Download The K A L H A R I June 2014

The
KALHARI
June 2014
The “ Message Stick “ of the A.N.O.S. (Qld ) Kabi Group Inc.
Mail:
E-Mail:
Web:
President:
Vice-President:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Editor:
PO Box 424, Aspley 4034
[email protected]
www.ourshopfront.com/kabi
Christene Dennis
Graham Corbin
Marilyn Corbin
David James
Graham Corbin
3385 6630
3399 9208
3399 9208
3359 5752
3399 9208
Coming Events
Next Monthly Meeting
Next Orchid Amble
Next Bush House Visit
Next Committee Meeting
Kabi Judging Roster
Judging Panel Meeting
Beenleigh Judging Roster
Supper Roster
10th June 7:45 pm
Bald Hills Memorial Hall, 2126 Gympie Road, Bald Hills
9am, 29th June. Neurum Creek Bush Retreat, Mount Archer
To be announced
7:30pm 22nd July at Geppert residence
L Burow, H Geppert, P Porteous
9:30am 20th July, Pine Rivers Special School, Lawnton
7:30pm 3 July
L James, H Geppert
June: G Scrace & L Biddle July: D&A Gillingham
June Feature Item – Orchids of Girraween
David James will present a pictorial introduction to the orchids of Girraween and Bald Rock
National Parks. This presentation does not illustrate all the orchids that can be found in
Girraween and Bald Rock National Parks but some of the more common orchids together
with some identification features. The orchids illustrated are both lithophytes and geophytes
(terrestrials). The presentation has been prepared with photographs from Graham Corbin and
David James taken since 2005 during the Australasian Native Orchid Society (Qld) – Kabi
Group weekend orchid ambles to Girraween and Bald Rock National Parks.
June Orchid Amble
David James
The June 2014 orchid amble will be to the northern end of the Mount Mee section of the
D’Aguilar National Park from 9:00 am on Sunday 29 June 2014. The amble starting point
will be on the roadside just past the entry to the Neurum Creek Bush Retreat (commercial
camp ground) on Rasmussen Road in the locality of Mount Archer. This is close the where
Rasmussen Road crosses Neurum Creek.
The amble will proceed along Rasmussen Road and Lovedays Road stopping at likely
locations and walking generally along the roadsides to observe orchids within a short distance
of the roads.
While the dirt roads are suitable for conventional vehicles, conventional vehicles can be left
at the Archer camping area where amblers will be consolidated into a limited number of
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The Kalhari
June 2014
vehicles so as to reduce the number of vehicles that have to be parked on the roadside during
the amble.
This amble hopes to observe winter flowering geophytic orchids like Caladenia, Corybas and
Pterostylis species. For course nothing is guaranteed or ruled out.
The amble is planned to be either for half a day or all day broken by lunch at the parked
vehicles. Ambers can leave at any time.
Due to the time of year it may be cool so the amblers should plan to bring warm clothing as
well as plenty of water and a good hat.
Amblers will need to bring food (lunch) if they are staying all day and water that can be
carried during the amble.
Any prospective amblers should contact David James (Tel: 3359 5752 or Email:
[email protected]) so the amble(s) do not commence without you.
