Parsons Bands, Eriochilus cucullatus, are usually one of our first autumn orchids to flower, but so far, they haven’t been seen, no doubt due to the very dry summer we have had.
Parsons Band (Image: Alison Watson)
Recent rain should encourage them to appear so look for them in open forests and heathland. The white, sometimes pink, lateral sepals stand out against the surrounding green vegetation. They are delicately perfumed, attracting pollinating native bees to the nectar. The ovate leaves develop later and remain well after the flowers have finished. Who will find the first of these eye-catching orchids?
Margaret MacDonald and Alison Watson