Monday, September 17, 2007

Dendrobium Striolatum "Pencil Orchid"


Dendrobium striolatum is an Australian native orchid. We grow it mounted on a timber slab hanging under a tree. These tiny blooms, (less than an inch wide) appear each spring. It is sometimes called the 'pencil orchid' based on the shape of its leaves.


The leaves themselves are interesting as they are fleshy and tubular, the profile shot will help explain what I mean. The unique form makes this little plant interesting even when not in flower.

Most of the Australian Native Orchids are not very showy, but they make up for that with thier hardiness and diversity of form. Have a great day!

16 comments:

Lavender said...

Hoping to get shots of our other natives in bloom today - although the snails have eaten the feather orchids' buds (BLIGHTERS!!) But think I may use a shot of last years bloom of that...hmmm, did I shoot that last year??? Tehehe
Have a great day everyone!

BetteJo said...

I love it that it's spring by you - keep us in blooms for the next few (or more) months, okay? We'll be hip deep in snow and can always come here and see some beautiful tropical birds and exotic blooms!
YAY!

Lavender said...

LOL! Will do my best BetteJo! It will be as blistering hot here as it is bitterly cold there - funny to think how a little 'wobble' in an orbit can have such a dramatic effect, eh? :)

HARDWAX said...

Sweet little flowers.

Lavender said...

Ta Hardwax! Im quite smitten with the form of the flower and the leaves. Not being a big showy plant makes a nice change to, its more subtle, you have to be observant, or youd miss it!

Anonymous said...

I think they are beautiful Lavender!

Lavender said...

Thanks Anon - hey I got behind the boat and shot the pink rock orchids today - had to lie on my belly in the driveway to get to them hahaha...how we suffer for our blog/art :)

Anonymous said...

HAHA that's funny Lavender!!! Looking forward to seeing your other natives :)

Lavender said...
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Lavender said...

If my cameras shutter lag was just a tad shorter - Id have a picture of my neighbors worried look to post! Hahahaha!!

Jean-Luc Picard said...

You've got some fine spring flowers, while here, the autumnal leaves start to fall.

Lavender said...

Oh Captain - I miss the autumn leaves the colours are magnificent and just the plain wonder of it all - but then spring where you are is even more dramatic than here! Heres hoping your winter wont be too harsh this year.

Ces Adorio said...

Oh Lavender, you and Anon are making me sigh with your orchids parade. I think they are the queen of flowers. Very exotic and of course quite elusive for some growers. I am relishing these orchids and birds. What a lovely life you have.

Lavender said...

Ces - Aw Ces, I hope the forms and colours imspire your imagination, I wish I could paint like you! :) The climate here is a big help to growing these.

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