This fascinating orchid can be seen in the western corridor of the Glasshouses.
The genus Dimorphorchis has a native range of Borneo to Papuasia, and comprises only eleven species. The genus takes its name from dimorph meaning two-shaped or types, in reference to the flowers of members of the genus. D. lowii is an epiphytic species from Borneo, which has a monopodial habit i.e. has a single stem. It has a pendent inflorescence up to 3m in length, which carries both small yellow flowers with red-brown speckling, and ivory flowers whose speckles are larger and give the impression of a red colouring. The yellow and ivory flowers differ in structure, with the ivory flowers having undulating petal margins, and the yellow flowers are fragrant while the ivory flowers lack scent. It is unclear why this species produces two different flowers, but theories suggest that either pollinators attracted to the scented flowers also pollinate the unscented flowers, or that the different flower forms attract different pollinators.