Our scheduled walk for Red River Track area on December 10 was cancelled due to the very dry conditions.
We had hoped to visit the swamp site where the Large Tongue Orchid Cryptostylis subulata is often found but our reconnoitre for the ramble found a dry swamp and only two orchid specimens still in tight bud.
As a result we switched our activity to the Harrison Track area near Gum Flat as we knew Large Duck Orchids Caleana major and Small Duck Orchids Caleana minor were in flower there and we were not disappointed.
Large Duck Orchid Caleana major
Small Duck Orchid Caleana minor
Recently known as Paracaleana minor. It was placed in the Caleana genus in 2014.
Large Duck Orchid with labellum in shut position
The Large Duck Orchid is pollinated by male sawflies. The labellum is highly sensitive and snaps shut at the slightest touch, trapping the insect against the column. The pollen is picked up as the saw fly struggles to free itself.
The Small Duck Orchid is pollinated by wasps.
Our group of 12 members was fascinated with the orchids – some seeing them for the first time and were keen to capture photos.
There were many other interesting flora that captured our attention including:-
Slender Twist-rush Caustis flexuosa
A graceful plant with attractive curling foliage. It is also called Curly wig!
And
Heath Xanthosia Xanthosia hueglii
A small, soft, extremely hairy perennial herb.
It was a great nature ramble to finish our year’s activity and hopefully many more to come in 2019.
Margaret MacDonald
Photography by Wendy Crebbin