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

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

More details about Spiranthes sinensis (Pers.) Ames
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