Snake orchid, grassy boat-lip orchid

This common epiphytic orchid grows in open eucalyptus forest, usually in hollow limbs or tree trunks. It forms large clumps and is quite conspicuous in the trees.

The grass like leaves of this orchid grow to 60 cm by 2 cm. This orchid has no pseudobulbs.

The flower stem grows to 30 cm with up to 50 flowers. A large plant will generally have many flower stems.

Flowers are 20 to 30 mm across and are green or brownish green with large purple mark on labellum. The flowers are also highly perfumed.

The only similar orchid is Cymbidium madidum which can be easily distinguished by its large pseudobulbs.