Cymbidium suave, commonly known as the snake orchid[2] or grassy boat-lip orchid,[3] is a plant in the orchidfamily and is endemic to eastern Australia. It is an epiphytic orchid that forms long-lasting clumps of grass-like leaves. Up to fifty crowded olive green to dark or brownish green flowers are borne on an arching flowering stem. Of the three Australian species of Cymbidium, this is the only one that does not have prominent pseudobulbs. It is found in eastern Australia, usually growing in the hollows of old or fallen, decaying trees.
habit
Description
Cymbidium suave is an epiphytic herb that forms clumps of grass-like leaves but lacks prominent pseudobulbs. It has stems 300–500 mm (12–20 in) long and 15–20 mm (0.6–0.8 in) wide covered with overlapping leaf bases. There are between four and eight strap-shaped leaves 300–450 mm (12–18 in) long and 15–20 mm (0.59–0.79 in) wide on each stem. Between five and fifty strongly scented, olive green to dark or brownish green flowers 23–35 mm (0.91–1.4 in) long and 20–30 mm (0.79–1.2 in) wide are borne on an often arching flowering stem 100–300 mm (3.9–12 in) long. The sepals are 12–15 mm (0.47–0.59 in) long and 5–6 mm (0.20–0.24 in) wide and the petals are 8–11 mm (0.31–0.43 in) long and 5–6 mm (0.20–0.24 in) wide. The labellum is 8–11 mm (0.31–0.43 in) long and 7–8 mm (0.28–0.31 in) wide and faintly divided into three lobes. Flowering occurs between August and January.[2][3][4]
^ abcWeston, Peter H. "Cymbidium suave". Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Retrieved 14 January 2019.
^ abcJones, David L. (2006). A complete guide to native orchids of Australia including the island territories. Frenchs Forest, N.S.W.: New Holland. pp. 467–468. ISBN1877069124.
