It's not easy learning native orchids from the internet! There's loads of flower photos and generalised information; then there's a huge leap to scientific stuff that speaks to me in an alien language. One website that has helped, especially in learning the parts of an orchid is
here (opens in new window). If you're interested in a scientific paper on pollination then one that I can half understand (plus it has a lovely section through a greenhood flower, then click
this link (a PDF that opens in a new window).
My second orchid blog is on spider orchids - Hugh Wilson's book states 5 of these orchids are found on Stewart Island, 4 of them spider orchids (
Corybas orbiculatus, Corybas macranthus, Corybas trilobus and Corybas oblongus) and one dancing spider orchid (
Corybas rivularis). Maybe by next year, I'll be able to differentiate the spider orchids;
Corybas rivularis has a distinctive leaf shape so easier to identify.
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| I'm leaning towards Corybas oblongus for the first 4 pics |
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| I think the next 3 pics are Corybas macranthus |
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| Can you spot the orchid flower on the top leaves? |
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| Swelling capsule of Corybas rivularis |
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| This stem of Corybas rivularis seemed extra long |
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Shrivelled flower of Corybas rivularis but no sign of a capsule - has it
been bitten off or has it yet to form???? |
The above photos were taken on my section - there are hundreds of orchids at present, some have almost finished flowering but others are yet to start. A few metres down the road there's a beautiful colony of
Corybas on the bank - it's either
Corybas orbiculatus (uncommon on Stewart Island but fitting the description better) or
Corybas trilobus (more common) - or on second thoughts maybe it's something else!
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| A colony of small Corybas |
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| Close-up of the Corybas flower |
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| Another shot of the colony |
