Orchids of far north-eastern Queensland

The illustrated works of Lewis Roberts, listed alphabetically by Latin name.

Orchids occur world-wide and in virtually all types of habitat. They grow in soil, on rocks, and on trees. It is estimated that there are between 25,000 and 30,000 species in the world. All are admired for their beauty. Many are also useful for medicines, food and flavouring!

In Australia close to 1000 orchid species have been described. Many more are known, but have yet to be formally described. There undoubtedly new species to be discovered!

Ever since Europeans first came to north-eastern Queensland, botanists and zoologists have been drawn to the area like bees to a honey-pot. The lure of the highly diverse, rare, and unusual has been and continues to be great. In north-eastern Queensland (north of the Cardwell area), there are about 250 described species of orchids.

Charlie and Lewis Roberts looking at orchids

A few are known from only a single locality (for example Cooktownia robertsii and Malaxis lawleri)*. Some orchids have very small ranges (for example Habenaria exilis and Bulbophyllum wolfei); others range between Cape York Peninsula and New Guinea (for example Taenophyllum malianum and Dendrobium bifalca), or between Cape York Peninsula – New Guinea and South-east Asia (for example Bulbophyllum gracillimum and Pholiodota imbricata). Many are more widespread in eastern Australia (for example Dendrobium gracilicaule and Dendrobium aemulum).

Lewis Roberts has helped document as well as illustrate the diverse, gorgeous, sometimes bizarre and rare orchids of the north. To date, he has discovered 7 new species and brought them to the attention taxonomists for formal description.

His contribution to our knowledge of orchids is very considerable. It is ongoing. More orchids await discovery, description and illustration.

The illustrated works of Lewis Roberts, listed alphabetically by Latin name.

* Anyone who is interested in Natural History will know that the Latin names used to identify species are changed often by taxonomist. Taxonomists are classification specialists. They are bound by internationally recognised rules and regulations. Changes can be frustrating. They are implemented to reflect new knowledge about the species and their relationships. In this exhibition the most current and accepted Latin names have been used where possible. Occasionally an earlier name is in use, because an illustration was completed before a taxonomic change was made.