Coming Shows
28-29 June
North Moreton Qld
Orchid Council
Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens,
Toowong
4-6 July
9am-4pm, 9am-4pm
9am-2pm
Caboolture Orchid
Society
Morayfield Community Complex,
Morayfield Rd,
Morayfield
Bench Results – May 2014
Dendrobium Latouria Species
1st Dendrobium shiraishii
R Reitano
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June 2014
Dendrobium Phalaenanthe Species
1st Dendrobium bigibbum
D Hosking
Dendrobium Phalaenanthe Type Hybrids
1st Den. Kiilani Stripe
L&D James
nd
2 Den. Topaz Sweet
K&J Gould
3rd Den. Topaz Sweet
L&D James
Dendrobium Spatulata Species
1st Dendrobium johannis
H Geppert
2nd Dendrobium johannis
H Geppert
Dendrobium Spatulata Type Hybrids
1st Den. John's Charm ‘Bruno’ R Reitano
2nd Den. Carron Deb ‘BJ’ ×
R Reitano
Kuranda
3rd Den. Fraser's Canary Twister J Hutchinson
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June 2014
Dendrobium Spatulata/Phalaenanthe
Hybrids
1st Den. Mini Pearl
J Hutchinson
nd
2 Den. Superbiens
R Reitano
3rd Den. Hawaiian Twinkle
C Warland
Other Dendrobium Species
1st Dendrobium lawesii
R Reitano
Other Dendrobium Hybrids
1st Den. Wasyl
H Geppert
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Miscellaneous Species
1st Oberonia titania
2nd Cadetia taylorii
June 2014
R Reitano
R Reitano
Cultural Plant of the Month
Den. John's Charm ‘Bruno’ R Reitano
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Popular Vote Plant of the Month
Dendrobium shiraishii
R Reitano
Other Plants Benched
Den. Alex MacPherson × canaliculatum
Den. Brown Gloss × canaliculatum
Den. Cherry Dance
Den. Jin Balmoja
Den. Kiilani Stripe × Topaz Dream
Den. Nigrescens Fragrance
Den. Pearl Vera
Den. Pearl Vera × Burbank Sweet
Den. Shavin White
Benching Photos courtesy of Jon Cara
Non-Competitive Benching
David & Len James benched this
orchid in non-competitive as they
wished to show off the large flowers
on this newly purchased hybrid but
as they had not owned the plant for
six months were unable to bench it
competitively.
Den. Asternova Sparkle
× (Dal's Cheer × Dal's Madam)
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Cultural Plant- Den. John's Charm ‘Bruno’
Robert Reitano
The plant that received the judge’s
choice for Cultural Plant of the Month
was Den. John’s Charm ‘Bruno’. It is a
primary hybrid within the Spatulata
section, between Den. discolor and
Den. semifuscum. It exhibited five
racemes of well shaped flowers that
arranged themselves all around the
racemes. The flowers sit perpendicular
to the raceme and the colour is a
pleasing blend between the colours of
both parents. The floral segments of
Den. discolor can be rather undulated
and twisted; however, the influence of
Den. semifuscum has controlled these
traits to the point where all segments are well proportioned and the flower shape is uniform
across all racemes. The plant is still relatively young and in the future more mature growths
are expected to produce even longer racemes. The Spatulata section responds well in warm to
hot conditions in the orchid house. And as they do not generally require a resting period
during the winter months they do still need to have the occasional watering and light feeding
to maintain vigour.
Popular Vote - Dendrobium shiraishii
Robert Reitano
This is a relatively recent discovery in
the Latouria section of the genus
Dendrobium; having been discovered
by Yakawa & Nishida in 1992. It
originates from Irian Jaya, in the
vicinity of Manokwari at elevations of
around 1500 meters. The labellum of
the flower is obviously the highlight
with the somewhat large side-lobes
that are boldly coloured and striated.
This contrasts well with the yellow
colour of the remaining segments.
Research has many photos of this
species exhibiting petals often folding
down in front of the lateral sepals.
The plant I purchased 18 months ago
is a fine example where the petals
hold themselves almost horizontal
giving the flower more balance. The flowers were well arranged on a strong upright
inflorescence and they were presented perpendicular and not hanging like many species
within the section Latouria. It truly is a spectacular species which responds to intermediate to
warm temperatures with medium amounts of light. It is currently growing beneath taller
growing dendrobiums in the orchid house and appreciates high levels of humidity during the
growing season, with reduced water during the cooler winter months.
