Cooktown Orchid (Dendrobium bigibbum, Dendrobium phalaenopsis, Vappodes phalaenopsis): Floral Emblem of Queensland, Australia 🇦🇺

Floral Emblem of the State of Queensland

Cooktown Orchid (Dendrobium bigibbum, Dendrobium phalaenopsis or Vappodes phalaenopsis) growing on a Frangipani tree. Illustrated by Vera Scarth-Johnson (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The long saga of taxonomical reshuffling continues unabated with periodic quakes, fallouts and aftershocks, the recent epicentres of which affected the genera Odontoglossum and Cochlioda (incorporated into Oncidium); then the species Neofinetia falcata and genus Ascocentrum (absorbed into Vanda); and more recently, most of the Laelia species and genus Sophronitis (merged into Cattleya). The seismic waves also lashed upon the long established shores of the species Sedirea Japonica, the genera Doritis and Kingidium, as well as the Doritaenopsis hybrids (annexed into Phalaenopsis), even though not every specialist in this field accepts these taxonomic changes. In recent decades, new genetic insight has led to divisions of large(r) genera and creations of new genera to render them more aligned and consistent with the principles of monophyletic genera and evolutionary relationships. In Australia, this fluid phenomenon or ongoing paradigm shift can be summarized by Stephen D Hopper’s 2009 paper entitled “Taxonomic turmoil down-under: recent developments in Australian orchid systematics”:

DNA sequencing and intensified field work have contributed towards a much improved understanding of Australian orchid systematics. Great progress has been made in discerning monophyletic groups or clades. Fresh interpretations of morphological evolution have been made possible by comparisons with the results of DNA analyses. Significant conceptual shifts from polymorphic species concepts to biological and phylogenetic concepts have also elevated the discovery and description of new species. Consequently, over the past decade, the number of Australian orchid species recognized by taxonomists has risen from approx. 900 to 1200. Similarly, the number of genera recognized by some taxonomists has increased from 110 to 192, resulting in 45% of Australian species/subspecies being assigned a new generic epithet since 2000. At higher taxonomic levels, much of the recent controversy in Australian orchid systematics reflects a divergence in views about where to split and assign formal names within unequivocally monophyletic groups.

The Dendrobiums are not immune from the various rifts and shifts in taxonomy and phylogenetics, not even an iconic one that is named after a town and then chosen from competing candidates to be the definitive emblem for an entire state of a nation. Variously referred to as Dendrobium bigibbum, Dendrobium phalaenopsis, Dendrobium bigibbum var. phalaenopsis, Dendrobium bigibbum var. superbum, Dendrobium bigibbum subvar. superbum, Dendrobium bigibbum var. bigibbum, Dendrobium bigibbum var. compactum, Dendrobium bigibbum var. coerula, Vappodes bigibbum, and Vappodes phalaenopsis, the floral emblem of the state of Queensland in Australia, commonly called the Cooktown Orchid, has been caught in the taxonomic turmoil and crossfire, for better or worse. Existing or outstanding naming discrepancies in paperwork, registries and historical documents are abundant. Similarly, should one stick to Dendrobium teretifolium or stand by Dockrillia teretifolia? Ought one to promote Dendrobium smillieae and demote Coelandria smillieae, or vice versa?

Dendrobium bigibbum x Dendrobium phalaenopsis

Congratulations to Steve Howard on such an achievement: Dendrobium Orchidwood is a stunningly floriferous and magnificent specimen of the Cooktown orchid line, as documented for posterity at
https://queenslandorchid.wordpress.com/…/cooktown-orchid-f…/

There are at least three common names and nearly forty botanical names:

