Terrestrial, Fierce Flora Orchids

Pterostylis planulata – Flat Rustyhood

Post published:December 2, 2021
Post category:Australian / Terrestrial

Pterostylis planulata is a remarkable orchid that grows in the slightest accumulations of substrate in the rocky outcrops of the Grampians.

Pterostylis despectans – Lowly Rustyhood

Post published:November 13, 2021
Post category:Australian / Orchids / Terrestrial

Pterostylis despectans is an endangered orchid native to SE Australia, mostly in Victoria but extending across the border to NSW and SA. The species is notable for its short stature…

October Update – Melbourne

Post published:October 31, 2021
Post category:Australian / Orchids / Terrestrial

October is the peak orchid season across Melbourne with so many different species blooming at the same time. Photos mainly taken in SE Melbourne, with a few in the NE.…

Diuris punctata – Purple Donkey Orchid

Post published:October 28, 2021
Post category:Australian / Terrestrial

Diuris punctata is a stunning pink-coloured donkey orchid native to SE Australia. This population was growing in Melbourne.

Pterostylis tasmanica – Small Bearded Greenhood

Post published:October 28, 2021
Post category:Australian / Terrestrial

Pterostylis tasmanica is an interestingly shaped orchid native to south east Australia and New Zealand. I found this specimen in Melbourne, blooming in late October.

Thelymitra x irregularis – Crested Sun Orchid

Post published:October 28, 2021
Post category:Australian / Terrestrial

Thelymitra x irregularis is a hybrid between T. ixioides and T. rubra/carnea. The T. ixioides parentage confers the tufts to the column and spotting on the tepals. The T. rubra/carnea…

The first Thelymitra ixioides of the season

Post published:October 9, 2021
Post category:Australian / Terrestrial

I've been watching this group of plants every sunny day for almost 4 weeks and finally they decide to open!

Pollination of Caladenia parva

Post published:October 9, 2021
Post category:Australian / Terrestrial

Like many orchids, Caladenia parva employs sexual mimicry as an extremely specialised mode of pollination. The species targets flower wasps like Lophocheilus anilitatus. The winged males are attracted to the…