Australian
Pink rock orchid (Dendrobium kingianum) , tender perennial
Orchid, Height (up to): 61 cm (24 in.)
Courtyard
Commentary
Dendrobium kingianum
Fragrant pink rock orchid’s common name references its tendency to grow on rocks in its native habitat. The spongy white roots enable the plant to absorb water efficiently from a wet rock surface. While mostly pink, they bloom in a variety of colors including white, purple, and yellow. Among the Gardner's collection of Dendrobium kingianum are Wilford Neptune's hybrids.
These orchids were gifted in 2022 from The Botanic Garden at Smith College, a conservatory founded around the same time as the Gardner Museum.