Synonyms of Dendrobium bigibbum

Common Names

1. The Cooktown Orchid
2. The Two-Humped Dendrobium
3. The Mauve Butterfly Orchid

Botanical Names

1. Callista bigibba [Lindley] Kuntze 1891
2. Callista phalaenopsis (Fitzg.) Kuntze 1891
3. Callista sumneri [F Muell.] Kuntze 1891
4. Dendrobium bigibbum Lindley 1852
5. Dendrobium bigibbum f. compactum (C T White) G Piper 1950
6. Dendrobium bigibbum f. phalaenopsis (Fitzg.) St Cloud 1956
7. Dendrobium bigibbum f. superbium G Piper 1950
8. Dendrobium bigibbum subvar. candidum [Rchb.f.] Veitch 1888
9. Dendrobium bigibbum subvar. compactum (C T White) St Cloud 1956
10. Dendrobium bigibbum subvar. superbum (Rchb.f.) H J Veitch 1887
11. Dendrobium bigibbum var. album F M Bailey 1902
12. Dendrobium bigibbum var. albopurpuratum auct. 1895
13. Dendrobium bigibbum var. candidum Rchb.f. 1878
14. Dendrobium bigibbum var. macranthum F M Bailey 1895
15. Dendrobium bigibbum var. phalaenopsis (Fitzg.) F M Bailey 1883
16. Dendrobium bigibbum var. sumneri [F Mueller] F M Bailey 1883
17. Dendrobium bigibbum var. superbum Rchb.f. 1878
18. Dendrobium lithocola D L Jones & M A Clem. 1989
19. Dendrobium lithocola (D L Jones & M A Clem.) 1989
20. Dendrobium phalaenopsis Fitzg. 1880
21. Dendrobium phalaenopsis var. albopurpuratum auct. 1895
22. Dendrobium phalaenopsis var. chamberlainianum auct. 1894
23. Dendrobium phalaenopsis var. compactum C T White 1941
24. Dendrobium phalaenopsis var. dellense B S Williams 1894
25. Dendrobium phalaenopsis var. highburyense auct. 1894
26. Dendrobium phalaenopsis var. hololeuca auct. 1895
27. Dendrobium phalaenopsis var. lindeniae auct. 1902
28. Dendrobium phalaenopsis var. rothschildianum Kraenzl. 1892
29. Dendrobium phalaenopsis var. rubescens Nash 1914
30. Dendrobium phalaenopsis var. schroderianum Rolfe 1891
31. Dendrobium phalaenopsis var. schroederianum W Watson 1891
32. Dendrobium phalaenopsis var. splendens auct. 1906
33. Dendrobium phalaenopsis var. statterianum auct. 1891
34. Dendrobium phalaenopsis var. thundersleyense auct. 1905
35. Dendrobium phalaenopsis Fitz. var. statterianum Hort. ex Sander
36. Dendrobium sumneri F Mueller 1867
37. Vappodes bigibba (Lindl.) M A Clem. & D L Jones 2002
38. Vappodes lithocola (D L Jones & M A Clem.) M A Clem. & D L Jones 2002
39. Vappodes phalaenopsis (Fitzg.) M A Clem. & D L Jones 2002

The recent 2014 G-20 Brisbane Summit was the 9th meeting of the G-20 heads of government. It was held on 15–16 November 2014 in Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, the only state in Australia whose floral emblem is an orchid. Endearingly known as the “Cookie”, this historically significant orchid is still recognised by many as Dendrobium bigibbum for the moment, even though there have been reclassifications at both the genus and species levels.

If the name Vappodes phalaenopsis were to be accepted, then it would indicate that the orchid is neither a true Dendrobium nor a real Phalaenopsis. The scientific title Vappodes originates from the Greek word vappo, meaning a moth or butterfly. The elided suffix -odes, meaning “similar to”, is a reference to the appearance of the flowers.

Figuratively speaking, certain scientists (or botanical detectives) have been trying to sample, stir, shake and spice up the “Cookie” complex, as well as carving up their credentials and territories via a series of associative and comparative processes to determine the ingredients or pedigrees of the “Cookie” complex evermore precisely. For example, recent genetic research has unveiled “Chromosome Homology in the Ceratobium, Phalaenanthe, and Latourea Sections of the Genus Dendrobium”.

Shall we dance to the ever changing beats and rhythms of taxonomy, genetics and evolutionary biology? Certainly, provided we could indeed cope with cross-rhythms, asymmetrical measures and odd time signatures as well as tonal indeterminacies, contrapuntal irregularities and harmonic dissonances. That is how one can sometimes describe, in musical analogies, the processes and outcomes of comparative biological studies, phylogenetic analyses (using genetic sequencing data and computational phylogenetics), molecular phylogenetics, phylogeographic history, and interpretations of morphological evolution, all of which can be as taxing (or vexing) as certain human inertia presenting resistance to (the acceptance and application of) some new paradigms or fundamental changes.

As a result, the classification of this orchid ‘complex’ is still in a state of flux as the cog of scientific discoveries and identifications continues to turn. Adding to the uncertainty and scope of the ‘complex’ is that even the origin or providence of the registered plant(s) can be called into question. This is demonstrated in the article entitled “DENDROBIUM SPECIES CULTURE: Part 2 – Dendrobium phalaenopsis” (originally printed in Orchids 65(12): 1309-1313, December 1996), where Charles and Margaret Baker commence their findings as follows:

Northeastern Australia is home to a group of orchids that are among the most beautiful found anywhere. As mentioned in the article on Dendrobium nobile in a previous Bulletin, D. phalaenopsis has in recent times become the most widely used Dendrobium species in hybridization. Over the years there have been 266 hybrids registered with D. phalaenopsis as one of the parents, with most of the activity occurring after 1960. In addition, the closely related D. bigibbum has been registered in 127 crosses during the same period.

