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natural history: orchids
Unlike the popular cultivated varieties the native orchids, with a few exceptions, are not notable for their flower size or colours. Many are inconspicuous but over time and with some familiarity they become recognisable.
Although Spring is probably the best time to view these plants there are usually some species or other in flower throughout the year.
Thumbnails are linked to larger images.
 Acianthus caudatus Mayfly Orchid |
 Caladenia alpina Mountain Caladenia |
 Caladenia mentiens Lesser Caladenia |
 Caladenia sp. (unidentified species) |
 Caleania major Large Duck Orchid |
 Calochilus robertsonii Red Beard Orchid |
 Chiloglottis cornuta Green Bird Orchid |
 Chiloglottis gunnii Tall Bird Orchid |
 Corybas aconitiflorus Spurred Helmet Orchid |
 Dipodium roseum Rosy Hyacinth Orchid |
 Eriochilus cucullatus Pink Autumn Orchid |
 Gastrodia sesamoides Potato Orchid |
 Glossodia major Wax-Lip Orchid |
 Microtis unifolia Onion Orchid |
 Prasophyllum alpinum Alpine Leek Orchid |
 Pterostylis decurva Summer Greenhood |
Pterostylis longifolia Tall Greenhood |
 Pterostylis nutans Nodding Greenhood |
 Pterostylis pedunculata Maroonhood |
 Pterostylis scabrida Greenhood |
 Sarcochilus australis Gunn's Tree Orchid |
 Thelymitra media Tall Sun Orchid |
 Thelymitra sp. Sun Orchid |
 Townsonia viridis Beech Orchid |