Cooktown orchid
Dendrobium bigibbum, family Orchidaceae
A lilac-purple orchid from Queensland, the floral emblem of the state
The Cooktown orchid is a tropical orchid with arching stems of lilac-purple flowers, native to northern Queensland, Australia, and parts of New Guinea. It grows on trees or rocks in rainforests and open forests, and is celebrated as Queensland’s state floral emblem.
- Chosen as Queensland's state floral emblem in 1959
- Native to northern Queensland, New Guinea, and the Tanimbar Islands
- Flowers are mostly lilac-purple, sometimes pink or blue
- Grows on trees and rocks in tropical forests
- Listed as vulnerable under Australian law
What does Cooktown orchid look like?
This orchid forms clumps with long, slender pseudobulbs that can be green or tinged with purple. Each stem carries three to five broad, egg-shaped leaves. Its arching flower spikes can display up to twenty flowers, mostly in shades of lilac-purple, but sometimes pinkish or bluish. The blooms are about 2–3 cm long and up to 7 cm wide, with broad petals and a three-lobed lip that often shows a hairy patch and raised ridges. Some varieties have a white spot on the lip.
Where does Cooktown orchid come from?
Cooktown orchid is native to tropical areas of North Queensland, Australia, and extends into southern New Guinea and the Tanimbar Islands in Indonesia. It grows naturally on trees and rocks in rainforests, coastal scrub, and near rivers or swamps. The plant was officially described in the 19th century, and several varieties have been identified, though their classification has changed over time. The species is named for the town of Cooktown, near where it is found.
When and how Cooktown orchid blooms
Flowering takes place from late summer into mid-winter, mainly between February and July in Australia. In the wild, the orchid grows attached to tree branches or rocks, drawing moisture from the air and rain. In cultivation, it prefers a bright, warm spot with good air movement, and needs less water than many other orchids. Collecting plants from the wild is not allowed without a permit.
How Cooktown orchid is used
The Cooktown orchid is grown for its attractive flowers and is popular among orchid enthusiasts. It is not only a decorative plant but also a symbol of Queensland, chosen for its beauty and local significance. The orchid has appeared on Australian stamps and is often displayed in homes and public spaces, especially in Queensland.
Kinds of Cooktown orchid
There are several forms of Dendrobium bigibbum. The main variety, bigibbum, grows at low elevations in Cape York and parts of New Guinea, with a white spot on the lip. The compactum variety is found at higher elevations in the wet tropics. The schoederianum variety grows only on Larat Island and can have flowers in different colours. The superbum variety, known for its large flowers without a white spot, is found between Cooktown and Mount Molloy.
What Cooktown orchid means
The Cooktown orchid was chosen as Queensland’s floral emblem in 1959, following a public poll. It was selected for its local origins, distinctive look, and colours close to the state’s maroon. The orchid is protected by law due to threats from habitat loss and illegal collection. Its image has been used on postage stamps and in state celebrations.
Questions people ask about Cooktown orchid
Where does the Cooktown orchid come from?
This orchid is native to tropical North Queensland in Australia, as well as southern New Guinea and the Tanimbar Islands of Indonesia. It grows in rainforests, coastal scrub, and open forests, often on trees or rocks.
What does the Cooktown orchid look like?
It has long, slender stems with three to five broad leaves and arching spikes of up to twenty flowers. The blooms are usually lilac-purple, but can also be pinkish or bluish, and have a broad, three-lobed lip.
Why is the Cooktown orchid important in Queensland?
It was chosen as the state floral emblem in 1959 because it is native, decorative, and its colours are close to Queensland's maroon. The orchid is a symbol of the state and appears in official events and on stamps.
When does the Cooktown orchid flower?
Flowering happens from February to July in Australia, which covers late summer through mid-winter. The exact timing can vary depending on the local climate.
Is the Cooktown orchid protected?
Yes, it is listed as vulnerable in Australia. Collecting plants from the wild is illegal without a permit, due to threats from habitat loss and illegal collection.
Good reading and sources
- Dendrobium bigibbum stampAustralian National Botanic Gardens, Article
- USDA Plants DatabaseUS Department of Agriculture, Article
- Dendrobium bigibbumRoyal Horticultural Society, Article
- Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
- Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
- Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database
- Dendrobium bigibbum on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Dendrobium bigibbum", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. It is not medical or foraging advice: many flowers are poisonous, and traditional uses are reported, not recommended. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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