Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Sarcochilus hillii F.Muell.

Frost tender epiphytic orchid with drooping stems, to 5cm, slender, linear leaves, to 10cm, often spotted, and an erect inflorescence bearing up to 10, crystalline, white to pale pink flowers, occasionally with yellow markings and purple markings on the labellum, in summer.  [Jones, Beadle].

Horticultural & Botanical History

No additional data.

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [O.33/1850].  Gunnia Lindl. = Sarcochilus R.Br.  If Gunnia linearis is a species of Sarcochilus the specific name linearis suggests a species with linear rather than curved leaves.  That Macarthur sent a quantity of plants to Loddiges’ nursery in 1845 [letter 6th January 1845.  MP A2933-2, p.28] suggests that they were rather easily, probably locally, obtained.  Sarcochilus hillii seems the most likely candidate.  A photograph of a plant in the author’s collection is used as illustration, but see also Sarcochilus olivaceus for a contemporary hand drawn figure.

Notes

Published Jan 26, 2010 - 01:55 PM | Last updated Jul 29, 2010 - 01:25 PM

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The photograph shows plants in situ on a living tree, with long, linear leaves and small white flowers. Photograph Euan Mills.

Sarcochilus hillii F.Muell. |  Photographed at Minnamurra Rainforest, NSW | Photograph Euan Mills

Family Orchidaceae
Category
Region of origin

Eastern Australia, from the south coast of NSW to Qld.
Synonyms
  • Dendrobium hillii F.Muell.
  • Sarcochilus minutiflos F.M.Bailey
Common Name

Myrtle bells
Name in the Camden Park Record

Gunnia linearis 
Confidence level medium