About Spiranthes australis (R.Br.) Lindl.
Spiranthes australis (R.Br.) Lindl. is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous herb. It produces between three and ten dark green leaves that are linear, lance-shaped, or spatula-shaped, measuring 80–180 mm (3–7 in) long and 6–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in) wide. Between ten and sixty bright pink flowers are densely crowded and arranged in a spiral along a 250–450 mm (10–20 in) tall flowering spike. Individual flowers are 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) long and 3–4 mm (0.1–0.2 in) wide, and can range in color from deep pink to pure white. The dorsal sepal is lance-shaped to egg-shaped, 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) long and 2.5 mm (0.1 in) wide. The lateral sepals and petals are similar in length to the dorsal sepal but are narrower. The labellum is white, has three faint lobes, is around 6 mm (0.2 in) long, has a grainy texture, and crinkled edges. Flowering takes place from October to March or later, and the flowers are self-pollinating. This species, commonly called Austral ladies' tresses, typically grows in boggy or swampy habitats, and also grows in high-rainfall grassy areas. It has a wide distribution: it occurs from the southern Caspian Sea region of Iran and Georgia, where it was previously reported under the synonym S. amoena. It is the most well-known orchid in Japan, first recorded in the Manyoshu poetry collection compiled around 760 CE, and grows in common locations including balconies, private gardens, lawns, and natural park areas. In Australia, it occurs from Queensland south through eastern New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and Victoria to Tasmania, and is occasionally found in South Australia. In horticulture, this orchid is relatively easy to grow in well-drained sandy potting mix, and it sometimes grows as a weed in commercial nurseries.
