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Orchidaceae ~ the orchid family
The family orchidaceae is the largest of the flowering plant kingdom divisions. This includes 700 genera and more than 35,000 species.
In Australia there are about 80 genera and 600 species. Both epiphytes (tree dwellers) and terrestrial (ground dweling) species are found throughout the continent.
Some of the genera represented in the images of my collection are described below:
(I will add to these descriptions and add links over time)
CALADENIA ~ Pink Fingers ~ a side-view
Gk calos, beautiful; Gk aden, gland
Represented by over 50 species in Australia
Gk cheilos, lip; Gk glotta, tongue (labellum)
Common name- Bird Orchids
Gk cryptos, covered, hidden; Gk stylos, column
DIPODIUM ~ Hyacinth Orchid ~ after flowering
Gk di-, two; Gk pous, foot
Saphoritic, terrestrial leafless herbs.
DIURIS ~ Donkey Orchids
Gk di-, two; Gk oura, tail
GASTRODIA ~ Potato Orchid
Gk gaster, stomach; Gk odous, tooth
Gk micros, small; Gk ous, ear
Also found in Taiwan, China, the Philippines, Java, New Caledonia and New Zealand.
PTEROSTYLIS ~
Greenhood orchids ~
Examples ~ Nodding Greenhood ~ Tall Greenhood ~ Maroonhood ~
Gk pteron, wing; Gk stylos, column
Comprising around 70 species including New Zealand, New Caledonia and New Guinea, mainly in Australia.
