Thinking about orchids, the usual picture that comes to mind is striking blooms visible from 100 paces. Southern Victorian orchids however are incredibly subtle and definitely not available through Interflora.
Our local species intricately mimic insects or offer ornate landing pads rich in nectar to attract a pollinator. The shape of the Fringed Helmet Orchid (Corysanthes fimbriata) (see image below), and other Helmet orchids, channel divine inspiration and are said to resemble the headdress from a dancing priest of a Greek goddess!
Watch out for the two other orchid species that will be flowering soon. These are the Blunt Greenhood (Ptrestylis curta) and the Dainty Wasp Orchid (Chiloglottis trapeziformis).
Check it out in the Forest Gallery display until the end of September.
At 2cm this Fringed Helmet Orchid is angling to attract critters at the smaller end of the scale. Photograph: Alan Henderson Source: Museum Victoria
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