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Benching Commentary
Robert Reitano
Dendrobium Phalaenanthe Species
Dendrobium bigibbum
The plant that received the 1st in this class was
an unusual bi-coloured form of Den.
bigibbum. The plant was labelled as an album
form of this species; however, it certainly was
interesting to see the flower colour defying
what was indicated on the tag. Although the
segments of this plant were not exhibiting the
full, over-lapped shape that is desirable of
selectively bred Den. bigibbum, it did have
well placed sepals and petals. As is often the
case with first flowering plants, it is worth
waiting to see the flowers of subsequent
seasons, as they often develop better shapes as
the plant matures.
Dendrobium Phalaenanthe Type Hybrids - Den. Kiilani Stripe
The parentage of this hybrid is Den. Candy
Stripe x Den. Doreen. This is an attractive
hybrid with its striped floral segments. The
stripes in this Phalaenanthe type hybrid
come from the introduction of Den.
bifalce, which is the only Latouria species
that grows in Australia. This small species
is responsible for putting the striping in
many Dendrobiums. While the colour and
striping was attractive in this hybrid,
judges are looking for well positioned
sepals and petals, which give a better
overall balance to the flower shape. This
flower
would
benefit from the lateral sepals being slightly lower to
reduce the flatness of the bottom. In saying that, the floral
arrangement was commendable for the display.
Dendrobium Spatulata Species - 1st Dendrobium
johannis
The blooming season for this species is mainly from
spring through autumn and into winter. It is a hot to warm
growing epiphyte that comes from north-east Australia
and Papua and New Guinea. Naturally occurring in and
around rainforests and swamps with scarce winter rain, so
it responds well to drier conditions and no fertiliser
during the winter months. The long-lasting flowers
exhibit glossy, chocolate coloured segments with a
contrasting
yellow
labellum.
One
undesirable
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June 2014
characteristic that often occurs in this species is the broken-leg appearance to one of the
lateral sepals. This is a major issue with some Spatulata species and one that judges must
acknowledge when looking at the shape of the flowers. When assessing the two plants
benched, it was apparent in one and less apparent in the plant that was chosen as first by the
judges. The plant that was relegated to second had the darker colouring of the two; however,
the shape of the first was far superior.
Dendrobium Spatulata Type Hybrids
1st Den. John's Charm ‘Bruno’
Of the plants that were benched in this
class, Den. John’s Charm ‘Bruno’
exhibited well-shaped flowers that were
evenly arranged on all 5 racemes. The
twisting and undulation of the floral
segments were consistent across each
raceme and these are some of the major
considerations the judges look for when
assessing Spatulata type flowers.
Benching Report
Marilyn Corbin
Den. Mini Pearl was 1st in the
Spatulata/Phalaenanthe Hybrid Section,
this is a primary hybrid between
Dendrobium canaliculatum x bigibbum.
This plant was not very large and only had a
few flowers. The bigibbum gave width to
the petals and sepals and took the twists out
of the canaliculatum petals and sepals, the
colour was also a very intense purple and
the labellum was slightly darker. This
should be a very good plant when it gets a
bit bigger.
Dendrobium lawesii was the only plant in
other Dendrobium species section on the
night. This plant had 4 crystalline red
tubular flowers and it really deserved 1st
place. This species comes from New
Guinea and is very variable in colour
ranging from white, yellow, salmon,
purple, mauve, orange, red and very rarely
bicolour. It needs warm conditions with
about 70% humidity during summer and
autumn with slightly lower humidity
during winter when water is reduced.
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June 2014
Den. Wasyl is a cross between Den.
speciosum x Edda which is made up of
50% speciosum, 25% bifalce, 25%
tetragonum. This was the only plant in
other Dendrobium hybrid section on the
night even so it deserved 1st place as it was
very well grown with about 10 flowers and
a couple of buds still to open. The flowers
were a little starry as with many hybrids
made with tetragonum. The labellum was
cream with purple spotting. This was a very
nice hybrid.
Oberonia titania was 1st in the
Miscellaneous Species Section. We do not
see this species on the benches very often.
