Journal Of the Native Orchid Society Of South Australia Inc.

Print Post Approved Volume 38 Nº 3 PP 543662/00018 April 2014

NATIVE ORCHID SOCIET Y OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA PO Box 565 Unley SA 5061 Website: www.nossa.org.au Ph: 8294 8014 April 2014 Vol. 38 NO3 President The Native Orchid Society of South Australia promotes the conservation Robert Lawrence of orchids through the preservation of natural habitat and through Email: cultivation. Except with the documented official representation of the [email protected] management committee, no person may represent the Society on any Vice President matter. All native orchids are protected in the wild; their collection Kris Kopicki without written Government permit is illegal. Secretary Contents Vacant Email: [email protected] Title Author Page Notice Board 27 Treasurer Summary of March Meeting & AGM Lorraine Badger 28 Gordon Ninnes March Judging Results Les Nesbitt 29 Email: [email protected] or Competition Recall Les Nesbitt 29 [email protected] Winning Picture for March Rosalie Lawrence 30 Editor Field Trip to Meadows Flat and Knott Leo Davis 31 Lorraine and John Badger Hill Native Forest Reserves. Email: [email protected] Gastrodia Worldwide Rob Bates 33 Assistant Editor Photographing Orchid Pollinators Rosalie Lawrence 34 Helen Lawrence 2014 – 2015 Event Calendar 35 Committee LIFE MEMBERS Jan Adams Mr R Hargreaves† Mr G. Carne Rosalie Lawrence Bob Bates Mr H Goldsack† Mr R Bates David Hirst Mr R Robjohns† Mr R Shooter Mr J Simmons† Mr W Dear Other Positions Mr D Wells† Mrs C Houston Membership Liaison Officer Mr L Nesbitt Mr D Hirst Robert Lawrence Ph: 8294 8014 PATRON: MR L NESBITT Email: The Native Orchid Society of South Australia, while taking all due [email protected] care, take no responsibility for loss or damage to any whether Conservation Officer at shows, meetings or exhibits. Thelma Bridle Views or opinions expressed by authors of articles within this Journal Botanical Advisor do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the management Bob Bates committee. We condone the reprint of any articles if Field Trips Coordinator acknowledgment is given. Vacant Trading Table Front cover from an original drawing of Pterostylis cucullata ssp. Judy Penney cucullata by Thelma Bridle. Used with her kind permission. Pterostylis cucullata ssp. cucullata is a rare, short-statured species of Leafy Librarian Pauline Meyers Greenhood which grows only in coastal regions. Thought to be extinct in SA, a NOSSA member discovered a large population in Show Marshall 2013, growing in the lower South East close to the Victorian border. Vacant Registrar of Judges Les Nesbitt

Tuber Band Coordinator Jane Higgs Ph: 8558 6247 Email: [email protected] Website Manager Rosalie Lawrence Email: [email protected] Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South Australia Inc. April 2014 Vol. 38 NO3

NOTICE BOARD

The Native Orchid Society of South Australia meets every fourth Tuesday of the months February to November at St Matthew's Hall, Bridge Street, Kensington. Meetings start at 8:00 p.m. Doors to the hall will be open from 7:15 pm to allow Members access to the Library and Trading Table, OR to attend Les Nesbit’s Growing Orchid Forum 7.15 to 7.45 p.m (commencing from the May meeting).

Date Event April 22, Tue General Meeting Speaker - Jason Tyndall “Orchid Stories - connecting children to nature through orchids” April 26, Sat Field Trip - Scott CP Leporella fimbriata see item below April 26, Sat NOSSA display and stall at Australian Plant Society Autumn Sale 10 am to 5 pm, Wayville Showgrounds April 27, Sun NOSSA display and stall at Australian Plant Society Autumn Sale 10 am to 4 pm, Wayville Showgrounds April 29, Tue Committee Meeting 7.30pm at the Lawrences May 2, Fri Articles for Journal are to reach the editor by this date. [email protected] May 3, Sat Judges Meeting 9:30 – 11:30 at Les Nesbitt's place further information below May 17, Sat Working Bee & BBQ beginning 10am Warradale Uniting Church – see item below May 25 Sat Field Trip - Mt Billy Conservation Park - P. byrophilum, Acianthus, Eriochilus

Welcome to new members Committee Meeting Times Fran Lucas of Belair Please note that meeting times have reverted to a Heather Whiting of Vale Park 7:30 pm start.

