Sarcochilus

The genus Sarcochilus, abbreviated as Sarco in horticultural trade, is a member of the Orchid family (Orchidaceae), consisting of 25 species endemic to Northern Australia, Eastern Australia, Tasmania and New Caledonia.
The name Sarcochilus is derived from the Greek words sarx ( = flesh) and cheilos ( = lip), referring to the fleshy labellum of these orchids.
The genus Sarcochilus is shown to be non-monophyletic ^[1]
These are epiphytic or lithophytic orchids with leaves arranged disticiously and not originating from a pseudobulb. The axillary, racemose inflorescence is pendant to arching with a few to many, successive opening flowers with free petals and sepals. The colour of the flowers is variable and goes from pure white (S. falcatus) to white and red (S. fitzgeraldii). The trilobed, fleshy labellum is saccate ( = pouch-like) and articulate to the apex of the column foot. The large side lobes are erect and curved. The small midlobe is attached to a short spur. Some of these species can form keikis, forming large clumps with age.
Many species have become endangered or vulnerable, due to illegal collecting.

Species

Sarcochilus aequalis D.L.Jones et M.A.Clem., 1991
Sarcochilus australis (Lindl.) Rchb.f. in Walp., 1861 Butterfly Orchid
Sarcochilus borealis (Nicholls) M.A.Clem.et D.L.Jones, 1989
Sarcochilus ceciliae F.Muell., 1865 Fairy Bells (mostly a lithophyte)
Sarcochilus chrysanthus Schltr., 1913
Sarcochilus dilatatus F.Muell., 1859 Brown Butterfly Orchid (epiphyte)
Sarcochilus falcatus R.Br., 1810 Orange Blossom Orchid (epiphyte)
Sarcochilus fitzgeraldii F.Muell., 1870 Ravine Orchid (mainly lithophytic)
Sarcochilus gildasii N.Hallé, 1986
Sarcochilus hartmannii F.Muell., 1874 Hartmann's Orchid (almost completely lithophytic)
Sarcochilus hartmanii var. alba x (Blue K
Sarcochilus hillii (F.Muell.) F.Muell, 1860
- Sarcochilus hillii var. hillii.
- Sarcochilus hillii var. thycolus N.Hallé, 1986
Sarcochilus hirticalcar (Dockrill) M.A.Clem. et B.J.Wallace, 1989
Sarcochilus iboensis Schltr., 1913
Sarcochilus koghiensis Schltr., 1911
Sarcochilus odoratus Schltr., 1913
Sarcochilus olivaceous Lindl., 1839
Sarcochilus parviflorus Lindl. in Edwards’s, 1838
Sarcochilus ramuanus (Kraenzl.) Schltr. in K.M.Schumann & C.A.G.Lauterbach, 1905
Sarcochilus rarus Schltr., 1906
Sarcochilus roseus (Clemesha) Clemesha, 1969 (true lithophyte)
Sarcochilus serrulatus D.L.Jones, 1972
Sarcochilus spathulatus R.S.Rogers, 1927
Sarcochilus tricalliatus (Rupp) Rupp, 1951
Sarcochilus uniflorus Schltr., 1913
Sarcochilus Velvet
Sarcochilus weinthalii F.M.Bailey, 1903 Blotched Sarcophilus (epiphyte)

Hybrids

The species S. falcatus, S. fitzgeraldii and S. hartmannii have been hybridized, often with S. australis, producing rounder, cherry-red flowers. A few examples are : S.. Fitzhart (hartmannii x fitzgeraldii), S. Tin Yin Lara (Melody x fitzgeraldii), S. Southern Cross (hartmannii x australis) and S.. Otways Sunset (Fitzhart x australis).