This was a very well grown and flowered
plant. There were about 7 racemes of
hundreds of red flowers and still more to
come out, the flowers may be very small
but very beautiful when you look at them
through a magnifying glass or Graham’s
enlarged photos. This species is found in
the rainforest around Brisbane and is
locally common but being so small can be
very hard to find unless in flower.
Cadetia taylorii was 2nd in the
Miscellaneous Species Section. We see
quite a number of these on the benches.
This was a very well grown plant and had a
number of white crystalline flowers. This
species has 1-2 flowers, produced in
sporadic bursts and is found in North
Queensland and New Guinea and is a
wonderful orchid to have in your collection
because it can have flowers most of the
year.
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May Mount Mee Orchid Amble Report
David James
The May 2014 monthly orchid amble commenced at the Gantry day-use area in the Mount
Mee section of the D’Aguilar National Park on Sunday 25 May 2104 at around 9:00 am.
There were seven orchid amblers. The amblers were Marilyn Corbin, Graham Corbin, Roger
Finn, Judith Lukin-Amundsen, Pam Porteous, Trevor Porteous and myself.
The amblers drove down Peggs, Byron Creek and Dianas Bath Roads stopping at likely
locations to observe orchids on the roadsides. The amblers arrived at the Dianas Bath parking
area at around 12:30 pm for lunch followed by the walk to and from Dianas Bath. Yes, this
time the tributary of Byron Creek was dry and the walking track to Dianas Bath was
accessible to the orchid ambles.
Dianas Bath (pool in Byron Creek)
The amblers saw thousands of leaves and/or rosettes of Acianthus, Chiloglottis, Corybas and
Pterostylis species plus plants of Cymbidium suave, Dendrobium aemulum, Dendrobium
monophyllum, Dendrobium speciosum var. hillii and Dendrobium tetragonum var.
tetragonum. Nine flowering orchid species was seen during the amble. The flowering orchids
seen were Acianthus exsertus, Acianthus fornicatus, Chiloglottis sp. Mango Flats, Corybas
barbarae, Dendrobium linguiforme (Dockrillia linguiformis), Dendrobium monophyllum,
Pterostylis baptistii, Pterostylis nutans, Pterostylis ophioglossa and Pterostylis sp. Joyners
Ridge.
Chiloglottis sp. Mango Flats and Pterostylis sp. Joyners Ridge are known undescribed species
that are sometimes recognized as phrase named taxa. The phrase name is generally the
locality that the undescribed species was first collected or observed.
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June 2014
Acianthus exsertus
Acianthus fornicatus
Chiloglottis sp. Mango Flats
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June 2014
Corybas barbarae
Pterostylis nutans
Pterostylis baptistii
Pterostylis ophioglossa is named for the forked tip to the labellum.
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June 2014
Pterostylis ophioglossa
Pterostylis sp. Joyners Ridge
Pterostylis sp. Joyners Ridge has some features similar to Pterostylis russellii and Pterostylis
obtusa but it is not either of these species as the flowers of Pterostylis russellii are generally
larger and the labellum in wider and well above the sinus in the set position. Pterostylis
obtusa has a green labellum and a rolled edge to the sinus.
Pterostylis russellii
Pterostylis obtusa
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Saprophytic Orchids
Roger Finn
Epiphytic orchids live on trees. Lithophytic orchids can be found growing on rocks, boulders
and cliff faces. Some orchids are both epiphytic and lithophytic as they can grow not only on
trees but also on rocks. Terrestrial orchids grow in the soil. These are the orchids that we see
on the benches at meetings and shows. There is another group of orchids that will never be
brought to shows or meetings – the saprophytes. These are the lesser known orchids.
Saprophytes are leafless plants that lack chlorophyll and survive by an intimate symbiotic
relationship with a mycorrhizal fungus in it roots. Without chlorophyll saprophytes cannot
photosynthesize to produce the carbohydrates, proteins, sugars and other energy rich
compounds necessary for plant growth and reproduction.