There is a great deal of confusion surrounding these species, and it will probably continue to be with us for some time. Although these two species have been lumped together at times and are still considered to be synonymous by some authorities, the most recent taxonomic work has them listed as separate species. While very similar to each other, the flowers of D. bigibbum tend to be somewhat smaller, have sepals and petals that are more strongly reflexed, and a lip that is broader and more rounded or notched at its apex. In addition, plants known as D. bigibbum are found in areas nearer the equator and, therefore, require much warmer temperatures, especially during winter.

We suspect that many of the cultural problems encountered when attempting to grow these plants are rooted in confusion resulting from misidentification and mislabeling.…

One month later, in the article entitled “DENDROBIUM SPECIES CULTURE: Part 3 – Dendrobium bigibbum” (originally printed in Orchids 66(1):42-47, January 1997), Charles and Margaret Baker continue their findings as follows:

Although D. phalaenopsis and D bigibbum are currently, and probably accurately, considered to be separate species, the names have been so confused and are so linked and intertwined that they can probably never be truly separated. We suspect that there are few who are able to say with certainty that their plants are really one or the other, or in the case of hybrids, which species was actually used as a parent. As previously mentioned, the flowers of D. bigibbum tend to be somewhat smaller, have more reflexed sepals and petals, and have a lip that is more rounded or notched instead of being more pointed. We hope that the material contained in these articles will help growers in better understanding their plants and enable them to have more success with growing and blooming these beautiful species and their hybrids.

Dendrobium bigibbum Lindley

AKA: Sometimes spelled D. biggibum. Clements (1989) includes the following synonyms: Callista bigibba (Lindley) Kuntze (revised), Callista sumneri (F. Müeller) Kuntze (revised), D. bigibbum var. album F. M. Bailey, D. bigibbum var. candidum Rchb. f., D. bigibbum subvar. candidum (Rchb. f.) Veitch, D. bigibbum Lindley var. sumneri (F. Müeller) F. M. Bailey, D. phalaenopsis Fitzgerald var. statterianum hort. ex Sander, D. sumneri F. Müeller, and D. bigibbum Lindley subsp. phalaenopsis (Fitzgerald) M. Clements and Cribb. Also see D. lithocola D. Jones and M. Clements, D. phalaenopsis Fitzgerald, and D. striaenopsis M. Clements and D. Jones, the other members of this confused, closely related group of plants.

D. bigibbum and related plants are commonly cultivated and numerous varieties have been described. Some taxonomists currently recognize two subspecies (subsp. phalaenopsis Fitzgerald and subsp. compactum C. White) and several varieties, but others prefer to simply view the plants as a variable complex.

The confusions surrounding D. phalaenopsis and D. bigibbum are also documented on pages 5 and 6 of the booklet entitled “DENDROBIUMS: THEIR DESCRIPTION AND CULTURE”, written for the Queensland Orchid Society by Barry Paget in conjuction with Bruce Denham, David Littman, Mal Wheeler, Stuart Heyden and Beryl Robertson:

The most spectacular species in the section Phalaenanthe occur in Australia, New Guinea, and eastern Indonesia, and were for many years been known by the names Dendrobium bigibbum, Dendrobium phalaenopsis, and Dendrobium schroederianum. Unfortunately, there is currently considerable confusion amongst taxonomists about the correct names of these species. For many years, it was thought that Dendrobium phalaenopsis and Dendrobium schroederianum were separate species that occurred only in eastern Indonesia, especially on the islands near Timor. Some years ago, it was recognised that only one species occurred in eastern Indonesia, and it was given the name Dendrobium phalaenopsis, and the name Dendrobium schroederianum was no longer used for any species.

In 1978, Steve Clemesha considered that Dendrobium phalaenopsis was the same as Dendrobium bigibbum, and he reduced Dendrobium phalaenopsis to synonymy with Dendrobium bigibbum as a new subspecies Dendrobium bigibbum ssp. laratensis (see “A Review of Dendrobium bigibbum Lindl.” The Orchadian, 6: 27 (1978). In 1989, Mark Clements, after extensive searches through the herbariums of Europe looking at specimens of these three species, and at the writings of the original taxonomists who described them, stated that he believed that the type specimen for Dendrobium phalaenopsis had been collected from northern Queensland, and that both Dendrobium bigibbum and Dendrobium phalaenopsis were correctly separate Australian species (see “Catalogue of Australian Orchidaceae Australian Orchid Research 1: 1-160 (1989)).