Membership Fees Now Overdue NOSSA Name Tags Membership fees remain unchanged for 2014. Lost or broken your name tag? Possibly you have Are you one of the many who has overlooked never received one. Contact Rosalie Lawrence on them? If so a request from the NOSSA treasurer 8294 8014 or email [email protected] for those fees are paid soon before you discover you a new one. Badges certainly help in getting to no longer receive the journal. Payments can be know one another, especially on field trips. made by cash at any Bank SA branch or Working Bee & BBQ Saturday 17th May 10am start electronically as Direct Deposit. NOSSA has hired a storage shed at Warradale Uniting Church (corner Lascelles and Struan, Warradale UBD Bank SA - BSB: 105 011 Map152 P3.). Members are encouraged to come and Account Name: Native Orchid Society of SA help us sort and pack NOSSA equipment. Incorporated Account #: 073181741 Next Field Trip - Saturday, 26 April 2014 Reference: Member Name; Subs NOTE: the next trip will be to Scott CP at Currency Creek (as distinct from Scott Creek CP) meeting at the It is important to put your name in the reference so northern car park (gate 1) at 10 am. that we know who has paid. Should you have previously sent money without identification could Access: From Meadows take the Goolwa you let the treasurer know otherwise you may not Road for 25.5 km, (passing first Nangkita Rd continue to receive your journal. and then Tooperang Rd), take a right turn south onto Deep Creek Road. After 3km take the Judges' Meeting Gould Rd track leading east for 0.75 km. The first judges’ meeting for the year will be held (Gould Rd can also be accessed from Goolwa - at 18 Cambridge St, Vale Park on Saturday 3rd Strathalbyn Rd) May from 9.30 am to 11.30am. All members who New Venture – MONTHLY GROWING ORCHID want to learn about judging native orchids are FORUM welcome to attend. Bring your ANOS judging Prior to the general meeting Les Nesbit will present a handbook if you have one. Also bring any good monthly Growing Orchid Forum 7.15 to 7.45 beginning quality orchids in flower for judging practice. at the May meeting. Any member interested in growing orchids is encouraged to attend.

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Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South Australia Inc. April 2014 Vol. 38 NO3

New Website species and hybrid in the background. The species On March 8, a new NOSSA website was launched. In composition of each hybrid in the parentage will also the few weeks to the end of March, some 700 views be shown. We expect this to take another 5 months or from 24 countries were recorded. Most viewers were so to complete. The next ANOS Conference will from Australia (naturally), followed by USA and then hopefully be held in Sydney in 2016, but details have Brazil. Rosalie has set it up so people can comment on still to be worked through. articles. It would be a great encouragement if Volunteers Required to man NOSSA stall at APS members check it out and leave their thoughts. Sale www.nossa.org.au If you are able to help on either the Saturday or Australasian Native Orchid Society Inc.. COUNCIL Sunday, morning or afternoon, contact Robert or NEWS Mar 2014 Rosalie by email [email protected] or An updated Orchid Hybrid Checklist version is being phone 8294 8014 prepared which will contain details involving each

SUMMARY OF MARCH MEETING AND AGM

Our last meeting, the Annual General Meeting, was Management Committee recommended David Hirst be well attended with approximately 40 people present. honoured with Life Membership for his work as Journal The election of officers turned out to be a speedy event editor over many years as well as presenting him with since there was either only one name against a position a certificate of appreciation. The meeting voted or no volunteer. In the end the positions of Secretary, unanimously to make him a life member. Robert Show Marshall and Field Trip Co-ordinator remained Lawrence also thanked Geoff for his leadership over vacant with the Committee reviewing, especially, the the last two years. The next AGM will be 24th March position of secretary. 2015.

