Rare Tongue Orchid in bloom at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

The foul smelling Tongue Orchid, Bulbophyllum Fletcherianum, is flowering now at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.

A native to the mountainous areas of Papua New Guinea, this is the second time in 30 years that the Tongue Orchid has flowered at the Gardens.

The Tongue Orchid is one of a number of plants which produces flowers which smell of dead rotting flesh to attract blowflies, which aid pollination. This specimen has finger-like red flowers and tongue like leaves which are up to 1 meter in length.

In the wild the Tongue Orchid grows on host rocks, but in the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is has been grown on a piece of cork oak.

The plant is uncommon throughout its range and cultivation of the plant is difficult.

The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is a centre of plant science, horticulture, public enjoyment and education. It is committed to the conservation of rare and endangered plant species and is an industry leader in plant biodiversity research and conservation.

The tongue orchid will be on public display for approximately one week at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Tropical House which is open 10am – 4pm daily.

Media inquiries:

Penny Underwood on (03) 9818 8540.