Rock Orchids (Dendrobium Species)
Rock Orchid
(Dendrobium speciosum)
The rock orchids of eastern Australia (Dendrobium species) provide a magical touch to large tree trunks and rock formations. Species such as D. speciosum and D. kingianum cascade over in long sprays of delicate yellow and pink flowers respectively. A walk through the sandstone cliffs of Bouddi National Park on the NSW Central Coast in early spring is a beautiful way to learn about these delicately flowered yet ultra-tough plants. The rusty smooth barked trunks of the Sydney red gum (Angophora costata) are a great indicator tree as they grow in and around the rock ledges that are the preferred habitat of the aptly named rock orchids.
The rock orchids are perhaps the easiest native species to grow in the backyard as there is a choice of types depending on your climate. The NSW rock lily (D. speciosum) and the pink rock lily (D. kingianum) can be cultivated in most Australian gardens although they will need frost protection in cooler areas. A rockery is an obvious choice to provide the support medium for the plants; however, they can also be mounted on hardwood or cork slabs by tying the plants on until the roots grow enough to attach the plant naturally. Alternatively, a very coarse specialised potting mix designed for orchids will also give good results. The easiest way to fertilise is to incorporate a slow (controlled) release fertiliser into the mix at the manufacturer’s recommended rate. A position with filtered sunlight is ideal especially during summer when plants will usually need daily watering, while during winter once a week will usually be sufficient. Peak flowering time is in early spring and plants can be split up into smaller clumps straight after flowering has finished.
Terrestrial (Ground) Orchids
Enamel Orchid
(Elynanthera species)
An experience all gardeners should treat themselves to is a trip to Western Australia in the spring time to see one of the world’s most amazing arrays of wildflowers. Perhaps the highlight of such a trip is the ubiquitous display of ground (terrestrial) orchids that can be found every time one stops by the roadside and ventures into the bush. The diversity of delicate and intricate forms is seemingly endless and the fanciful resemblance to various creatures such as flying ducks, mosquitos, hares, bunnies, donkeys, fairies and spiders.
A magical moment for me with terrestrial orchids was to find the vivid purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) in its full glossy glory growing in a field of red and green kangaroo paws which was studded with flowering grass trees after a recent bushfire. Terrestrial orchids can be found in greatest profusion in Western Australia but are also common throughout the eucalypt woodlands of the rest of the continent. They are relatively difficult to grow due to their reliance on symbiotic fungi that live in the roots. There are orchid enthusiasts who have successfully cultivated these rare and delicate beauties.
If you are interested in growing any of the native orchids mentioned here then check out the website of the Australian Native Orchid Society (www.anos.org.au). Another fantastic website to learn about terrestrial orchids is Orchids of North-Eastern New South Wales.
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