The 2014 team is as follows The guest speaker for the evening was Heather President: Robert Lawrence Whiting who shared her experience of Vice President: Kris Kopicki Secretary: Vacant "Successfully Reintroducing Native Orchids to the Treasurer: Gordon Ninnes Adelaide Plains." Heather, a botanist and co- Editors: Lorraine and Badger ordinator of Vale Park Our Patch (VPOP), a Assistant Editor: Helen Lawrence community-based native re-vegetation and Committee: Jan Adams, Rosalie environmental education project, along the banks Lawrence, David Hirst, of the River Torrens, enthusiastically presented how Bob Bates their group has successfully established a Membership wildflower walk at Vale Park. Since then a couple Liaison Officer: Robert Lawrence of other sites have been established. They have Conservation Officer: Thelma Bridle effectively recreated ecosystems suitable for Botanical Advisor: Bob Bates orchids, reintroducing to date 26 species of native Field Trips Coordinator: Vacant Trading Table: Judy Penney orchids. Many are thriving, setting seed and Librarian: Pauline Meyers forming colonies or clumps. Her passion for this Show Marshall: Vacant project was evident throughout her interesting Registrar of Judges: Les Nesbitt discussion. Tuber Band Coordinator: Jane Higgs Website Manager: Rosalie Lawrence Editors’ note: If you missed this wonderful discussion, or wish to know more, we highly Votes of thanks were given to Geoff Borg as retiring recommend checking out the VPOP website for president and David Hirst as retiring editor for their further information. dedication to NOSSA in their respective roles. The http://www.valeparkourpatch.com

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Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South Australia Inc. April 2014 Vol. 38 NO3

MARCH JUDGING RESULTS

LES NESBITT

Open Terrestrial Species Pterostylis laxa Kris Kopicki

Open Epiphyte Species 1st Sarcochilus hirticalcar Kris Kopicki

2nd Den. biggibum Bodo Jensen

Open Epiphytic Hybrid Sarc. Fitzhart x Velvet Kris Kopicki

2nd Division Epiphyte Hybrid Den. Johnathons Glory ‘DJ’ Eric Nesbitt

Plant of the night was Sarcochilus hirticalcar

A plant of Eriochilus cucullatus in bud was displayed to show that flowering is imminent for this species. The first flowers are usually out in the dying days of March with peak flowering about mid April. Judges do not judge plants with no flowers open.

Competition Plant Recall A shady location must be chosen in summer. Daily misting is needed in summer and during warm dry Four competition plants are still surviving and were weather in autumn and spring. Not a beginner’s orchid brought in for comparison at the March meeting. especially if a small seedling. However everyone admires a specimen plant and these are almost never There were 2 plants of Dendrobium teretifolium from available for sale here. 2012. They are still years away from flowering and provide a demonstration of the dedication of growers There were 2 plants of Dendrobium linguiforme from caring for these orchids in Adelaide’s hostile 2013. These were both brought in by Les Nesbitt. One environment. The smallest plant was mounted on cork was mounted on paperbark tied to a wood paling. It with moss over the roots. Les Nesbitt hangs this plant on had healthy small new leaves and roots burrowing into the side of a fence facing east where it is shaded in the the paperbark. The other plant was still in the original afternoon. In winter it is moved to a position facing 50mm tube filled with mini orchid bark. It was also north. Both sites are under 50% shade cloth. The second healthy and making new small leaves which filled the much larger plant belonged to John Gay. This was tube. Les said he had recently mounted some similar mounted on a piece of grooved wood. Two long roots plants from tubes and the roots were long and healthy. had followed a groove but grew in opposite directions. So what did we learn? This is a more forgiving and John lays the wood flat on top of a water container in hardy orchid and can survive in pot culture. If mounted a shady location. Les said that his potted plants all died it needs a shady position and daily misting in summer. in the second year with only half the mounted plants Another native that is much admired when a specimen surviving. Other growers said they lost their plant. So plant is in flower. Watch for them in 10 years from what did we learn? This species should be mounted not now. potted and the mount laid flat to retain more moisture.

FROM PREVIOUS NOSSA JOURNALS

John Badger From NOSSA Journal December, 1978 - Comment about NOSSA members

OCCASIONAL NOTES Peter Hornsby Finding out what others think of our activities can be a salutary experience. For instance, a local television personality who has known us for some years had this to say when she first heard of our interest in orchids: "That's just what I'd like to do - grow orchids - something completely obsessive, slightly absurd, and socially non- useful!"