Clements considers that Dendrobium phalaenopsis occurs mainly on the eastern side of the Great Dividing Range in northern Australia, and that Dendrobium bigibbum is found on the drier, western side of the Great Dividing Range, Torres Strait islands, and Papua New Guinea. Clements also considered that the species, known for many years as Dendrobium bigibbum var. compactum, was a third, separate, Australian species, and gave it the name Dendrobium lithocola. These changes suggested by Clements, left the Indonesian species without a name, and Clements therefore formally described this species as Dendrobium striaenopsis.

As if matters were not confused enough, the International Registration Authority for Orchid Hybrids (IRAOH), for the purposes of hybrid registrations, accepts, at the time of publication of this booklet, the name Dendrobium phalaenopsis for the Indonesian species, and Dendrobium bigibbum for all Australian species of this complex. At the time of printing this booklet, most hobby growers appear to be using the same names as those used by the IRAOH for these species.

While studies of molecular phylogeny have resulted in substantial reclassifications, whether this new scheme will be widely adopted is uncertain. As with many plants, both natural or artificial hybridizations within the “Cookie” complex can heavily confound cladistic analyses, even though the exact extent cannot be ascertained.

Modern taxonomy is striving towards monophyly such that all the species within a genus belong to an ancestor and its descendants. However, there are continuing uncertainties in the scope and validity of monophyly and associated terms:

Monophyly and associated terms are restricted to discussions of taxa, and are not necessarily accurate when used to describe what Hennig called tokogenetic relationships — now referred to as genealogies. Some argue that using a broader definition, such as a species and all its descendants, does not really work to define a genus. According to D. M. Stamos, a satisfactory cladistic definition of a species or genus is impossible as many species (and even genera) may form by “budding” from an existing species, leaving the parent species paraphyletic; or the species or genera may be the result of hybrid speciation.

Hybrid speciation is a form of speciation in which hybridization between two different species results in a new species that is reproductively isolated from its parent species. For half a century since the 1940s, hybrid species were thought to be extremely rare on the belief or assumption that reproductive isolation between hybrids and their parents is impossible or very difficult to achieve. As DNA analysis became more accessible in the 1990s, hybrid speciation has been revealed to be a rather common phenomenon, especially in plants. In botanical nomenclature, a hybrid species is also called a nothospecies. Hybrid species are polyphyletic by their nature. By the same token (and prefix), a hybrid genus is called a nothogenus.

The reclassification of the Cooktown Orchid from the genus Dendrobium into the genus Vappodes in the year 2002 has contributed further complications.

According to Ian Chalmers on 4 August 2014:

At present this orchid is still recognised as Dendrobium bigibbum.

The last DNA work I read indicated it is closely allied to [Ceratobium.]

Plants of the varieties of Dendrobium bigibbum exhibited are difficult to differentiate. It would be a brave person to be certain at monthly meetings or shows.

The consequences of acceptance of Vappodes would result in the hybrids in this breeding group of Dendrobium being split into 6 nothogenera (hybrid genera).

There are splitters and lumpers. The scientists are continually working on orchids but we do not have to change the names every time they print a report. I am told that there are more papers in the pipeline which may change things again.

… yes den. phalaenopsis is recognised. However unless we have the providence proving the origins of the plant it is better to treat them all as Dendrobium bigibbum complex. The RHS register has two problems 1. The registered parent is what the breeder thought it was at the time. 2. There has been a history of name changes between phalaenopsis and bigibbum alternating over the years.

So who knows what was really used?

None of this is simple.

The more research I do the less comfortable I am at differentiating between the cultivated varieties of bigibbum and between the species and the hybrids.

… Some reports say that the DNA is pointing to putting the bigibbum complex into Ceratobium. They breed readily in the wild with a number of natural hybrids.

At present there is no agreement amongst the taxonomists on the breakdown of Dendrobium and I have had a conversation with some of the taxonomists which leads me to believe that the current splitters breakdown is not supported by any taxonomists. We are yet to see the papers published.

Therefore, there is clearly the need to continue to consolidate available facts and opinions to reflect the latest consensus as well as divergence. On the whole, periodic expeditions into the taxonomical terrains and genetic makeups of the Dendrobiums in general and the bigibbum complex in particular seem to have revealed more questions than answers, and more intrigues than certainties.

