The spring orchids have been flowering well, especially the sun orchids opening in the warm sunny weather. It is very hard to choose just one orchid this month so the Large White Spider Orchid, Caladenia venusta, and Eastern Mantis Orchid, C. tentaculata, take equal place as the most outstanding.
Large White Spider Orchid
Eastern Mantis Orchid
There are beautiful groups of both of these spider orchid species, standing tall amongst the other heathland plants. These two spider orchids hybridise readily with each other producing some spectacular flowers. The Large White Spider Orchids have been putting on a display for some time and continue to delight. The Eastern Mantis Orchid has taken over from the Small Spider Orchid, C. parva, and they are growing tall this year.
Alison Watson