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.

Spiranthes sinensis (Pers.) Ames

A terrestrial orchid, usually found in a damp environment including peat bogs, with a basal rosette of narrow, lance-shaped leaves, to 16cm long and spirally twisted flower spike with pink flowers, to 45cm tall.  [RHSD, Jones, FNSW, Pridgeon].

Horticultural & Botanical History

Calanthe australis was introduced to Britain in 1823.  [JD].  

History at Camden Park

Originally listed in the 1843 catalogue under ‘Bulbs’ and listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues under ‘Orchids’ [O.4/1850].  Macarthur sent plants to James Backhouse in 1849.  [MP A2933-1, p.189].

Notes

This plant could also be Calanthe triplicata (Willemet) Ames which see.  A synonym is Calanthe australis Hort.

Published Jan 24, 2010 - 11:19 AM | Last updated Jul 29, 2010 - 01:26 PM

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The full plant is illustrated, the lance-shaped leaves and pink flowers arranged spirally on the stem. Photograph Colin Mills

Spiranthes sinensis (Pers.) Ames | Plants growing in a pot and in the bog garden | Photograph, Colin Mills

Family Orchidaceae
Category
Region of origin

Australasia to tropical and temperate Asia
Synonyms
  • Calanthe australis Ait. ex Loud.
  • Spiranthes australis (R.Br.) Lindl.
  • Spiranthes sinensis var. australis (R.Br.) H.Hara & Kitam.
  • Neottia australis R.Br.
  • Neottia sinensis Pers.
Common Name

Pink spiral orchid
Name in the Camden Park Record

Calanthe Australis 
Confidence level medium