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.
