The Genus Sarcochilus
Presentation by David Banks at A.N.O.S. Sydney Group 17 March 2017
In our meeting last March, David Banks provided the club with a presentation that in David’s own words was, “probably the most researched, informative and complete orchid presentation I have delivered. Almost 40 years in the making! Those who didn’t attend missed out, as it is highly unlikely (due to the sheer number of images and time taken to present) that I will repeat that PowerPoint talk again. I knew it would be just under two hours long, which is twice as long as they should be; if presented to a general orchid society. Specialist societies are a bit more forgiving, if they are interested in the topic.” - Editor
To summarise some of the main points:
Sarcochilus is characterised by a hinged 3-lobed labellum without a spur; large lateral lobes; fleshy midlobe resembling an apical spur; short column with a long foot and, 4 stalked pollinia in 2 unequal pairs.
Sarcochilus falcatus is the TYPE species (1810)
I recognise 23 different species.
Confined to Australia (20 species – 3 undescribed) and New Caledonia (3 species)
What was well known as Sarcochilus hillii is now Sarcochilus minutiflos.
What was interpreted as Sarcochilus eriochilus (like a small pale version of ceciliae) is now the true Sarcochilus hillii.
Sarcochilus parviflorus is endemic to Queensland. It always has a white labellum, with purple to maroon/brown banding. I consider Sarcochilus argochilus and Sarcochilus borealis as synonyms. This species does NOT occur in New South Wales.
Sarcochilus olivaceus is restricted to New South Wales (and Springbrook & Lamington National Park, just north of the border in Queensland). It always has a greenish to gold labellum, with orange to brown banding. There is never any white or purple on the front of the labellum. The NSW Herbarium and their associated websites need to correct this and stop perpetuating misinformation. (It has the NSW taxa listed as parviflorus.)
Sarcochilus roseus differs from ceciliae in having a smooth labellum without incisions between the front and lateral lobes.
Two species have a fleshy labellum ending with a hollow chin; these are Sarcochilus hirticalcar (with internal hairs) and Sarcochilus spathulatus (with a smooth interior). These were previously classified as Parasarcochilus. Sarcochilus weinthalii was also included as part of the trio in this genus, due to its solid fleshy spur/chin, however I believe it is actually closer to Sarcochilus falcatus than the previous two species.
