Dagger orchid

This pendulous epiphyte or lithophyte grows in the rainforest or rainforest verges around Brisbane. Its dagger like leaves give this orchid an unmistakeable appearance.

The orchid hangs with stands sometimes 2 m in length. The dagger like leaves grow to 70 mm by 20 mm but usually much less. The green flowers are about 25 mm across with reddish brown striations towards the centre. The labellum is white and strongly ruffled with purple markings.

This distinctive orchid cannot be confused with any other even when not in flower.