We really are enjoying walking in the
Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve at this time of year. It’s Spring, the wildflowers are everywhere,
the colours and varieties so diverse. A
few weeks ago in among the bushes flashes of purple colour seemed to be
everywhere. They are the easily recognisable and quite large Wax Lip
orchids. The Wax Lips were preceded
earlier in the month by the more subtle colours of delicate pinks and blues of
the Caladenias, smaller orchids, but beautiful.
In some places we have also seen the lovely creamy white Hooded
Caladenia orchids. The commonly seen
orchids of our district come in many colours.
The yellow and brown of Leopards, the Purplish Beard orchid and the many
forms of Greenhood. With hotter days we
have been fortunate to see some small populations of Sun Orchids which only
open up when the temperature is warm enough.
On one morning walk we were surprised to find a few groups of Rabbit Ear
orchids fully open, early in the morning.
This area also has some special orchids.
Green Comb Spider orchids seem to be favourite food for wallabies and
it’s wonderful to spot one of these spectacular orchids in flower. The delight we experience when observing
these beautiful wildflowers in the bush is because they are special plants and
an important part of the biodiversity of nature. When talking to older community members they
describe how decades ago wildflowers were in abundance in some favourite places
and how they were picked by the armful.
It is an important message that over the years the numbers and variety
of species of wildflowers have decreased along with suitable habitat for them. Take the opportunity to admire and appreciate
the wildflowers that are still present in the bush. Take photos and leave the
flowers there for future generations.
Wedderburn Conservation
Management “Observers”
Photo to accompany this
article is of a Wax Lip Orchid
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