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Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South Australia Inc. April 2014 Vol. 38 NO3

WINNING PICTURE FOR MARCH 2014

ROSALIE LAWRENCE

The entries for this month had one or more representative from all seasons but autumn. Robert Lawrence’s photograph of both species of Dipodium was summer, Marg Paech’s Bunochilus viriosus (equal 3rd) winter, and spring was represented by Pauline Meyers’ Arachnorchis sp, Helen Lawrence’s Petalochilus prolatus (2nd), John Badger’s Thelymitra sp and Lorraine Badger’s Caladenia gardneri (equal 3rd) from . Pauline Meyers’ photograph of an Arachnorchis sp. was the winner. It was taken at the same site as last month’s winning photograph – Ramsay Conservation Park on Yorke Peninsula. A number of factors made firm identification difficult. Most likely it is a hybrid of the Green-combed group of spider orchids and though not positively identified there are some things that can be observed. The Green- combed group according to Gary Backhouse consists of three sub-groups, A. dilatata (largest sub-group), A. concinna and A. integra, but David Jones has them as three separate groups. Some features of this group are  One or two flowers  Flowers mainly green or greenish and red  Labellum o Hinged and mobile o Maroon apex A. concinna sub-group consisting of A. toxochila, o Green comb-like teeth on the A. conferta margins (edges) A. integra sub-group consisting of none in South o Lamina calli Australia  Tepals ( and ) o Green to greenish with red stripes To iterate from last month - Orchids are an interesting o Brown to yellow clubs at the tips group concerning identification. Some are extremely easy to identify but others not so. From the photograph it can be seen that all the green- comb features are visible except for the clubs. The References: dorsal is obviously thickened but it is not as clear Backhouse, G. (2011). Spider-orchids – the Genus for the other two sepals. This could be due to the angle Caladenia and its Relatives in Australia on CD Rom. of the photograph. Jones, D. L. (2006). A Complete Guide to Native Orchids Another observation to note is that it is a freshly of Australia including the Island Territories, (2nd ed.). opened flower as suggested by the elongated Frenchs Forest, N.S.W., Reed New Holland. appearance of the labellum. As the flower ages the labellum curls further under itself. It is important to R.J.Bates. (2011). South Australia’s Native Orchids remember that an old flower and a young flower of (DVD) [Electronic Version], the same species could be mistaken as two different Thank you to Thelma Bridle for reviewing the article. species. Remember: Images for the monthly competition can be In South Australia, species belonging to the green-comb sent to: groups are:  [email protected] or A. dilatata sub-group consisting of A. aurulenta, A. clavula, A. dilatata, A. interanea, A. macroclavia,  mailed to PO Box 565, Unley SA 5061 A. necrophylla, A. parva, A. phaeoclavia,  or brought to the meeting on the night. A. septuosa, A. stricta, A. tensa, A. tentaculata, A. verrucosa, A. villosissima

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Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South Australia Inc. April 2014 Vol. 38 NO3

FIELD TRIP TO MEADOWS FLAT AND KNOTT HILL NATIVE FOREST RESERVES.

LEO DAVIS

The muster at the Meadows Pub was 15, and 9 sepals are on top. Not that any of this is easy to cars headed off for Mallawa Road where the dust see in flowers about 2mm or so across. raised suggested a much larger convoy. We were glad of Robert’s gate key that solved a parking problem.

John Badger led us, on short notice because the designated leader was unable to attend, to a range of sites previously marked by, variously, Bob Bates, John and Lorraine and others who knew the two sites. You may not be surprised to hear that Bob playfully tagged a lump of horse dung, at Knott Hill (skillfully documented by Lorraine and John’s grandson) just to do a scientific test of human gullibility.

Corunastylis sp at Knott Hill NFR. NB green lateral sepals. Pollinium attached to pollinium

“ Here – take a look at my shot”

The Genus Corunastylis (Midge Orchid) was the main find of the day, both at Meadows Flat N.F.R. and Knott Hill N.F.R. At “hot spots” it was impossible not to tread on them. Flowers of Genus Corunastylis, along with Prasophyllum, of which it was once a part, are non resupinate. Shut your eyes for a while if you don’t want to know any more. The overwhelming proportion of orchids are resupinate, meaning that Corunastylis sp at Knottt Hill. NB o their ovary has turned 180 and so, compared to plum lateral sepals, much light dorsal most flowers they are ALL upside down; except for sepals those few that are non resupinate, not rotated How many species we saw is an open question. A through 180o, so they are the right way up common feature of all plants seen was that the compared to most flowers but upside down short free top of the tubular leaf was always compared to most orchids. You can open your eyes below the bottom of the flower spike, as opposed now. In simple terms let’s say Midge and Leek to projecting into it, as seen in all cases, in recent Orchids are upside down. The dorsal (remember days, at Monarto C.P., where C. tepperi is in sharks) sepal is at the bottom and the two lateral flower.

