The start of summer in Tasmania has brought with it dry conditions for some of my favourite native orchids.
Thelymitra circumsepta- Naked Sun Orchid
These colourful sun orchids were found in the Huon Valley area of Tasmania. Their colourful columns and yellow tufts are a feature.
Caleana major – Large Duck Orchid
Spring 2014 has brought with it some exciting native orchids. These images are of orchids in the Peter Murrell Reserve, Blackmans Bay with one from the foothills of Mount Wellington.
The hunt goes on!
Spent time today on private property photographing the Sagg Spider Orchid, Caladenia saggicola. Many of my finds exhibited signs of hybridisation – intriguing colour variations.
Hobart orchid members of the Threatened Plants Tasmania organisation are invited to join a band of volunteers on the 20th. September to help with the ongoing monitoring program. 8 volunteers are needed.
Details at MilfordtripSept2014
This orchid is endangered so the exercise is important.
My earlier post reported on my first visit of the season to the ‘home’ of Caladenia saggicola. In reviewing my images I found evidence of the challenges often faced in getting shots – in this case I ‘fought’ large mosquitoes. The mosquito in this shot luckily was more interested in the orchid than my vulnerable self!
One of Tasmania’s most delicate and rare orchids – Caladenia saggicola, the Sagg Spider Orchid is only found on a private property, East of Hobart, Tasmania. It is endemic to Tasmania and is closely monitored by government staff supported by dedicated volunteers.
This image provides an example of variations found in the flowering area, particularly where Caladenia saggicola and Caladenia caudata are in close proximity.
Caladenia saggicola
A colleague, Geoff Carle and I have spent time in the Waverley Flora Park this week and Geoff found an intriguing Caladenia in our usual Caladenia caudata area – the narrow leaf and brilliant colour is fascinating.
What do others think?
Caladenia caudata or commonly called Tailed Spider Orchids are easily recognised by their colour and most importantly their prominent labellum ‘tail’.
My recent finds provide several examples of the above.
This morning I found about 20 Caladenia caudata in one of my favourite nature reserves – Waverley Flora Park, Bellerive, Hobart, Tasmania.
Macro Images - Native Orchids 