Dendrobium speciosum

Smith

King orchid, Rock Lily, Rock Orchid

Orchidaceae Edible: Pseudo-bulb, Stems, Flowers 2,082 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Dendrobium speciosum, commonly known as rock orchid or cane orchid, is a species of highly variable Australian orchid. Its varieties can be found in a range of habitats as epiphytes (on branches or trunks of trees) or lithophytes. It has a continuous distribution along the east coast of Australia and in distinct populations along the Tropic of Capricorn. As a lithophyte, it forms gigantic spreading colonies on rocks and cliff faces, often exposed to full sun, with its roots forming dense, matted beds across the rock that anchor the plant. It can be found at altitudes from sea level to 900 metres (3,000 ft).

Description

A large clump forming orchid. Clumps can be 2 m across. The false bulbs are about 40 cm long. They are swollen at the base and taper to the tip. The leaves are 25 cm long and 8 cm wide. They are oval and about 5 occur together. They are produced near the top of the false stem. The flowers occur in masses. They are creamy-white or yellow and 3.5 cm across. They are in clusters along a stalk which can be 70 cm along.

Edible Uses

The false bulbs are cooked by roasting and eaten. The stems are grated, dried, and stored for later use. The flowers are also edible.

Traditional Uses

The false bulbs are cooked by roasting and eaten. The stems are grated and dried and stored for later use.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It grows in tropical and subtropical places. It grows in coastal areas. It grows on rock faces and sandstone cliffs. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. It suits Mediterranean climates.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown by dividing large clumps. They can also be grown from aerial growth. It is possible to grow plants from seed.

Notes

There are about 900-1200 Dendrobium species orchids.

Nutrition

Part	Moisture	kJ	kcal	Protein	Vit A	Vit C	Iron	Zinc
Stem	13.9	1376	329	3.4	—	—	—	—

Synonyms

Callista speciosa (Sm.) KuntzeThelychiton speciosus (Sm.) M. A. Clem. & D. L. Jonesand others

References (25)

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Caton, J.M. & Hardwick, R. J., 2016, Field Guide to Useful Native Plants from Temperate Australia. Harbour Publishing House. p 280
Cherikoff V. & Isaacs, J., The Bush Food Handbook. How to gather, grow, process and cook Australian Wild Foods. Ti Tree Press, Australia p 194
Cribb, A.B. & J.W., 1976, Wild Food in Australia, Fontana. p 119

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