Spiranthes Australis (Pink spiral orchid)
Spiranthes australis (Pink Spiral Orchid) is a summer-flowering orchid found in poorly drained locations on marshy ground. The bright pink and white flowers are arranged in a tight spiral around the scape which can be up to 50 cm tall. Seems to favor the margins of swamps often amongst reeds and grasses.
Found in the far South, East and NE Coast, Central midlands and Far NW and West Coast, this orchid is nevertheless not easy to locate. There is a very similar-looking species, S alticola, which is found at higher altitudes and has a somewhat larger flower.
The images below were captured at Freycinet Peninsular on 29 Jan 2021, 1 Feb 2023 and 29 Jan 2024.
