their insect pollinators. They are widespread in Asia, Australia and some Pacific islands.

Microtis media subsp. media labelled close up image
  1. ^ "Microtis". World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (WCSP). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 9 July 2016.