The beautiful Bluebeard Orchid, Pheladenia deformis, is popping up now in recently burnt areas. It is especially stunning when it appears in tight clusters of bright blue flowers.
Bluebeard Orchid clump
The labellum is crowded with calli looking like a small beard. Occasionally flowers can be white or pink.
Bluebeard Orchid
It can hybridise with the Waxlip Orchid, Glossodia major, to form the rare x Glossadenia tutelata. Continue to check regularly as they are appearing daily, but you have to be quick as it seems wallabies or kangaroos might be grazing on them.
Alison Watson and Margaret MacDonald