Spring in Mount Alexander Shire



Recent rains have produced an abundance of orchids this year. This Blunt Greenhood which was found in Walmer has a twisted labelllum (tongue). Its single stem can be up to 30cm tall and bears a single flower which is surprisingly large.

Blunt Greenhood (Pterostylis curta)

South Walmer Conservation Reserve
Photo: Mitchell Parker, 1 September 2010


Golden Wattle, Gall and Wasps

South Walmer Conservation Reserve
Photo: Mitchell Parker, 1 September 2010


Wax Flower (Philotheca verrucosa)

South Walmer Conservation Reserve
Photo: Bronwyn Silver, 1 September 2010


Scented Sundew (Drosera whittakeri)

South Walmer Conservation Reserve
Photo: Bronwyn Silver, 1 September 2010


Dwarf Greenhood (Pterostylis nana)

South Walmer Conservation Reserve
Photo: Bronwyn Silver, 1 September 2010



The Introduced plant Spanish Heath and Bitter Cryptandra look similar and are sometimes mistaken for each other. See Frances Cincotta's discussion on the differences between them on the Natural Newstead site:  geoffpark.wordpress.com 


Bitter Cryptandra (Cryptandra amara)

Kalimna Park
Photo: Bernard Slattery, 23 August 2010


Common Hovea  (Hovea linearis)

Walmer
Photo: Bronwyn Silver, 15 August 2010


Shrub Violet (Hybanthus floribundus)

Erin Court
Photo: Deb Worland, 9 August 2010


Nodding Greenhood (Pterostylis nutans)

Chewton Bushland
Photo: Antoinette Birkenbeil, 8 August 2010