Object Details
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.
Bloom Time (Northern Hemisphere)
December to April; peak in February and March
Ethnobotanical Uses
Aboriginal Australians have used the pseudobulbs of this orchid as food.
Pollination Syndrome
Bee (Apis mellifera, Homalictus brisbanensis, Hylaeus disjuntus, Trigona carbonaria)
Provenance
From a cultivated plant not of known wild origin
Accession Number
2019-0002A
Restrictions & Rights
CC0
Life Form
Lithophytic
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.
Foliage Characteristics
Leaves are flat, oblong, deep green, 2-10" (5-25.5 cm) long, and can last 10 years.
Fragrance
Hyacinth (when in full sun)
Range
E to SE Australia
Habitat
Rocks at the base of cliffs, open forests; 0-3000ft (0-900m)
See more items in
Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection
Common Name
King Orchid
Rock Lily
Sydney Rock Orchid
The Outstanding Dendrobium
Group
[vascular plants]
Class
Equisetopsida
Subclass
Magnoliidae
Superorder
Lilianae
Order
Asparagales
Family
Orchidaceae
Subfamily
Epidendroideae
Genus
Dendrobium
Species
speciosum
Data Source
Smithsonian Gardens
Topic
Orchids
Living Collections
Link to Original Record
Record ID
ofeo-sg_2019-0002A