October 2022
One of the wettest Springs I can remember has made getting into the field more challenging than usual. It’s always interesting to consider if seasonal variations affect our local orchids. I have noticed a reduction in the number of flowers of Corybas species (helmet orchids) around Hobart during the winter. This might be just because torrents of water have washed out a couple of colonies I visit which are located on steep slopes.
On the other hand, now in the middle of the spring flush, much larger numbers than I can recall of Caladenias, in particular, cracens (graceful caladenia) and the ubiquitous carnia have appeared in the usual spots. These include the bushland bordering the Huon road and the hillsides around the perimeter of the Waterworks but they are in many locations in the bush around Hobart. Caladenia gracilis is starting to appear but my notes indicate it tends to appear in numbers around the middle of November. A large number of large flying duck buds are also showing in some of these sites and should flower from later in November onwards. Ducks are flowering in some sites already (as at early Nov). I see reports from slightly warmer locations than Mt Wellington/Kunanyi foothills of both small and large ducks in flower.
Bird orchids, both Chiloglottis gunnii (large Bird orchid) and Chiloglottis triceratops (three-horned Bird orchid after the prominent three calli (raised spikes at the back of the labellum)) are flowering in profusion, usually on the shaded side of the slope or under some cover. These look quite similar but can be distinguished by checking the calli . The large bird may be taller than triceratops but it’s sometimes hard to tell.
Earlier in October, Caladenia clavigera was showing a good number of blooms in the S Arm area. I missed the fawn spider orchids this year around Lenah Valley due to the weather but these were budding up back in September.
Various greenhoods such as P nutans, P concina and the Williamsonii group were still on display as were Diuris pardina (Leopard orchid), mayfly orchids (acianthus caudata) and the waxlips (Glosodia major).
We are in the flush of the late Spring flowering now with the Sun orchids and bearded orchids all set to open if they have not done so already. Perhaps the star of the show are the Thrlymitras – sun orchids in late Oct and Nov. Our continual run of wet and cool days makes planning your excursions to see these critical as they will only flower in warm weather.
Much to look forward to and hoping for some warm sunny days!
