Orchid Family (Orchidaceae) - Australian Native Plants Society (Australia)

Orchid Family (Orchidaceae)

The Orchid Family is one of the largest plant families in the world with over 800 genera comprising more than 25,000 species. Orchids are perennial herbs and are probably the most widely cultivated plants worldwide.

Orchids may be divided into three broad groups:

Terrestrial – growing in soil

Epiphytic – growing on other plants for physical support (but not parasitic)

Epilithic – growing on rocks

In Australia there are about 110 genera found in all states. The most commonly cultivated native orchids are the epiphytic/epilithic type with the Dendrobium genus being by far the most commonly seen. Other genera in cultivation include Cymbidium and Phalaenopsis. Native terrestrial orchids are less commonly cultivated due to the specialised growing requirements required for most species. The most common native terrestrial orchid in cultivation is the Swamp Orchid, Phaius australis.

Indigenous Orchid Study Group

The Indigenous Orchid Study Group was set up with the aim of studying the cultivation and propagation of Australian plants in the Orchidaceae so that more of these beautiful plants could be seen in cultivation. Although this Study Group is now closed, during its period of operation the Group produced a series of informative newsletters documenting reports from members into cultivation issues, propagation methods, natural occurrences of different species and taxonomy.

Further information, including access to the Group’s newsletter archive, can be found at the link below.

[ Study Group Information ]