Did you know orchids are the world’s largest plant family?
They also produce some of the most beautiful flowers, both in shape and colour, across their species. Don’t miss your chance to see a selection of locally-grown orchids at this month’s Pine Rivers Orchid Society Spring Show.
Pine Rivers Orchid Society Inc secretary Lynda Brown joined the group in the early 1990s after moving to Brisbane from Adelaide. She wanted to learn about growing orchids in the subtropics and became fascinated with growing such dramatic and beautiful plants.
“Orchids, along with gingers, heliconias, palms and ferns, were all new to me in the early 1990s,” she said. “I rushed to buy all kinds of subtropical plants to landscape my new garden, not really knowing much about their cultural needs. I lost the ornamental gingers in drought, but I managed to grow many different orchids successfully. They seemed to grow like weeds! I was hooked!”
There are approximately 28,000 different species of orchids in the world, distributed among 763 genera (types) of orchids. These species exist in many countries, including Africa, the Amazon, Mexico, Australia and tropical Asia. Most people may not realise that vanilla comes from an orchid. The vanilla orchid is native to Mexico but can be grown in the northern coastal areas of Queensland. The vanilla syrup is harvested from the capsule (or bean).
Discover Orchids at Pine Rivers Orchid Society’s Spring Event
Despite there being multiple orchid species, Lynda has managed to choose one that stands out to her.
“My favourite orchid is the Rhynchostylis retusa or foxtail orchid,” she said. “It originally comes from Northern India and the Asian tropics. The plant is part of the Vanda family of orchids and the flowers fall in a pendulous manner on a long raceme or hanging stem. Each raceme can hold up to 100 flowers, with the colour usually soft pink.”
Pine Rivers Orchid Society has about 80 members and is run by volunteers. New members are always welcome. Membership cost is $20 a year per family. Meetings are held at Kruger Hall, Ann St, Kallangur every third Tuesday at 1pm, except December.
The society’s spring show is one of two annual shows, with another held in autumn. Visitors can expect about 100 flowering orchids on display, with the opportunity to purchase plants as well. Entry to the show is $4, while children can attend for free.
For further information, visit Pine River Orchid Society or join the ‘Pine Rivers Orchid Society Inc’ Facebook group.
Pine Rivers Orchid Society Spring Show
- Saturday, 21 September & Sunday, 22 September, 8.30am-1pm.
- Kallangur State School Hall
- Old Gympie Road, Kallangur
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