Nevertheless, given that the large and diverse Dendrobium members of the Orchidaceae plant family have long fascinated investigators with their floral structures and morphologies, reproductive forms and capabilities, ecological adaptations and specializations, as well as coevolutions with animals and pollinators, one could conclude that the more extensive and complete the genomic data on the breakdown of Dendrobium and related genera, the more important and useful the corresponding genetic resources can become in the exploration of orchid diversity and evolution at the genomic level, not only for ecological and conservation purposes, but also for orchid breeding and orchid horticulture research, through the emergence of new concepts and techniques in genetic engineering, such as those pertaining to the development of molecular marker-assisted breeding and the production of transgenic plants. Given these advancements and innovations, one should be able to anticipate that researchers will find it less taxonomically difficult to explore the phytogenetic history and population variability of the “Cookie” complex.

The Cooktown Orchid, as embodied by Dendrobium bigibbum and Dendrobium phalaenopsis, is ultimately a variable species with many subspecies and varieties found in not only north-eastern Queensland (from Johnston River near Innisfail south of Cairns to Iron Range in the Cape York Peninsula) but also the Tanimbar Islands, the Torres Strait Islands and New Guinea. Flower colours can be violet, deep lilac, purple, magenta, pale lilac, rosy, mauve, white, white-spotted, or bicoloured, and the size can range from three to seven centimetres across the petals. Each raceme carries about 20 long-lasting flowers.

Illustration of Dendrobium bigibbum (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Illustration of Dendrobium bigibbum (as syn. Dendrobium phalaenopsis) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dendrobium phalaenopsis (Dendrobium bigibbum) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dendrobium phalaenopsis (Dendrobium bigibbum) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Whilst there are always going to be disagreements as to the taxonomic status of some species and genera, if you find more information and additional developments (whether definitive or provisional) regarding the Cooktown Orchid or the Dendrobium bigibbum complex, please kindly share them in the comment box below.

Thank you in anticipation. More will be added and/or amended as we beat and dance to the ever changing rhythms of taxonomy, genetics and evolutionary biology.

The History of the Cooktown Orchid

Panorama from Grassy Hill, Cooktown, 2007

The Cooktown Orchid is the common name of Dendrobium bigibbum, Dendrobium phalaenopsis and Vappodes phalaenopsis. The orchid is named after the northern Queensland town, Cooktown, which is situated within the natural range of the species surrounding the Endeavour River. Captain Cook named the town after himself upon stopping his ship there for repair in 1770. However, there is some doubt as to the precise geographical origin of the orchid. On the one hand, it appeared that the orchid specimen identified and named as Dendrobium bigibbum in the middle of the 19th century by John Lindley, a British botanist, was not to be found near Cooktown. On the other hand, the specimen Dendrobium phalaenopsis as described in 1880 by Robert FitzGerald, an Australian surveyor general, was claimed to be obtained near Cooktown in northern Queensland. According to information published by the Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research, Australian National Herbarium:

Plants of Dendrobium bigibbum were first collected by a Dr Thomson on Mount Adolphus, a small island about 18 km north-east of Cape York. These plants were sent to a nursery in London, and in 1852 the species was described and named by the British botanist, John Lindley (1799-1865). It does not occur near Cooktown.

Dendrobium phalaenopsis was described by Robert FitzGerald, Surveyor General of New South Wales in 1880. In his description he included the words “It was obtained near Cooktown, Queensland”. In December of the same year he published a beautiful colour plate of Dendrobium phalaenopsis in ‘Australian Orchids’ with the words “obtained in northern Queensland”, which clearly illustrates the plant people now know as the Cooktown Orchid.

Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research, 2012,
Australian National Herbarium,
Australian Government, Canberra,
viewed 14 November 2014,
http://www.anbg.gov.au/emblems/qld.emblem.html

Apart from the fact that both the botanical name and the place of origin of the Cooktown Orchid are yet to be fixed for all time, or to be accorded with unswerving certainty, it is also unclear as to precisely when and where the common name Cooktown Orchid was first coined by whom. Nevertheless, the nomination and eventual ascendency of the Cooktown Orchid as a floral emblem began in the middle of the 20th century, when the profile of the species was bolstered in 1957 by the inaugural autumn exhibition of the Queensland Orchid Society (founded in 1934), which had already adopted Dendrobium bigibbum var. superbum as the emblem of the society. The prominence of the species was also boosted by the public discourse on the subject of floral emblem for Queensland via the mass media throughout 1958, as the state government sought advice on native species suitable as a floral emblem to prepare Queensland for its centenary in 1959. The process culminated in the Cooktown Orchid being officially proclaimed as the floral emblem under the botanical name Dendrobium bigibbum var. phalaenopsis on 19 November 1959, during celebrations to mark the Queensland’s centenary.

