A beautiful robust orchid, it occurs on the ranges and highlands of tropical Queensland and occasionally in the lowland gorges.

Oak Orchid - Dendrobium ruppianum - Photo by Bill Hinton

It is known as the "OAK ORCHID" because it has a preference for forest oak (Casuarina sp.) as a host tree.

It will grow on rainforest trees but attains its best development in open forest, bordering rainforest, where it predominantly inhabits casuarinas or large rocks.

The racemes carry hundreds of closely packed white or cream fragrant flowers. This decorative orchid blooms from July to November.