Swamp Orchid - Phaius australis

Description: Phaius australis is the most widely cultivated of the Australian species. It is a robust plant with elongated, oval shaped leaves up to about a metre or more long and flowering stems which may reach 2 metres. The flowers are the largest of any Australian orchid and occur in clusters of between four and twelve. The individual flowers are about 100mm diameter and are reddish brown and white in colour. Flowering occurs in spring.

Unlike most Australian terrestrial orchids, P.australis is easily grown. It does best in a large container with a potting mix which is high in humus content. It prefers a position in semi-shade.