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Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South Australia Inc. April 2014 Vol. 38 NO3

There was much variation in colour ranging across At least some plants at Meadows Flat showed plants with lateral sepals of dark plum, browns, these (see bottom right of photo below). Note that green and even clear yellow. Labellums were the ovaries tend to point upwards at about 45o mainly dark plum colours, regardless of sepal rather than bending over to horizontal at the top, colour, except for the one extraordinary yellow as seen in the yellow flower. flowered plant having a yellow labellum. I saw my first Parson’s Bands or Autumn Bunny, a single flower, on Easter Sunday, 1961. I was camping with 3 mates beside Mt Bold Reservoir. If that was illegal then we had no idea. Then nothing This possibly until I saw them again on my first ever NOSSA aberrant plant foray, to Deanery Bush, at Bridgewater, in April is almost 2010. The close to 50 year drought convinced me certainly the that it was a rare species. Not at all! “Common very same one and well conserved” says the DVD. For me it is found by permanently associated with Easter and I’d much Kevin prefer an early reminder of Easter from my first Sneemilch and Bunny Ears sighting (March 24 this year) than Hot pictured in Cross Buns in Coles or Woolworths on January 2. Bob Bates Patsy Love found the first for the day, at Meadows report on our Flat. They were much less common than Midge April 1, 2012 Orchids at both sites, but clearly the crowd visit to Knott pleasers of the day. Hill. (see NOSSA Journal, April Corunastylis sp at Knott Hill NFR. 2012 Vol. 36 NB yellow lateral sepals p30). Bob spoke of an early and a late flowering species in that report, and included the yellow in the late flowering one. Note both in Kevin’s 2012 image, and the not all that clear one here, white thread-like structures seemingly below the labellum. Or associated with petals? The DVD “South Australia’s You wan’t believe this but 3 Parson’s Bands are

Native Orchids” visible in this shot. says of C. sp. Mount Billy, Bevin spotted a Fringed Hare Orchid (Leporella “The species fimbriata) in bud. The season seems to be late this should be year because they were well in flower at various looked for in sites during our April Fools’ Day outing in 2012. any relict, open This was a very fruitful and enjoyable start to the boggy heath season. John set a calm and productive tone for lands”, which the outing. Participants were happy to be matches the directed to known sites and to hunt out plants for Meadows Flat themselves and all finished the day satisfied and site, and refers grateful for John’s leadership. The outing was to its “large shorter than usual with the party dispersing before Corunastylis sp Mt Billy at floral bracts”. lunch. Meadows Flat NFR (on basis of DVD large floral bracts. NB dorsal sepals at bottom of flowers. Pollinium attached to pollinator

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Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South Australia Inc. April 2014 Vol. 38 NO3

GASTRODIA WORLDWIDE

Rob Bates Thirty years ago, references described Gastrodia as a genus of about twenty species. Today’s references include fifty! These occur from New Zealand and the Pacific islands, Australia, New Guinea and Eastern Asia as far north as northern Japan.

In Australia they are known generally as potato orchids with the common SA species more sweetly known as cinnamon bells, but common names elsewhere include honey-truffle. Curiously these all refer to foods, a clue that in pre European times the meaty rhizome was eaten.

Gastrodia have no chlorophyll, cannot photosynthesise and therefore make no food of their own instead ingesting soil fungi Armellaria which actually enter the rhizome through a secret entrance in an otherwise impervious waterproof exterior. The orchid provides

shelter and the fungus gets eaten, which seems a lopsided symbiosis.

A recently named species G takeshimensis from Japan was described as ‘antisocial’, a reference to the fact that, like all Gastrodia, it spends most of its life hiding underground as a rootless rhizome, which seems a wise move for such tasty morsels. This newly discovered species is also self-pollinated, keeping its flowers tightly closed. Indeed the plant is above ground only three weeks in five years. More antisocial behaviour, it seems.

If it sounds strange, consider South Australia’s G. vescula, which is also self-pollinated and at some locations is only above soil for a few weeks per decade. Like the new Japanese species it is only a few centremetres tall and is even less colourful.

