23/7/2017

Back to Helms Arboretum (Mud Map SE35) to see what’s now flowering. First up we locate the one and only Southern curly-locks (Thelymitra uliginosa) and it has just sprouted so hopefully it will be in flower before our September holidays.

We then made our way to Plot 8 where we find the beginning of the snail orchid eruption, which we have witnessed in previous years. First we find Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘inland’).  

Pterostylis sp. ‘inland’

Profile shot

Front on shot with hairy stem

Also found two other snail orchid species. Unsure of the classification for both with one being taller, with 3 stem leaves but a lack of hairs on the stem  and the other being quite small stature with 2 stem leaves and a rosette of crinkled edged leaves.

Quite tall with pointed rosette leaves

Full length shot

Size comparison to my index finger

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Taking a photo on the iPhone

Also found were some Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata)   with many more finished for the season.

Brighter green this one

Pterostylis vittata

Finally we head down to the western edge of the Arboretum and check out under the pine trees. Some little microtis type leaves with sprouts found and many pyrorchis leaves, some were very large. Nothing else found so we have some afternoon tea and head home.

Sprouting from small rounded leaf

Comparing size to my index finger and thumb