Dockrillia Orchid Growing in the Riverina region of NSW

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1 Dockrillia Orchid Growing in the Riverina region of NSW Dockrillia species are epiphytic or lithophytic plants that were formally part of the Dendrobium genus. All orchid groups do not generally accept the change in name at this stage. There are about 30 species of Dockrillia (2) with 17 found in Australia and the remainder in New Guinea, New Caledonia, Timor, Fiji, Samoa and Tahiti (1). Dockrillia are distinguished from Dendrobiums in part by their lack of a pseudobulb, single fleshy leaf and pollination by native bees (1). They are regarded as easy to cultivate. All Australian native orchids are protected and cannot be collected from the wild. Most are available from licensed commercial growers. Recently the Australian Dockrillia have been crossed with the New Guinea species to produce purple colours to the flowers. Dockrillia also crosses with Dendrobiums to give Dockrilobium. Temperature Most Dockrillia are tolerant of a wide range of temperatures but should preferably be protected from frost, particularly those from tropical areas. They tolerate temperatures of 1-40 C typically experienced in the Riverina but would prefer milder conditions in a shade house. In very cold areas (<0 C) they may require a glasshouse in winter but generally growing against a brick wall will provide sufficient shelter. Light The prefer strong light and so should be grown under 40% shade cloth in the Riverina region of NSW over summer but will take full sun in winter. Water They prefer a drier winter period to promote flowering in the spring (3). They need to be well drained. Plants grown on slabs need to be watered every 2-3 days in hot weather. They need to be protected from excessive winter rain in southern areas. Potting Medium They should be divided and repotted or placed on a new slab in late winter as new roots begin to grow (3). The larger growing species do well mounted on slabs of tree fern or cork (2). Those that clump can be grown in small pots or baskets in a bark-based medium (2). Creeping types must be grown on a slab. They all have a vigorous root system that prefers not to be disturbed (2). Fertilizers Fertilizers are generally not required as they grow in nutrient deficient environments however very dilute fertilizer can be applied to promote better flowering (3).

2 A selection of Dockrillia species Dockrillia teretifolia Thin pencil orchid, Rats tail orchid or Bridal veil orchid. Found in Queensland and NSW from Calliope Range to Tuross Heads at m altitude (1). Flowers from July to August. Grows on rocks and rainforest trees. Leaves are up to 60 cm long by 8 mm thick and flowers are white to cream with red or purple stripes (1). Regarded as one of the more spectacular members with its very leaves. It grows to a height of about 60cm. It flowers from late winter to spring (July-November). long Dockrillia wassellii -Furrowed pencil orchid Found only on the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland at masl in monsoonal rainforest along stream banks (1) but can be grown in a wide range of conditions (2). Blooms in the warmer months (2). It can have up to 60 flowers in a cluster from autumn through to early winter. Dockrillia linguiformis Button orchid, Tongue orchid or Tick orchid. This epiphyte/lithophyte grows on trees and rocks north from Ulladulla on NSW south coast north to Queensland in rainforest or dry eucalyptus forest on the Great the Dividing range. It flowers from September to October (1). This creeping plant has fleshy leaves about 35mm long with yellow flowers in spring (2). It is best grown on a slab and its creeping habit makes it unsuitable for growing in pots (3). It takes strong sun but is best grown in a shade house in the Riverina under 40% shade cloth (3). Dockrillia linguiformis

3 Dockrillia schoenina Common Pencil Dockrillia This epiphyte is found in Queensland and in NSW north of the Hunter River on the drier edges of the rainforest and coastal swamps (4) up to 600m elevation. It is often found on the branches of Casuarina trees or on boulders and cliff faces. They need warm to hot temperatures with high humidity and bright light (4). It has 1-4 cream to pale green flowers with dark purple striations. It has adapted to withstand long dry spells and should not be overwatered (5). It is best grown on a mount. Dockrillia cucumerina Cucumber bulb dockrillia, gherkin orchid Found in Queensland and NSW this epiphytic species grows on River Oaks near watercourses at elevations of m (6). It has distinct cucumber shaped leaves on a creeping rhizome (6). It has foul smelling flowers that appear in late winter and spring. It is best grown on a tree fern mount and should be watered year round (6). It likes warm to hot growing conditions coming from Qld. Dockrillia striolata- Streaked rock orchid. A small lithophyte from southeastern Australia in NSW, Vic and Tasmania. Often found on eastern facing rock faces exposed to humid sea breezes (8). It has fragrant cream or yellow flowers which are red or purple near the base and about 3cm across (7). Flowering is in spring.

4 Dockrillia bowmanii Straggly Pencil Orchid This species is found in coastal rainforest and swamps in Queensland and New Caledonia from sea level to 200m. A small epiphyte that produces star shaped flowers in clusters about 10cm long in spring and autumn (7). Stems grow about 60cm long and leaves about 15cm long. It mainly flowers in spring and autumn (7). Dockrillia rigida. Smooth tick orchid or Smooth tongue orchid. Found in far north Queensland and Torres Straight Islands (9). An epiphyte and lithophyte it occurs in coastal rainforest, mangroves and paper bark swamps (9). It can flower throughout the year in its natural environment (9). It has cream or yellow star shaped flowers that are pink or red on the underside. It is very drought hardy and prefers a dry winter (9). It likes high light levels with some protection from midday sun. Best grown on a slab. Dockrillia pugioniformis - the Dagger orchid This miniature epiphyte grows in rainforest on trees and mossy rocks from sea level to 1300m (11). Grows from Bega on NSW south coast north to Qld (10). Fragrant flowers in spring last for about 2 weeks. It takes it name from the dagger shape of its leaves.

5 Dockrillia mortii - the Slender Pencil Orchid or Mort s Dockrillia A rare epiphyte and lithophyte orchid found in NSW, Queensland and New Caledonia from 300 to 900m (12, 13). Produces fragrant flowers in a single inflorescence in the spring (12). Dockrillia nugentii -Nugent s Dockrillia, Northern Thumbnail orchid Found mainly in Queensland but also in NSW. A warm to cool growing epiphyte growing from 600 to 1000m elevation (14, 15). It grows in rainforests, and woodlands on trees and rocks (15). It is considered closely related to D. linguiformis with some calling it a variety of D. linguiformis. It produces fragrant flowers in winter. Some of the Dockrillia interspecies hybrids available Dockrillia schoenina x D. fuliginosa Dockrillia fuliginosa x D. dolichophylla Dockrillia teretifolia x D. fuliginosa

6 Your comments and suggestions on cultural guide are welcome. your comments to Further reading and acknowledgements The information in this guide has been gained from local growers and the publications below. All maps are from the Atlas of Living Australia web site. 1. Dockrillia Gardening Australia Flora s Orchids. ABC Books (2005). 3. Growing native plants Dockrillia schoenina Australian dendrobiums and their cultivation by Alan Hope Dockrillia cucumerina Dockrillia bowmanii. Orchid/Dockrillia/bowmanii/zz.html 8. A unique rock orchid Dockrillia rigida e0e/media/Html/Dockrillia_rigida.htm 10. Dendrobium pugioniforme Dockrillia pugioniformis Dockrillia mortii Dockrillia mortii Dockrillia nugentii Dockrillia nugentii e0e/media/Html/Dockrillia_nugentii.htm 16. Dockrillia nugentii Dockrillia wassellii. Updated 20/1/16 These notes are intended as a guide only and are composed from available information and local experience. The Wagga Wagga Orchid Society and its members are not responsible for any loss or damage.