12 Australian Native Orchids to stop you in your tracks
Depending on your style of walking, sometimes it’s easy to miss the small things. The minute detail of a tiny leaf, the animal shapes that appear in the clouds or industrious ants teaming together to lug something three times their size back to their homes. Well, I confess to sometimes being on a mission when I’m out in the wilderness and like a horse turning for home, I can stride out with purpose. So when I came upon the photographs from my friend, expert fellow bushwalker (& consummate gentleman!), Jan Mohandas, I was floored. Here’s just a few of his images – 12 Australian native orchids to stop you in your tracks and remind you to slow down and look for the detail… I know they did that to me. Thanks so much Jan!
Fringed Midge Orchid [Genoplesium fimbriatum] Royal NP, Sydney. [Pic: Jan Mohandas]The one below is without a doubt, my favourite and was the first image of Jan’s that caught my eye. They seriously look like ducks!
Flying Duck Orchid [Caleana Major], Duffys Forest, Garigal NP. [Pic: Jan Mohandas]Bearded orchid [Calochilus paludosus] Freycinet NP, Tasmania. [Pic: Jan Mohandas]Bonnet orchid [Cryptostylis erecta] Bobbin Head, Kuringai NP. [Pic: Jan Mohandas]Small tongue orchid [Cryptostylis leptochila] Blackheath, Blue Mountains NP. [Pic: Jan Mohandas]
This Rufa [poss. Cobar Greenhood – Pterostylis cobarensis?] Mt Nangar NP, near Parkes, NSW. [Pic: Jan Mohandas]I swear this next little guy is smiling at me!
Veined Sun Orchid [Thelymitra cyanea] Blackheath, Blue Mountains NP. [Pic: Jan Mohandas]Beetle Orchid [Chiloglottis diphylla] Royal National Park. [Pic: Jan Mohandas]Toothed Helmet Orchid [Corybus pruinosus] Royal NP. [Pic: Jan Mohandas]Pixie Cap Orchid [Acianthus fornicatus] Wondabyne, Brisbane Water NP. [Pic: Jan Mohandas]Turtle orchid [Chiloglottis seminuda] Blue Mountains NP. [Pic: Jan Mohandas]
Long-clubbed orchid [Chiloglottis trilabra] Near Lithgow, NSW [Pic: Jan Mohandas]What about you? What stops you in your tracks when out hiking? I’d love to hear your thoughts… please let me know below…:-)
