Terrestrial: plants that grow in or near the surface of the ground.

Climbing: the plant has its main root system in the ground and has long climbing stems which may or may not be leafless and bear axillary clusters of flowers.

Subterranean: plants which spend their life cycle below ground. In the case of Rhizanthella the flower heads are sometimes partly exposed by surface runoff.

Epiphytic/lithophytic: Epiphyte - plants that grow on another plant, using the host plant for anchorage, nutrients and moisture. Lithophyte - plants that grow on rocks, cliff faces and escarpments.