Monday, 28 September 2020

Canberra Spider Orchids

Arachnorchis actensis

The orchids in and around Canberra are flowering really well this year after high rainfall in autumn, winter and spring. In the past week I have seen several species in flower, the more common ones in thousands on Black Mountain. Even some of the local specialties have been out in high numbers. And I have seen several groups of the local endemic Canberra Spider Orchid, with a total of over thirty flower spikes. By far the most I have ever seen.

A little group of Wax-lipped Orchids Glossodia major.

The detail of a Nodding Greenhood Pterostylis nutans.

At only about 10 cm tall and with two slim leaves, this Canberra Spider Orchid is easily overlooked in the shadowed leaf litter.

A burst of sunshine helps define the flower.

And the intricate detail of the flower head. A very rare flower. A treasure.


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