Dockrillia linguiformis

(Tongue Orchid)

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The Tongue Orchid is an epiphyte which is not (to my knowledge) common up here, seeming to favour ironbarks and casaurinas or rocks as hosts. I have seen quite large plants covering the south sides of casaurinas, quite high up the tree.

The fleshy leaves are about 30mm long and furrowed. In long dry weather they draw on the supplies of moisture held within, and the leaves shrivel somewhat until rains rejuvinate the plant. They grow out of a yellowish woody stem (similar to the stem of Dockrillia schoenina).

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The pretty white feather-like flowers can be produced in profusion and large plants are a beautiful spectacle.