This distinctive native flower had long been popularly regarded as the State's unofficial floral emblem, and this was confirmed in a government-sponsored, newspaper public opinion poll taken in the centenary year. The State Parliament endorsed the popular choice in the Badge,Arms, Floral and other Emblems of Queensland Act 1959-1971. It grows on trees and rocks in well-watered areas of Cape York Peninsula. Each plant flowers for up to six weeks in autumn and winter.
Individual flowers reach about four centimetres across.
The Cooktown Orchid is relatively easy to cultivate as a garden specimen in frost-free areas of coastal Queensland. It needs a well-drained, sunny position, protected from winter winds. A bed of loose charcoal or bark is a suitable growing medium. It can also be cultivated on the trunks or branches of trees. The illustrations of the orchid, koala, brolga and State gem are by noted Queensland wildlife artist, Kay Breeden Williams.