What do Christmas Orchids look like?
It is one of the larger orchids with deep green flowers and a tall flower stem up to 1metre high with multiple white flowers. As the name suggests, it flowers over summer. It is not an easy plant to get hold of and if you want one in your garden, you may have to join an orchid society.
Where are Christmas Orchids found?
The Christmas Orchid Calanthe triplicata is a native terrestrial orchid that grows in rich soil in rainforest areas and near creeks. It originated in Queensland but now grows more widely in the right conditions from southern NSW to northern Queensland.
Fast facts:
- Not much is known about the Christmas Orchid pollinators, although it is thought to be pollinated by moths because it mostly grows in shady spots on the forest floor – not the best place for bees and butterflies!
- Orchids are the largest flowering plant on the planet.
Christmas Orchid
The Christmas Orchid Calanthe triplicata is a native terrestrial orchid that grows in rich soil in rainforest areas and near creeks. It originated in Queensland but now grows more widely in the right conditions from southern NSW to northern Queensland.
It is one of the larger orchids with deep green flowers and a tall flower stem up to 1metre high with multiple white flowers. As the name suggests, it flowers over summer. It is not an easy plant to get hold of and if you want one in your garden, you may have to join an orchid society.
Calanthe orchids produce nectar which is collected by bees, butterflies and wasps but not much is known about the Christmas Orchid pollinators, although it is thought to be pollinated by moths because it mostly grows in shady spots on the forest floor – not the best place for bees and butterflies!
