| Coelandria smillieae | |
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| Photo by Luna Morikawa. | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Epidendroideae |
| Genus: | Coelandria |
| Species: | C. smillieae |
| Binomial name | |
| Coelandria smillieae (F.Muell.) Fitzg. (as 'smilliea') |
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| Synonyms | |
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Coelandria smillieae, commonly known as the Bottlebrush Orchid, is found in Queensland, Australia, from some of the Torres Strait Islands, though Cape York Peninsula to Townsville in the south at altitudes of 500-700 metres. It is also found in New Guinea and Indonesia.[1]
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This widespread and common orchid grows as an epiphyte on a range of trees - usually in low-lying areas, swamps and rainforest, and to moderate heights on the ranges. It prefers trees which are exposed to sunlight. It commonly grows on trees such as Lophostemon suaveolens (Swamp Turpentine or Swamp Box) which have loose papery bark. The roots of the orchid penetrate below the bark and form large mats which are well protected beneath the bark.[2]
It also grows as a lithophyte on rocky outcrops and rock faces. It forms large clumps with canes 15-100 cm long and 1-2 cm across. The spectacular pink and cream flowers with green tips are 20-25 mm long and are found at the end of erect canes or racemes about 80-150 mm. The flowers are semi-tubular, waxy and the labellum with the apex a dark green.[3]
A white variety is found in the Sepik swamps in New Guinea. In Australia it flowers between August and November.[4]
The flowers are pollinated by the Yellow Honeyeater (Lichenostomus flavus) also known locally as the Canary Honeyeater, which hovers in front of the flowers while feeding on the nectar.[5]