With around 30 species identified Dockrillias are an orchid with succulent leaves. They are found in Australia however the genus is also represented in New Guinea, Fiji and nearby areas.
Sometimes called ‘Rock Orchids’ as they are commonly found growing rocks, the root systems find their way into cracks and crevices and through the general debris that collects in such situations. In culture they are mainly grown in hanging baskets.
Dockrillia Orchids are an orchid genus only recently given its own status. Originally a part of the Dendrobium group Dockrillia are ephiphytic or lithophytic orchid are native to Australia and New Guinea through the South Pacific to Tahiti, a widely spread and varied genus. Dockrillia striolata pictured right is from Tasmania
Whats the difference between Dockrillias and Dendrobiums ?
The question is asked why were the Dockrillias only recently separated into a specific genus?
This has mainly to do with the terete leaved structure, a cylindrical leaf, like a rats tail. They also lack the pseudo bulb of the dendrobium.
In terms of species D. striolata is probably the most commonly grown, also called the ‘pencil orchid’ just another way of describing the leaf structure. This is a sub tropical species from Northern Australia. From the other extreme we have Dockrillia striolata subsp striolata, from Tasmania.
Dockrillia species include :
- D. nugentii – Found in Queensland, epiphytic with white to cream flowers.
- D. striolata – One of the easiest to grow, streaked petals and commonly called the ‘Streaked Rock Orchid’.
- D. rigida – Very attractive tropical species, flowers vary from a creamy yellow to white with pink to crimson sometimes on the reverse.
- D. mortii – A very rare species in cultivation and in the wild, one of the most delicate of the genus.
- D. bowmanii – Pale lime green flowers with a white labellum.
- D. schoenina – Cream petals with some magenta striping.
Dockrillia Orchids – Care
As we can see from the distribution different Dockrillia species will require different care, humidity and heat are the main factors to consider.
Most Dockrillia species are epiphytic, growing naturally on trees such as the Hoop Pine, in cultivation backing boards are used, tree fern and cork being widely used for mounting.
The flowering period for most species is best described as sporadic. They can flower at just about any time of the year, spring is fairly common, however other seasons are not uncommon.
ORCHID SPECIES LINKS
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