Kingdom Plantae Family Orchidaceae Scientific name Phaius pictus | Order Asparagales Genus Phaius Rank Species | |
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Similar Phaius philippinensis, Phaius borneensis, Phaius fragilis, Phaius australis, Phaius wallichii | ||
Phais pictus, or forest swamp orchid, is a vulnerable rainforest terrestrial orchid of the genus Phaius. It is found from 0–600 metres in a relatively small restricted area in the McIlwraith Range, and from the Bloomfield River to the Kirrama Range, in Far North Queensland, Australia. The type specimen was collected from Bellenden Ker Range in Queensland.
Contents
Description
It flowers from April to June. The stems are 5 to 6 mm above ground, cylindrical to angular. The pleated leaves are broad and the flowers are yellow outside and brick red internally.
Range and habitat
It is very localised and restricted to rainforest regions, preferring humid sheltered sites close to streams or areas of seepage, or among boulders and forest litter.
Status
Listed as vulnerable by the Australian Commonwealth EPBC Act Listing Status.