Calanthe triplicata (Christmas Orchid)
This article was written in 2020 and is part of our Wayne Harris Article Series. Wayne was an avid orchid-enthusiast, photographer, author of several orchid publications and life-member of the Nambour Orchid Society. After a short illness, Wayne sadly passed away in 2020.
The Calanthe triplicata (Willemet)Ames or Christmas Orchid, is a very widely distributed orchid. In Australia it ranges from Iron Range on Cape York to just north of Bateman’s Bay, NSW and is also present on Lord Howe Is. Overseas it extends from Mauritius and Madagascar, the Seychelles and to most countries in SE Asia then into the Pacific.
Because of this very wide distribution and variability it has been known by many different names or synonyms. These include: Calanthe australasica D.L.Jones& M.A.Clem.; Calanthe furcata Bateman ex Lindl.; Calanthe veratrifolia R.Br. ex Ker. Gawl.
It is a plant which can be found in humus rich soils on the forest floor amongst abundant leaf litter in shady locations and with high humidity It can often be found near streams in favourable sites. In the Noosa National Park it can be see along the walking track near the Park headquarters.
It is generally a robust grower with large pleated leaves and when in flower the the spikes are up to 150cm tall with many crowded white flowers. Flowering is from late October through to February.
Plants are occasionally available as seedlings and can be cultivated in a shady environment using a humus rich mix and abundant water in the warmer months. Regular fertilising is recommended at this time.