In view of the shy and cryptic nature of the genus it is very likely more species remain un-studied in Australia; perhaps staying underground in the base of old tree stumps or flowering only briefly at night. At present SA appears to have four different Gastrodia, excluding possible hybrids.

Another strange feature of a potato orchid is its requirement for a second genus and species of soil fungi Mycaena osmundicola to enter a mycorrhizal G vescula photographed by Barb Bayley association with its seeds to allow germination to proceed.

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Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South Australia Inc. April 2014 Vol. 38 NO3

PHOTOGRAPHING ORCHID POLLINATORS

Rosalie Lawrence For most of us trying to photograph a pollinator is scent produced by the orchids.” (Page a hit or miss event. 110) Back in 2007 when Robert and I were still fairly  Cryptostylis new members, Bob Bates suggested we visit o His notes infer searching before Talisker to photograph Dipodium – “and while you 10 am. (Page 2) are there, photograph a bee pollinator” and “It  Thynniid Wasps has to be this weekend, or you will miss it” – from o Most species become active when me “What is a bee pollinator?” So on a hot temperatures rise above 16⁰ C. Look January day, the family spent the morning at for freshly opened flowers or visible Talisker. Robert busily photographing every pollinia. Check either the day before Dipodium he saw. By early afternoon, the children or in the morning. Several cool days were hot and tired but Robert wanted another half preceding a warm day are more likely an hour. After more than a hundred photographs to aid success. (Page 10) and in that last half hour Robert spotted a bee on  Green combed spider orchid one of the flowers only to have it disappear when o The best time seems to be a short it heard the shutter sound of the camera. period of not more than 30 minutes in Fortunately when we looked at the picture it the early morning between 10 and showed the pollinia of the D. pardalinum on the 11 am. In summer, the temperature head of a native bee – we had our bee pollinator! can be a few degrees higher than the 16⁰ C of spring before the wasps are The lesson we learnt from that day was to turn the active. Also see note above for wasps. shutter sound off. (Page 17) Talking to Rudie Kuiter and reading his book  Mictotis sp Orchid Pollinators of Victoria 2nd edition 2013, the o “pollinators are rarely seen or other factors contributing to our success were: photographed ….” (Page 54)  a hot day,  Acianthus  flowers in the sun o As temperature rises, the labellum develops a glossy surface which  after lunch attracts the pollinator. Whilst still This is when the bee pollinator is most likely to be warm after dark, the pollinator active, see page 110. remains active, suggesting at nocturnal pollination. See also Page 59. (Page Although, Rudie’s book is a compilation of his 110) observations for specific Victorian species, there are many clues to help us successfully photograph  Cyrtostylis pollinators; of which a summary follows. (direct o “The fungus gnats were usually seen quotes from his book are in quotation marks): during late mornings when temperatures rose above 11⁰ C.”  His most important point is observation. (Page 64) o “Working out how and when to catch  Gastrodia the insects in the act of pollination is a o “The smell becomes strongest above question of finding the right flowers about 25⁰ C.” (Page 76) and figuring out about the insect’s  Calochilus likely visiting times. To observe the o “seems the wasp is only seen on the action means watching the plants for orchids when temperatures reach many hours and have some idea when about 27⁰ or more.” (Page 79) the creatures are flying.” (Page 110)  Thelymitra o “Temperature and air movement play o “I watched a large number of a major role in the pollination Thelymitra peniculata on a very hot processes. On windy days the day in early November. It was coolish pollinator is usually not active, whilst early in the morning and warming temperatures effect (sic) the flying quickly. Flowers were still closed at ability of the insects and controls the

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Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South Australia Inc. April 2014 Vol. 38 NO3

10 am, and by 11 am most were open.  There is a warm day following a few As a flower was about to open, one cooler days. could wait for a small bee to arrive. It  Day time temperature has risen (relative to seemed every flower was visited within the season), ie late morning to early a few minutes.” (Page 80) afternoon but there are exceptions.  Dipodium spp  Flowers are freshly opened. o “One has to be very patient to wait  Flowers are in sun, not shade. for bees on these flowers. I’ve found a very hot day was best to see bees  There is no wind. showing an interest.” (Page 84) Photographing pollinators takes planning,  Pterostylis nutans observation and patience but it is well worth the o Pollinators are seen in the early effort. afternoon when mid-day temperatures are 12⁰ C or more and the flowers are in the sun. (Page 94) o Pollinators are attracted to the fresh flowers and pollination takes place within half an hour of insects flying. Once inside the flower it may take 6 – 12 minutes before they are ready to leave. (Page 110)  Spiranthes australis o Requires temperatures of about 29⁰ C but need to be photographed from a distance as pollinators may be easily disturbed. (Page 106)  When looking for pollinators and wanting to get close, insect repellents should not be Success – Note the pollinium is missing form the used and also strong perfumes may be a D pardalinum and is now on the head of the problem as most insects are touchy to bee. approach. Rudie Kuiter’s book is available for loan from the In summary, the most likely time to photograph NOSSA library. pollinators is when they are most active, when: Special thanks to Rudie for taking the time to read through and respond to this article.

