Phais pictus, or Forest Swamp Orchid, is a vulnerable rainforest terrestrial orchid of the genus Phaius

Phaius

Phaius is a genus of large, mostly terrestrial orchids . The genus has about 20 species. These species are found in tropical Asia, into China, Japan, Australia, and west to Africa and Madagascar...

. It is found from 0-600 metres in a relatively small restricted area in the McIlwraith Range

McIlwraith Range

The McIlwraith Range is a rugged, dissected granite plateau on the Cape York Peninsula, Far North Queensland, Australia. Part of the Great Dividing Range, it covers about 3000 km2 and lies about 15 km east of the town of Coen, and 550 km north of Cairns...

, and from the Bloomfield River

Bloomfield River

The Bloomfield River is a river situated in Queensland, north of Daintree. The river enters the sea north of Cape Tribulation and is noted for its Bloomfield River cod fish species, found only in the river...

 to the Kirrama Range, in Far North Queensland

Queensland

Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern section of the mainland continent. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean...

, Australia.

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.

External links

• Nature's Powerhouse website contains a gallery of Lewis Roberts' botanical illustrations including Phais pictus
• The "Australian Orchid Name Index" and "Australian Orchidaceae - Current Genera and Species Checklist" may be downloaded here as pdf files
• http://keys.trin.org.au:8080/key-server/data/08090a09-0d0e-410b-860c-020705070e0e/media/Html/Phaius_pictus.htm Factsheet on Phaius pictus.