A short printed document dated 11 April 1984, entitled “THE QUEENSLAND ORCHID SOCIETY: THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS”, written by Chas. F. Hill, one of the past presidents of the society, gives a retrospective account as follows:

In 1957 on Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th of April, the Queensland Orchid Society held its first Autumn Show, the purpose being to publicise its emblem the Dendrobium bigibbum var. superbum (Cooktown Orchid). The admission to this show was one shilling (ten cents).

In 1958 there was much discussion in the media on a Floral Emblem for Queensland, so the Queensland Orchid Society started to move in support of Dendrobium bigibbum var. superbum as the floral emblem of Queensland. In June 1959 we were very pleased to see the “Cookie”, as it is affectionately known, become the floral emblem of Queensland.

Even though floral beauty and ease of cultivation have contributed to the early discovery and wide distribution of the Cooktown Orchid, and to the long history and connection of the orchid with British botany and colonial township since the middle of the 19th century, being designated as a floral emblem in the middle of the 20th century is probably the biggest factor in the popularization of the Cooktown Orchid. Regarded as one of the showiest orchid species from Australia, the Cooktown Orchid has been successfully cultivated in heated glasshouses in England since the latter part of the 19th century. Given the resemblance of its flower to that of Phalaenopsis, it was first described in 1880 as Dendrobium phalaenopsis, then included in Dendrobium bigibbum. Chosen amongst other candidates that included Red Silky Oak (Grevillea banksii), Umbrella Tree (Brassaia (now Schefflera) actinophylla), and Wheel of Fire (Stenocarpus sinuatus), the Cooktown Orchid was proclaimed to be the floral emblem of Queensland in 19 November 1959, as it “conformed with the Government’s criteria in being an easily cultivated native species confined to Queensland, decorative and distinctive in appearance, and coloured close to the State colour, maroon”, according to Anne Boden, writing for a booklet published by the Australian Government Publishing Service (AGPS) for the Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG) in 1985.

Stated in the BADGE, ARMS, FLORAL AND OTHER EMBLEMS OF QUEENSLAND ACT 1959 [as reprinted and prepared by the Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel as in force on 10 December 1997 (includes amendments up to Act No. 81 of 1997)]:

The Cooktown Orchid (Dendrobium bigibbum var. phalaenopsis) shall be the floral emblem of the State.

Barely four decades later, and at the beginning of a new millennium, the botanical name of the Cooktown Orchid was changed as a result of reclassification at the level of genus. Since Vappodes (a genus of orchids from Indonesia, New Guinea and Australia) was separated from Dendrobium in 2002, Vappodes bigibba is accepted as the correct name for Dendrobium bigibbum in the Australian Plant Census and by the Australian Government’s Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.

Floral Emblem of Queensland: Dendrobium bigibbum var. superbum ‘Samantha Louise’ ACC/QOS 1999

According to David L Jones in A Complete Guide to Native Orchids of Australia Including the Island Territories (2006), pp. 416-418:

The genus was recently segregated from Dendrobium, based on hard cylindrical pseudobulbs leafy in the upper third, multi-flowered racemes arising from the upper nodes and flowers with very broad petals and the labellum firmly fixed to the column foot.

Dendrobium bigibbum, Dendrobium phalaenopsis and Vappodes phalaenopsis (Cooktown Orchid) are represented by the Legal Status and Documents contained in the SPRAT Profile (Species Profile and Threats Database) under both the older taxon id 10306 for Dendrobium bigibbum and the newer taxon id 78894 for Vappodes phalaenopsis within the Threatened Species & Ecological Communities of the Biodiversity division at the Department of the Environment of the Australian Government.

One of the Documents available in the SPRAT Profile is the Commonwealth Conservation Advice on Vappodes phalaenopsis from the Threatened Species Scientific Committee. The advice includes existing plans, records and management prescriptions, listing the species’ Description, Conservation Status, Distribution and Habitat, Threats, Research Priorities, Regional and Local Priority Actions, Existing Plans/Management Prescriptions that are Relevant to the Species, and Information Sources.

Dendrobium bigibbum, Dendrobium phalaenopsis and Vappodes phalaenopsis are also represented by the Australian Plant Name Index (APNI) contained in the Integrated Botanical Information System (IBIS) of the Australian National Botanic Gardens and the Australian National Herbarium under taxon id 30845 for Dendrobium bigibbum Lindl., taxon id 32044 for Dendrobium phalaenopsis Fitzg., and the much newer taxon id 237449 for Vappodes phalaenopsis (Fitzg.) M A Clem. & D L Jones. Maintained by the Australian National Botanic Gardens as part of its larger Integrated Botanical Information System (IBIS) database in collaboration with the Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research and the Australian Biological Resources Study, the Australian Plant Name Index (APNI) is a useful resource for the horticultural circle and botanical community that deal with names of plants and their current or synonymous usage in the scientific literature. Remaining neutral, the APNI neither fosters nor recommends any particular taxonomy or nomenclature.

