A nod to a native orchid

Australia has over 1000 species of native orchids in 192 genera. There are big showy ones like the rock orchid (Dendrobium speciosum) and there are little dainty ones. One of the smaller ones is the pink nodding orchid or shepherd’s crook orchid - Geodorum densiflorum. This little orchid is a terrestrial (i.e. ground growing) orchid grows to around 30cm and has broad pleated leaves which emerge from a pseudobulb, which makes it look rather lily-like. The flower though, lets its true orchid heritage shine through. Dainty little light pink heads with darker veins inside (if you can get close enough to the ground to look back up into their flower!).

Geodorum densiflorum are found across the far north of Australia and down the eastern seaboard, but also in many other regions of the Pacific. It is the only species of Geodorum native to Australia though. The name Geodorum comes from the Greek for earth and gift - “Gift from the earth”. Densiflorum is stems from the dense flowers - there can be up to 20 blooms on one flower stalk.

Occurring naturally in open forests and grasslands, all the rain and warmth this year has brought these guys out in abundance. I have some naturally occuring in my yard (and others I purchased before I realised the first lot was there!). They self seed and multiply readily in the right conditions. A damp well drained spot will have them flourishing - although be warned they die down over winter (you haven’t lost them!). A little bit of research tells me that their rhizome was apparently eaten by the First Nations people and also used as a skin poultice and analgesic. No comment as to how good it is for any of these uses, but I do appreciate its ability to pop up and be pretty. Definitely a gift from the earth!