[2][3] The native stream orchid was first formally described in 1886 by Frederick Manson Bailey who gave it the name Eria australiensis and published the description in Occasional Papers on the Queensland Flora.

[5] The specific epithet (australiensis) refers to Australia, the ending -ensis being a Latin suffix "denoting place", "locality" or "country".

[6] Podochilus australiensis grows in humid forests, often on branches over streams or on rotting logs and boulders.

It is found between the McIlwraith Range and the Tully River in Queensland.

[2] Easy to grow, but needs water all year round, high humidity, and warmth (not below 10 °C).