Family: Orchidaceae
Common Name: Donkey Orchid, Double Tails

This genus of around 37 species of ground orchids is native to Australia. Unusually for orchids, many are native to open grassy areas. They form one or two underground tubers each year. Ranging in colour from white to yellow, with orange, red, purple or brown markings, the flowers, borne on long stems, are unusual, with two upper petals shaped like ears and two lower petals like tails, hence the common name 'double tails'. The grass-like leaves die down after flowering.

Species

D. aurea, growing to 60 cm (24 in), produces single, yellow flowers.

D. longifolia has yellow and purplish brown flowers, with a flower stem to 40 cm (16 in) tall.

D. punctata has white to purple, spotted flowers, also with stems to 40 cm (16 in).

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates, grow in a cool greenhouse or conservatory in pots of ter­restrial orchid compost with added leaf mould. Provide bright light but shade from direct sun. Outdoors, grow in fertile soil with added leaf mould and in full sun or light shade. Propagate by division.

Climate

Zone 9.