Phaius australis

[OrchidLover1982]

Hi Sue, they are very easy orchids to grow providing they don't get too cold (ie freezing), they can tolerant some cold though. They can grow in ordinary plant potting mix and all they need is shade and to be kept constantly moist. They also appreciate fertiliser during the warmer months when they are in active growth. Most of the swamp orchids being sold in australian now are not natives though, sadly The native ones tend to be self pollinating and hence are not as popular as the foreign ones. I am quite determined on cultivating and preserving the native forms since they are getting so rare in the wild now.

[SueK]

Hi Orchid Lover

These are a couple of pics of the Phaius that were on sale at the Toowoomba Native Orchid Society Show. They looked amazing in a group. I guess because they are a bit scarce that is why there is a $50 price tag. I have never seen them before - only pics in books. I am curious to know if you can get them in the US. I should imagine they would be out there somewhere. Does someone know?

Sue

[OrchidLover1982]

Nice photos Sue, thanks for sharing. These appear to be the foreign species Phaius tankervilleae of south east asia. Very nice pendent flower. Very easy to grow as well.

Tankervilleae has been reported to grow in australia but this now appears to be incorrect and only australis grows here in aus which can look similar sometimes but if you know alot about phaius you can distinguish them quite easily.

Sadly most in cultivation are of foreign stock. That is why i think its important to promote the australian forms considering their state in the wild. They really need conserving by establishing ex-situ populations. They are close to extinction in NSW and the situation isn't looking much better here in Qld at the moment particularly if development continues they way it is and the habitat destruction.

Many of the native forms also end up being tossed out of people collections as well because the flowers nearly always self pollinate. They don't appreciate them and they end up in the bin Unfortunately most people are interested in showing plants rather than conserving. I have heard there are some native ones around that don't self pollinate but i am yet to come across one.

[SueK]

Hi Orchid Lover

Your last post was rather sad when you indicated that these amazing orchids are in a very dodgey situation in Australia. Why don't our Orchid Clubs talk about this kind of thing more? As you say, many people are interested in showing orchids only, and getting their names in the newsletter, but we really need to generate interest in preserving endangered species. Isn't that what orchid growing should be all about? If our Clubs promoted this kind of thing more, I am sure it would generate enthusiasm to get things moving to preserve these spectacular plants as well as other genera that are in trouble.

I have never seen a Phaius benched at any of our Club meetings, or at any Orchid Show that I have attended. I will be very interested to keep my eyes open in the future to see if I can spot a Phaius. Do you know where you can buy the Australis?

What is happening in US with Phaius? Does someone know? Are there any native varieties?

Sue

[OrchidLover1982]

yes it is quite sad Sue. You will find that very few people are in fact growing true Phaius australis and i know of no one selling them. I purchased a plant labelled australis a while back and it turned out to not be australis at all. Hopefully this can change and people will become more aware. Australis has a very distinct flower. I know of one other person who is also determined in the preservation of them and we are both going to work together to establish ex-situ populations of the species by growing out flasks from seed we produce. If you are interested in the species and preserving them i can give you a division of one of my plants when i have one available.

[SueK]

Originally Posted by OrchidLover1982

yes it is quite sad Sue. You will find that very few people are in fact growing true Phaius australis and i know of no one selling them. I purchased a plant labelled australis a while back and it turned out to not be australis at all. Hopefully this can change and people will become more aware. Australis has a very distinct flower. I know of one other person who is also determined in the preservation of them and we are both going to work together to establish ex-situ populations of the species by growing out flasks from seed we produce. If you are interested in the species and preserving them i can give you a division of one of my plants when i have one available.

Orchid Lover

It's really good to hear you are keen to preserve Phaius australis. That sounds like a worthwhile project.

I am surprised that some of the nurseries aren't doing something with Australis. It sounds to me as though it would be a good seller considering it is on the rare side. Has there ever been any articles in the Australian orchid magazines about the plight of Australis? Thanks for your offer of a division. I would like it of course, but to tell you the truth, because it is a special orchid, I think it would be better to give it to someone who is a really top notch grower as they will have all the tricks up their sleeve to make sure it thrives.

If I had something that special, and anything happened to it, then I would have to disappear from Orchid Board and go into hiding, and I don't fancy that. I will definitely keep my eyes open to see if I come across any for sale and if I do I will let you know.



Sue

[Jerry Delaney]

Orchid Lover,
Any chance you would be willing to part with some seed? I'd love to have some flasked and then spread some seedlings around to growers who are interested in this genera.

[SueK]

Hi Orchid Lover

I have just been looking on the internet and I found that Yalta Orchids, who have a website, are selling Phaius australis. Just thought I would let you know. I wonder if it really is the australis or something else?

Sue

[OrchidLover1982]

If they have a photo of the flower i would be able to tell if it is australis or not. I have seen varieties of wallichii labelled as australis. I had a quick look at their site, couldn't see phaius australis listed but maybe i didn't look well enough or its not listed on their site.

[SueK]

I came across this website when searching for information on Phaius australis. You may have already looked at this website, but in point 2. it differentiates the differences between australis and tankervilleae. Is this how you tell the difference when you come across a plant masquerading as australis? I am really interested to know cos I want to keep my eyes open in the future.

Also the website for Yalta orchids who are selling australis - go to - Australian Native Species, then go to - stock list and australis will come up as the last entry on this page.