May 2017 Plant of the Evening - Oberonia crateriformis

Oberonia crateriformis.

Oberonia crateriformis is not commonly seen in monthly benching or shows. The orchid was quite recently described and given the status of a separate species (2006). It grows naturally in humid and protected areas on trees and rocks in forests along the coastal region of Queensland, from Mt Misery near Gold Coast to Eungella near McKay. Even though it is claimed to be widespread and common there, not a lot of information about the plant is available. It bears arching to pendulous racemes with light red flowers arranged in whorls. Each flower has a flat labellum with a broad mid lobe which carries a characteristic crater-like pit (a characteristic from which the species name was derived).

The plant on display is very well grown with 12 racemes, each about 150mm long, which is the upper range of this species, with attractive salmon red flowers arranged in whorls of 8 or more along the racemes. The plant originated from Eungella. It is grown under 2 lots of shade cloth and gets watered regularly in summer.

According to Bill Dobson, this orchid is not difficult to grow and flower. It grows well on cork, hardwood and cypress pine. The plant needs only one fan to start growing and flowers in 3 seasons. It is such an attractive orchid when in flower, we should see more of it in monthly benching and shows.

(Photo by Sau-wan Chan)