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Mistletoe and Orchids
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Posted by trish_g SE Qld Aust (My Page) on Sun, Sep 3, 06 at 20:37
What a quiet weekend we had on this forum! Perhaps, like me, you are all out taking advantage of spring to see things in flower in their wild state. I've been tramping the dry rainforests in my district seeking orchids, and delighted to see Sarchochilus falcatus (orange blossom orchid) in its natural state for the first time. Such a pity that plunder and pillage has reduced it to rarity in the wild, when purchase is no problem and gives us good plants with a high survival rate!
I saw some "Shining Mistletoe" (Benthamina alyxifolia) for the first time, too. I can't imagine why a plant with big round shiny leaves is called "alyxifolia". Its showy red flowers split all the way down one side, so it opens up to look like a red kangaroo paw. They usually grow on rainforest trees, so it was definitely a surprise to see this one on a wattle. They seem to like rainforest edges, and rainforest tree species. Apparently they establish themselves on plantation macadamias, so it should be reasonably easy to introduce this one to a garden. Mistletoes are said to pose no threat to trees which aren't stressed for other reasons (such as clearing paddocks and leaving only a few trees), so should be seen more often in gardens. I seem to have trouble finding seed to use, though.
Is anyone else discovering good gardenworthy plants in the bush this spring?
Trish |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Mistletoe and Orchids
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- Posted by roysta Gosford NSW (My Page) on
Wed, Sep 6, 06 at 11:37
Was out bushwalking last Saturday in the Yengo NP southwest of Newcastle and saw several beaut Dendrobium speciosums.
They're otherwise known as the King Orchid or Sydney rock orchid.
Their sprays have such a fantastic perfume.
Also have some Denbrobium Fleckeriis out in the garden, wonderful stuff. |
RE: Mistletoe and Orchids
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Interesting things have been happening to Dendrobium classification, Roy. I have alwayss been puzzled by the alternative common name of "Rock Orchid" for a plant which I know as one that is usually seen on trees. Now, apparently, they have been divided into six subspecies. Our local. which was Dendrobioum speciosum var. hillii has become D. tarberi. I suppose we can happily stick with the "King Orchid" common name, and leave "Rock Orchid". Rock Lily", and "Sydney Rock Orchid" to the others. Do you have "Sydney" rock orchids, I wonder, or some other (newly named) species? All this taxonomic turbulance does irritate at times, but it does also make us pay attention to our locals, doesn't it?
Happy bushwalking.
Trish |
RE: Mistletoe and Orchids
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- Posted by roysta Gosford NSW (My Page) on
Mon, Sep 11, 06 at 12:29
No Trish, definitely have the ridgy didge Dendrobium speciosum, aka rock lily or rock orchid.
These are the lithophyte variety, which grow on sandstone rocks in the Sydney/Hawkesbury region.
I know them well.
The rock lily name is a strange one though, don't quite know how that crept in, but a lot of locals use it. |
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