With its two top petals rising up like ears Diuris orientis (syn D.corymbosa) has earned the rather awkward name of ‘Wallflower Donkey orchid’
Found as a lower story woodland plant in New South Wales and Victoria with some populations in Tasmania and South Australia, this is another Australian terrestrial orchid that requires well drained but moisture retentive soil.
Flowers appear on tall stems with 3 – 5 flowers on each stem. The lower flowers will open first and then progressivly up the stem.
Varied a little in form and color the petals are predominantly yellow with brown to mahogany markings on the lip, flowers will reach around 3 – 4 cm.
Summary
- Natural Habitat – Light to part shade in open woodland areas, well drained soil.
- Height – Variable height from 10 cm to 30 cm depending on soil and conditions.
- Foliage – Slender upright mid green
- Flower – Flowers appear, yellow with reddish brown markings.
- Flowering Period – Spring
- Conditions – Well drained soil, light shade.
- Landscaping Uses – Can be grown in a native woodland setting.
- Propagation – From seed or by division of tubers from larger colonies.
Other Diuris species include :
- D. sulphurea – Commonly called the Tiger Orchid.
- D. pardina – Known as the Leopard Orchid.
- D. behrii – Golden Cowslips.
- D. orientis – Wallflower Orchid
- Diuris longifolia