Lyla Lindsey
Australia is home to a diverse range of orchids, with over 1500 named species, 90% of which are unique to the country. Orchids are one of the world's largest families of flowering plants, and Australia's orchids come in a variety of forms, from epiphytic species that grow on trees to lithophytic species that grow on rocks, and terrestrial orchids that grow in the ground. They can be found in various habitats across the country, from the tropical jungles and warmer areas to the dry eucalypt forests and even in urban gardens. With their intricate relationships with insects and fungi, Australia's orchids offer a fascinating insight into the natural world and the importance of conservation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of orchid species in Australia | 1,500-1,900 |
| Percentage of species found only in Australia | 90% |
| Number of threatened orchid species | 232 |
| Number of orchid species added to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2022 | 23 |
| Total number of orchid species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species | 51 |
| Examples of orchids found in Australia | Canberra spider orchid, Red-cross spider orchid, Green rock orchid, Desert greenhood, Swamp orchid, Sun orchids, Giant Boat-lipped Orchid, Snake Orchid, Brushbox Feather Orchid, Dendrobium orchids, Fairy orchids |
| States where orchids are found | New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania |
| Types of orchids | Epiphytic (growing on trees), Lithophytic (growing on rocks), Terrestrial (growing in the ground) |
| Examples of epiphytic orchids | Cymbidium suave, Cymbidium madidum, Dendrobium radiatum, Dendrobium aemulum, Dendrobium deuteroeburneum |
| Examples of lithophytic orchids | Dendrobium speciosum, Dendrobium kingianum |
| Examples of terrestrial orchids | Dendrobium orchids, Sarcochilus orchids |
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What You'll Learn
Orchids in Victoria
Orchids are one of the world's largest flowering plant families, with Australia home to over 1500 named species, 90% of which are unique to the country. Orchids are highly evolved and come in countless varieties, with some very quirky associations with insects. Victoria is home to a variety of orchids, including some rare species.
The Red-cross Spider-orchid, for example, is found on the J.C. Griffin Nature Reserve in Victoria. It has a stunning crimson flower with deep red clubs at the end of each petal and usually grows in small populations in healthy woodland areas. This species is listed as endangered under Victoria's Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 due to threats such as land clearing and introduced weeds.
Another rare orchid found in Victoria is the Stuart Mill Spider-orchid, also spotted on the J.C. Griffin Reserve. The Robust Greenhood orchid was presumed extinct until it was discovered on Nardoo Hills in 2009, after an absence of sightings since 1941. This species is listed as critically endangered under Commonwealth legislation and as threatened (endangered) in Victoria.
Conservation efforts are in place to protect Victoria's orchids. The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, for instance, leads conservation initiatives through biodiversity research, programs to protect rare and threatened plants, and the study of habitats. The Orchid Conservation Program at the Royal Botanic Gardens undertakes research on orchid ecology, including pollination, propagation, and reintroduction science. The program aims to raise $100,000 each for five of Victoria's most threatened orchid species: Caladenia amoena (Charming Spider-orchid), Caladenia audasii (Audas Spider-orchid), Caladenia pumila (Dwarf Spider-orchid), Caladenia rosella (Little Pink Spider-orchid), and Thelymitra mackibbinii (Brilliant Sun-orchid).
Victoria is also home to various orchid societies and enthusiast groups, such as those in Moorabbin, Mount Waverley, Mildura, and Melbourne, that promote the appreciation, cultivation, and conservation of orchids.
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Orchids in New South Wales
Orchids are one of the world's largest flowering plant families, and Australia is home to over 1500 named species, 90% of which are unique to the country. Orchids have a significant presence in New South Wales, with a dedicated community of orchid enthusiasts, researchers, and conservationists.
The state boasts a variety of orchid societies and groups, some with a long history, that meet regularly to discuss, grow, and conserve these fascinating plants. These societies are spread across the state, including in Sydney's Northern Beaches, Cromer, Moruya, Strathfield, West Pennant Hills, Ermington, and Bankstown.
The Green Rock Orchid (Rimacola elliptica) is endemic to New South Wales. This unique orchid species is just one of the many orchids that contribute to the state's vibrant floral landscape. Orchid enthusiasts in the state also specialize in a range of other orchid types, such as Paphiopedilums, Cattleya, and Stanhopea.
