AUSTRALIA is home to a variety of plant species.
The group that I have got into in the last few years are the orchids.
The group which is loosely known as the ‘ground orchids’ are fascinating.
One such orchid species is Cinnamon Bells or the Potato Orchid.
I have seen them flowering on Springbrook in October.
Usually, this orchid has a single stem which can vary in height but the ones that I have seen can be 30 centimetres high.
The flowers of this orchid species are brown in colour and can be in numbers varying from the top of the plant.
The Potato Orchid has a range which extends through South-east Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. However, it uncommon in South Australia.
Overall, the distribution of this species is common and widespread.
The Potato Orchid will emerge in the same locality, several years in a row to grow and to produce flowers.
This orchid species will grow in a variety of habitats from coastal scrub to heath areas in mountain regions.
Like a lot of ground orchids, this species has a relationship with a fungus in the soil and each depends off the other to survive.
Looking for orchids has become a favourite past time for myself.
Usually, October and November are good times to venture out to see what is flowering.
Every year I do a trip to Girraween National Park to see all the wildflowers.
If you are into plants, I totally recommend visiting our national parks in Spring to see what you can find!
