Sarcochilus olivaceus Lindl.

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘The greater number of the little Orchids to be seen clinging to the branches of trees in the dense “cedar brushes” and in the mountain scrub belong to this genus.  The botanist in search of them can hardly expect to see the little plants themselves perched among the branches, but he readily catches sight of the slender roots that traverse trunk and branch to the slenderest twig, and following them to their source he perceives the little epiphyte itself, from the centre of which often depend spikes of flowers, the perfume of which spreads far and wide under the dense foliage of fig or sassafras.’  [Fitzgerald].  S. olivaceus is ‘generally found on the small branches of the myrtles, its long roots reaching to the smallest twig. I have also found it growing upon rocks above the Bulli pass.’  [Fitzgerald]. 

‘Its diminutive size, so far from decreasing its attraction, appears only to enhance it; and, when grown on a log of wood, it having been retained on the block to which it was attached naturally when imported, it has a most pleasing appearance.’  Seen at Loddiges’ nursery.  [MB p.92/1839]. 

‘[Gunnia picta is] A curious little plant received from the neighbourhood of Sydney by Messrs. Loddiges.  It has small dingy purple flowers, with a white labellum, neatly streaked wih purple.  It differs from Gunnia australis in the flowers being much smaller, with a very dissimilar labellum.’  [BR Misc.p.77/1838].  ‘[Sarcochilus olivaceus is] A New Holland epiphyte of no beauty, imported by Messrs. Loddiges.  It is very nearly the same as S. parviflorus, from which it principally differs in its leaves being broader and not emarginate at the point.  The flowers are small and yellowish orange green.  [BR Misc.27/1839].

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [O.34/1850].

Notes