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)
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.