2014 – 2015 EVENTS CALENDAR

Date Location Activity Orchids Meeting Place Notes Saturday, 12 April 2014 Belair weeding Weeding Tim Jury TPAG 0488 686 209

Saturday, 26 April 2014 Scott Conservation Field Trip Leporella Park fimbriata Saturday, 10 May 2014 Belair National Park Weeding Tim Jury TPAG 0488 686 209 Sunday, 25 May 2014 Mt Billy Conserva- Field Trip P byrophilum, Myponga Hall May be tion Park Acianthus, Carpark changed due Eriochilus to rains

Friday, 6 June 2014 Brentwood Weeding Tim Jury TPAG 0488 686 209 Cemetery, YP Saturday, 14 June 2014 Belair National Park Weeding Tim Jury TPAG 0488 686 209

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Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South Australia Inc. April 2014 Vol. 38 NO3

Date Location Activity Orchids Meeting Place Notes Saturday, 28 June 2014 Warren CP Field Trip Diplodium TBA

July 2014 SE survey Survey Contact Thelma Bridle for details Wednesday, 16 July 2014 Morialta Field Trip Diplodium TBA Conservation Park Sunday, 20 July 2014 Mt Billy Field Trip P byrophilum, Myponga Hall Alternate date Conservation Park Acianthus, Carpark Eriochilus Saturday, 16 August 2014 Knott's Hill Kuipto Field Trip Winter Orchids Ranger's Headquarters, Brookman Rd

September 2014 SE survey Survey Contact Thelma Bridle for details Saturday, 6 Sept 2014 Meningee BMX track Field Trip Arachnorchis, Needs to be Thelymitra confirmed epipactoides

Saturday, 13 Sept 2014 Wirrabara, Flinders Field Trip Post fire Orchid TBA Weekend Ranges Hunt Wednesday, 1 Oct 2014 Mt Lofty Botanic Public 11:00 am Lower Gardens Walks Carpark Saturday, 4 Oct 2014 Scott Creek Field Trip Thelymitra, Almanda Mine, Conservation Park Arachnorchis, Dorset Vale Rd Plumatochilus

Monday, 6 Oct 2014 Mt Lofty Botanic Public 11:00 am Lower Gardens Walks Carpark Saturday, 11 Oct 2014 Belair National Park Weeding Tim Jury TPAG 0488 686 209 November 2014 SE survey Survey Contact Thelma Bridle for details Saturday, 1 Nov 2014 Mt Lofty Botanic Public 11:00am Lower Gardens Walks Carpark Saturday, 8 Nov 2014 Cox Scrub Field Trip Caleana, TBA Orthoceras Saturday, 27 Dec 2014 Tanderra - Private Field Trip Dipodium TBA Property Wednesday, 14 Jan 2015 Mt Lofty Botanic Field Trip Lower carpark Gardens Sunday, 25 Jan 2015 Stipiturus/ Field Trip Spiranthes Tooperang

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Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South Australia Inc. April 2014 Vol. 38 NO3

Sarcochilus hilticalcar (Plant of the Night)

Eriochilus cucullatus (in bud) Sarcochilus Fitzhart x Velvet

Plants Benched March 2014 Page 1 Photographs: David Hirst Page 29

Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South Australia Inc. April 2014 Vol. 38 NO3

Pterosylis laxa

Plants Benched March 2014 Page 2 Photographs: David Hirst Page 30

Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South Australia Inc. April 2014 Vol. 38 NO3

Dendrobium Johnathons Glory ‘DJ’

Dendrobium bigibbum

Plants Benched March 2014 Page 3 Photographs: David Hirst Page 31