This is the KING ORCHID of tropical Queensland and the ROCK LILY of New South Wales.

King Orchid - Dendrobium speciosum - Photo by Bill Hinton

In the tropics it extends as far north as the Endeavour River and has a decided preference for the tablelands and ranges, only occasionally appearing on the lowlands.

It will form large clumps on rocks in open situations or on rainforest trees, such is its adaptability.

The thick, leathery, dark-green leaves may attain a length of 25cm and be 8cm broad, but do not reach these proportions under harsh conditions.

A slightly shaded, sheltered situation such as the rainforest affords, will produce numerous, long racemes each supporting hundreds of flowers. The flowers appear during July to October.