Ground Orchilds Collection

The third chapter of The Magic of the Forest book, titled Ground Orchids. Features: Blue Fairies (Caladenia deformis): These beautiful little orchids are seen in late winter and early spring. They are found in a wide range of areas from the coast to the forest, often growing together in small clumps. The single flowers range in colour from a brilliant blue through to occasionally white. (32W x 48H) Veined Helmet Orchid (Corybas dilatatus): Helmet Orchids are dwarf plants with flat green leaves, and are usually found in large colonies in damp, sheltered areas. Only a small proportion of these plants will flower during winter. (89W x 59H) Fire Orchids (Pyrorchis nigricans): Great communities of the leaves of these orchids are often found in habitats ranging from coastal sandhills to dense forests. Flowering is usually infrequent except after bushfires (hence the name 'Fire Orchid'), when quite spectacular displays are produced. (33W x 82H) Spring Orchids: The colourful orchids embroidered here were found growing in close proximity to each other in an open area of eucalypt forest that had been cleared of larger trees and shrubs a few years earlier. - Narrow-Lipped Spider Orchid (Caladenia leptochila) - Hare Orchids (Leptoceras menziesii) - Cockatoos (Glossodia major) - Yellow Stars (Hypoxis glabella), do not belong to the Orchid family. (57W x 160H) Dwarf Greenhoods (Pterostylis nana): These tiny little orchids flower in late winter in sheltered positions under trees and bushes. Their non-fragrant flowers are pale green, and the leaves grow in basal rosettes. (30W x 70H) Collection of Orchids: This collection features three of the 'Sun orchids', so-called because of the need for full sun for their flowers to open. - The largest here is the Tall Sun-Orchid (Thelymitra grandiflora) which has many blue or mauve flowers on a tall spkie. - Scented Sun-Orchid (Thelymitra nuda) has fewer flowers on a spike and is found in a much larger range of habitat. The blue, mauve or sometimes white flowers are sweetly scented. - Rabbit Ears (Thelymitra antennifera) is a small orchid with one to four bright yellow flowers on a slender stem. - King Spider Orchid (Caladenia tentaculata) - Cockatoos (Glossodia major) - Hare Orchid (Leptoceras menziesii) (90W x 130H)