The Cooktown Orchid was commemorated on the 25-cent stamp on 10 July 1968, the $1.20 stamp on 6 August 1998, and the $1.40 stamp on 24 March 2014, the latest of which nearly coincides with the 80th Anniversary of the Queensland Orchid Society, held exactly two months earlier on 24 January 2014.

The Description, Distribution, Habitat and Culture of the Cooktown Orchid

This is from a scan of the original illustration of Dendrobium bigibbum (or syn. Dendrobium phalaenopsis) by Lewis Roberts. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Plants are up to 80 cm in height, comprising 3-20 flowering canes up to 1.5 cm in diameter. Three to six lance-shaped leaves, 5-12 cm long, are arranged on the upper parts of the pseudobulbs. The stems bearing the flowers are 10 to 40 cm long, carrying up to 20 flowers. Each flower is about 3 to 6 cm wide and usually coloured deep to pale lilac, or rarely white. It usually flowers in the dry season in the wild, but may flower throughout the year in cultivation.

It occurs naturally in northern Queensland, from Johnston River to Iron Range. Although it is found in tropical districts with very high summer rainfall, it is not a rainforest species but grows in exposed situations, usually attached to tree trunks such as paperbark melaleucas in savanah woodland or in vine thickets. Habitat alteration and indiscriminate harvesting by some commercial plant collectors have made this species rare or extinct in some places within its range, especially in the southern part.

Cooktown Orchids may be propagated from seed by commercial orchid laboratories, or mature plants may be divided at any time. As far south as Brisbane it is suitable for outdoor cultivation attached by wire or twine to the sunny eastern or northern side of a tree with persistent bark. Until the roots become fully established on the bark surface, they should be protected by a piece of hessian to avoid drying. A slab of cork provides a satisfactory alternative to cultivation on living bark. It may also be grown in pots or baskets, using fern fibre as a growing medium over a deep layer of broken crocks to provide effective drainage. South of Brisbane, glasshouse cultivation is necessary using pots or cork slabs. Generous watering must be provided during summer when growth is active. Winter watering is required only to avoid shrivelling, otherwise the plant is liable to decay and leaf-drop. Light applications of organic or artificial fertiliser during summer improve the number and size of flowers.

It is an ideal cut flower in autumn and winter, lasting up to two weeks in water, especially if pollination has not occurred. Flower-spikes can last up to three months, giving the species considerable commercial potential as an indoor flowering plant suitable for warm well lit rooms. Variations in the size and colour of flowers and the size of pseudobulbs have been noted. Several varieties have been described but these represent the extremes of a continuously varying range of shapes and colours of the flowers.

Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research, 2012,
Australian National Herbarium,
Australian Government, Canberra,
viewed 17 August 2014,
http://www.anbg.gov.au/emblems/qld.emblem.html

Photo & Video Contributions

Those who are interested in contributing photos or videos can upload them to the Queensland Orchid International Facebook Group.

Excellent or exceptional photos and videos uploaded to the group may be featured in the following Gallery of this post to provide exemplary visual documentations of the Cooktown Orchid (Dendrobium bigibbum, Dendrobium phalaenopsis or Vappodes phalaenopsis).

Dendrobium bigibbum

Barbara Haywood: My husband Max’s favourites! These are wonderful Australian Native Dendrobium Species Orchids. They come into their own in Autumn. We have only a few but would like some different colours. These two came out of a Compot we were able to obtain 6 years ago from Tinonee Orchids. B.


Embed from Getty Images


English: Dendrobium phalaenopsis (Dendrobium bigibbum) Русский: Дендробиум фаленопсис (Dendrobium phalaenopsis (Dendrobium bigibbum)) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Dendrobium phalaenopsis (Dendrobium bigibbum) Русский: Дендробиум фаленопсис – Dendrobium phalaenopsis (Dendrobium bigibbum) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Illustration of Dendrobium bigibbum (as syn. Dendrobium phalaenopsis) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Illustration of Dendrobium bigibbum (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Related Articles and Websites

