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With the wealth of terrestrial orchids flowering as a result of the fuel reduction burn carried out on November 28, 2016, we decided to explore this area for our October Nature Ramble.

It was great to welcome a number of members that do not usually participate in our rambles and it was obvious they enjoyed the experience.

Unfortunately the sun was not out enough to encourage sun orchids to open but nevertheless there were plenty of other species for us to observe.

Large White Spider Orchid
Large White Spider Orchid

As we entered the area we were greeted by the Large White Spider Orchid Caladenia venusta. In fact they were the feature of the survey with just so many scattered throughout the area.

Group observing Tall Leek Orchid on the side of the track
Group observing Tall Leek Orchid on the side of the track

The Tall Leek Orchid was new to most people and they were intrigued to observe the ‘upside down’ flowers with the dorsal sepal at the base of the flower.

Tall Leek Orchid
Tall Leek Orchid

Donkey orchids Diuris orientis were flowering in profusion with their brightly colored yellow, orange and brown flowers standing out amongst the low-growing heathland plants.

Donkey Orchid
Donkey Orchid

 Group admiring yellow Clone
Group admiring yellow Clone

The group was excited to find a yellow clone Donkey Orchid and soon after walking a little further found a large colony that had just opened overnight.

Colony of yellow Clones
Colony of yellow Clones

Colonies of Hare orchids with their attractive white and red flowers were scattered through the site.

Hare Orchids
Hare Orchids

Red Beaks
Red Beaks

Red Beaks Pyrorchis nigricans were still flowering after many weeks.

Southern Bearded Greenhood
Southern Bearded Greenhood

It was exciting when Penny Edmonson noticed a greenhood that did not look like our Anglesea species of Bearded Greenhood Pterostylis sp. aff. plumosa and it was identified as the Southern Bearded Greenhood P. tasmanica.

It was so exciting to see what was happening as a result of the burn. The feast started in August and looks like continuing for many weeks as the sun orchids come into flower.

Margaret MacDonald