Phaius australis

The Phaius australis is an orchid of the order Asparagales, commonly known as
Lesser Swamp Orchid or Southern Swamp Orchid. It inhabits swampy forests at sea level and its' distribution in Australia is from SE Queensland to Lake Cathie, NSW.


The leaves can grow 30-70cm long and 3-10cm wide, mostly reverse lanceolate, with 4 to 8 leaves per shoot. Cultivation of this species is difficult and may be one reason that this species is not common.

Currently, Phaius australis is classed as endangered by Queensland (NCA 1992) and Australian (EPBC 1999) Acts.