• Cooktown Orchid (Vappodes phalaenopsis) ― Floral Emblem of Queensland, Australia 🇦🇺 (queenslandorchid.wordpress.com)
• ❀Queensland Orchids ✿ (queenslandorchid.wordpress.com)
• ❀Queensland Orchids❀ (queenslandorchid.wordpress.com)
• Charlie Robino: Loving Orchids in Far North Queensland 🌼🏡🎣🌊☀ (queenslandorchid.wordpress.com)
• 80th Anniversary of The Queensland Orchid Society Inc. 🎊8️⃣0️⃣🍹 (queenslandorchid.wordpress.com)
• 🇦🇺 Celebrate Australia Day at Government House with the Governor, the Patron of the Queensland Orchid Society (queenslandorchid.wordpress.com)
• Queensland Orchids in Wikipedia (queenslandorchid.wordpress.com)
• Introduction (queenslandorchid.wordpress.com)
• AOC Awards Selected List (orchidsaustralia.com)
• Dendrobium Bigibbum Orchids (bribieislandorchidsociety.com)
• Dendrobium Bigibbum (orchids.wikia.com)
• Cooktown Orchid Dendrobium phalaenopsis (anbg.gov.au)
• State flags, emblems, and icons: Floral emblem (qld.gov.au)
• Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research (anbg.gov.au)
• Australian Biological Resources Study (anbg.gov.au)
• Australian National Botanic Gardens (anbg.gov.au)
• Australian National Herbarium (anbg.gov.au)
• Integrated Botanical Information System (IBIS) (anbg.gov.au)
• Dendrobium bigibbum Lindl. (anbg.gov.au)
• Dendrobium phalaenopsis Fitzg. (anbg.gov.au)
• Vappodes phalaenopsis (Fitzg.) M A Clem. & D L Jones (anbg.gov.au)
• Australian Orchidaceae: Updates to Australian Orchid Genera CD (anbg.gov.au)
• Australian Systematic Botany Newsletter 138 (March 2009) (anbg.gov.au)
• Floral Emblems of Australia Education Kit Celebrating the Centenary of Federation contribution from the Australian National Botanic Gardens (anbg.gov.au)
• Dendrobium bigibbum — Cooktown Orchid (environment.gov.au)
• Vappodes phalaenopsis — Cooktown Orchid (environment.gov.au)
• Approved Conservation Advice for Dendrobium phalaenopsis (environment.gov.au)
• Dendrobium bigibbum (wetlandinfo.ehp.qld.gov.au)
• Dendrobium phalaenopsis (wetlandinfo.ehp.qld.gov.au)
• Vappodes phalaenopsis (wetlandinfo.ehp.qld.gov.au)
• Cooktown Orchid (abc.net.au)
• Vappodes phalaenopsis (keys.trin.org.au)
• Australia’s National and State Flowers: Queensland: Cooktown Orchid (goaustralia.about.com)
• List of Australian floral emblems (en.wikipedia.org)
• Vappodes phalaenopsis (en.wikipedia.org)
• Dendrobium phalaenopsis – IOSPE PHOTOS (orchidspecies.com)
• Cooktown and Cape York VIC at Nature’s Powerhouse (tourismcapeyork.com)
• Vappodes phalaenopsis (anpsa.org.au)
• Cooktown Orchid (australiamyland.com.au)
• Taxonomic turmoil down-under: recent developments in Australian orchid systematics (aob.oxfordjournals.org)
• Chromosome Homology in the Ceratobium, Phalaenanthe, and Latourea Sections of the Genus Dendrobium (scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu)
• ❀About 🛅 (queenslandorchid.wordpress.com)
• ✿❀ Queensland Orchid International ❀✿ (soundeagle.wordpress.com)
• ✿❀ Queensland Orchid Society ❀✿ (pottedplantsociety.wordpress.com)
• ✿❀ Queensland Orchid Society ❀✿ (soundeagle.wordpress.com)
• Glorious Orchid Specimens in 2013 Spring Show Competition (queenslandorchid.wordpress.com)
• Glorious Orchid Specimens in 2013 Spring Show Competition (pottedplantsociety.wordpress.com)
• Pretty Orchids (nupurcreatives.in)
• The Cooktown Orchid (australian-information-stories.com)

Culture Notes

• Dendrobium for Beginners (aos.org)
• Dendrobium Phalaenopsis (eporchids.org.za)
• Dendrobium Species Culture (orchidculture.com)
• HOW I GROW AUSTRALIAN DENDROBIUMS (AND DOCKRILLIAS) by Brian Milligan (oscov.asn.au)
• Australian Native Epiphytic Orchids (lados.org.au)
• Australian Native Orchids (orchidsocietynsw.com.au)
• Starting Out with Native Orchids (anpsa.org.au)
• Aussie Orchids (abc.net.au)
• DENDROBIUMS: THEIR DESCRIPTION AND CULTURE (written for the Queensland Orchid Society by Barry Paget in conjuction with Bruce Denham, David Littman, Mal Wheeler, Stuart Heyden and Beryl Robertson)