Taxon

Dendrobium speciosum

 
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Dendrobium speciosum - King Orchid, Rock Lily, Sydney Rock Orchid, The Outstanding Dendrobium
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Common name: King Orchid, Rock Lily, Sydney Rock Orchid, The Outstanding Dendrobium
Family: Orchidaceae subfam. Epidendroideae (Orchid)
Synonym: Dendrobium speciosum var. compactum
Distribution: E to SE Australia
Habitat: Rocks at the base of cliffs, open forests; 0-3000ft (0-900m)
Life form: Lithophytic
Fragrance: Hyacinth (when in full sun)
Bloom characteristics: Erect or pendant inflorescence is 4-24" (10-30.5 cm) long and can have up to 100 waxy, white flowers which do not open fully. Flowers are 3" (7.6 cm) across and long-lasting.
Ethnobotanical uses: Aboriginal Australians have used the pseudobulbs of this orchid as food.
Bloom Time (northern hemisphere): December to April; peak in February and March
Foliage characteristics: Leaves are flat, oblong, deep green, 2-10" (5-25.5 cm) long, and can last 10 years.
Pollination syndrome: Bee (Apis mellifera, Homalictus brisbanensis, Hylaeus disjuntus, Trigona carbonaria)
Description: A well-know Australian native, this small to medium sized orchid can be found from the coast to 150 miles inland. It is a tough orchid which can stand frost, snow, dry winds in the winter, and scorching heat in the summer. D. speciosum prefers to grow in leaf mold on rocks in the open forest or near the base of cliffs, but can also be found growing in trees. There are many varieties of this orchid with their own growing ranges and forms, which have been thoroughly studied by enthusiasts.
Links: Australian Native Plants Society • Csiro Publishing • Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia • Kew Science Plants of the World Online

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