Orchids


There are about 30,000 species of orchid worldwide making Orchidaceae the largest family of flowering plants. They are found in a diverse range of habitats.

Orchids have distinctive flowers, consisting of three sepals and three petals. The third petal is greatly modified into a specialised structure known as a labellum. Another distinctive feature is the column, a fusion of the sexual parts of the flower (stamens and style) into a fleshy structure. Most terrestrial orchids grow from a tuber which is replaced each year.

Some orchids are designated as rare and endangered plants. Others, although reasonably common, are very localised in their occurence. All orchids are protected species and should not be disturbed in their native habitat. For these reasons all orchids have been included as rare or sensitive plants.


Orchids

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Discussion

warrencameron wrote:
Yesterday
thanks MattM!

Diuris nigromontana
MattM wrote:
Yesterday
D. semilunulata tends to be more orange in colour and often has more blotches on average.

Diuris nigromontana
warrencameron wrote:
Yesterday
thanks Tapirlord - was wondering what makes this d.nigromontana instead of semiunulata?
i saw flattish petals and with lateral sepals seeming to be pointing back plus dorsal sepal not very triangular and not with bluntly pointed apex?

Diuris nigromontana
Mike wrote:
17 Oct 2025
I never expected to see them there, but sun orchids are very common this year. Maybe I will see one flower.

Thelymitra (genus)
Tapirlord wrote:
17 Oct 2025
Hi LeahColebrook, thanks for your sighting. The media you provided is missing or unclear. To help us verify this sighting, please provide additional media.

Caladenia atrovespa
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