New South Wales also has groups dedicated to the preservation and conservation of indigenous orchids, recognizing the importance of protecting these unique plant species. The state's diverse ecosystems provide ideal habitats for orchids, and the work of local conservationists is vital to ensuring the continued existence of these orchids.
Furthermore, the state has a strong online presence in the orchid community, with blogs and websites dedicated to sharing knowledge and appreciation for orchids in New South Wales. The "Flora of Australia Orchidaceae" is an excellent online resource that provides in-depth information on Australia's orchid species, empowering researchers and enthusiasts alike.
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Epiphytic orchids
Another commonly cultivated epiphytic orchid is the Sarcochilus falcatus, or Orange Blossom Orchid, which grows on Acacia melanoxylon and Pittosporum undulatum on Australia's east coast. The Cymbidium orchid is another variety that prefers to attach itself to the decayed hollows of trees rather than branches. Epiphytic orchids are also found in Tasmania, with around 210 species, many of which are listed as threatened or with very limited distribution.
Dendrobiums are the most commonly grown epiphytic orchids, the most hybridised, and the top pick for temperate climates. Epiphytic orchids can be propagated by gently dividing root clumps with the hands, ensuring each clump has 4-5 stems. They require fertilising from October to April and need protection from excess water in winter when their buds are forming. Epiphytic orchids are vulnerable to pests like aphids, or plant lice, which can be controlled by spraying the plant with an aphicide.
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Lithophytic orchids
Australia is home to over 1500 named orchid species, 90% of which are unique to the country. Orchids are one of the world's largest families of flowering plants, with some species being popular pot plants, while others are prized by hunters. One such group of orchids is the lithophytic orchids.
One example of an Australian lithophytic orchid is the Green rock orchid (Rimacola elliptica), which is endemic to New South Wales. The Green rock orchid is just one of the many unique orchid species found in Australia, and its beautiful floral displays are designed to attract pollinators. While some orchids are grown and bred by professionals, many are still found in the wild, having evolved and grown in the bush for an extended period.
The study and conservation of orchids in Australia are important, as many species are threatened by extinction, with small populations or limited habitats. By naming and understanding these species, organizations such as the CSIRO aim to conserve and protect Australia's diverse orchid population.
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Terrestrial orchids
Most terrestrial orchids flower in spring, but some species flower earlier in autumn, such as Pterostylis (greenhood orchids). In autumn, each tuber sends up a shoot to the surface, and leaves grow quickly in late autumn. Pterostylis are the first to appear (March), followed by Diuris, and then Corybas (June). Terrestrial orchids don't respond well to fertiliser, which can burn them or even cause them to die. However, Pterostylis and Diuris are more resilient and can tolerate a very weak solution when the leaves first appear.
To grow terrestrial orchids from tubers, pot them in December or January. Black plastic pots with extra drainage holes are recommended to prevent the sandy potting mixture from leaking out. Before adding the potting mixture, place a circle of shade cloth at the bottom of the pot to cover the drainage holes, which also helps to keep out larger slaters and earwigs. Keep the pots well-watered and shaded, allowing them to dry out between light sprinklings until the end of February to prevent the tubers from rotting. Then, place the pots in their growing positions. Diuris prefer a brighter position than Pterostylis, while Corybas favour more shade.
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Frequently asked questions
Orchids are found in a variety of habitats across Australia. Epiphytic orchids, which grow on trees and dead timber, can be found in northern and eastern Australia. Lithophytic orchids, which grow on rocks, are found in the tropical jungles and warmer areas of Australia. Terrestrial orchids, which grow in the ground, can be found throughout the dry eucalypt forests across the continent. Some specific locations where orchids can be found include the J.C. Griffin Nature Reserve in Victoria, the deserts of Victoria and South Australia, and Queensland, which has the Cooktown orchid as its floral emblem.
Australia is home to a diverse range of orchid species, including the Canberra spider orchid, Red-cross spider orchid, Green rock orchid, Swamp orchid, Sun orchids, Giant Boat-lipped Orchid or Native Cymbidium, Snake Orchid, and many more.
The Flora of Australia Orchidaceae is an online encyclopedia that provides detailed information on Australia's known orchid species, including their appearance, flowering time, and response to bushfires. The Australian Orchid Foundation and the Australian Biological Resources Study are also great resources for learning more about orchids in Australia.