Instead they rely on the symbiotic fungus to digest and transport substances to their roots.
These materials are obtained from organic matter decaying in the soil. Saprophytic orchids
are often found in humus rich soils where decaying organic matter provides a rich source of
carbon which is utilized by the mycorrhizal fungus. Some saprophytes depend on a complex
interchange between its roots, a symbiotic mycorrhizal fungus and the live roots of a host
plant – usually belonging to a species of the Eucalypt family. Thus saprophytes cannot be
transposed to a culture in an orchid house.
Saprophytes have a pallid appearance which can be masked by reddish or brownish pigments.
They have an underground rhizome which may have roots emanating from it. These roots can
be fleshy and brittle. When conditions are right, saprophytes send up their fleshy stems which
are topped by flowers that open progressively. Thus their presence can be seen for some time.
Of course there are exceptions to the above. Nothing in Nature follows general rules.
Genus Dipodium - 9 species
Most Dipodium species are saprophytes with a subterranean rhizome from which short
fleshy, brittle roots emanate. They live in symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi and a
host plant, usually an Eucalypt species, growing nearby. When conditions are right in the
spring or summer a fleshy stem appears above the ground and grows up to 100cm (depending
upon the species) with up to 50 flowers (again depending upon the species) opening
sequentially.
Dipodium variegatum is widespread and common and ranges from the Windsor
Tableland in Queensland through New South Wales to Eastern Victoria. It can be
found in open forest, woodland and in heathland in well drained soils. Plants can
develop more than one flower stem and the flowers open progressively from several
stems. Plants live in a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi and a host plant,
usually an Eucalypt species, growing nearby. Dipodium spp. are collectively known
as the “hyacinth orchids”.
Genus Aphyllorchis – 2 species
Plants live in association with mycorrhizal fungi and possibly a host plant. The roots are
fleshy and brittle and radiate from a subterranean rhizome. A fleshy stem emerges with up to
40 flowers which open sequentially.
Genus Burnettia – 1 species
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This species is a little different for the stem has several basal bract-like leaves with up to
seven flowers at the peak. B. cuneata grows in densely shrubby swamps containing thickets
of Melaleuca squarrosa and Leptospermum spp. Flowers appear after hot summer fires.
Genus Demorchis – 1 species
Plants have a short fleshy rhizome with fibrous roots. Stems are short and brittle, tipped with
one or two flowers. Plants survive in symbiotic association with mycorrhizal fungi.
Genus Didomoplexis – 1 species
Plants have a swollen fleshy rhizome and a pale fleshy flower stem. Flowers last less than a
day.
Genus Epipogum - 1 species
Plants have a swollen fleshy rhizome sending up a pale inflorescence topped with numerous
pendulous pale yellow to brown flowers. This species occurs in high rainfall areas. Stems
appear rapidly in summer after soaking rains. The flowers last only a few days.
Genus Erythorchis – 1 species
Plants have an extensive root system taking full advantage of decaying vegetation and rotting
stumps and logs. Amazingly stems up to five metres in length ramble over stumps, logs or up
trees. Flowers are on short branches.
Erythorchis cassythoides is widespread and common and can be found from the
Blackdown Tableland in Queensland to Waterfall in New South Wales. It grows in
open forests, particularly where there is an accumulation of decaying vegetation,
rotting stumps and logs. In spring, several dark brown stems appear and ramble over
stumps and logs and climb trees. The stems are branched and four or five flowers
appear on each branch. Stems maybe up to five metres in length! This is known as the
“boot lace orchid”.
Genus Gastroda – 7 species
These species are collectively known as the potato orchids for they have rootless fleshy
rhizomes that can look like a potato. They grow in forested areas especially where litter
accumulates The stems are fleshy, brown in colour, and topped with many pendulous bell like
flowers which are brown on the outer and white on the inside.
Gastroda seasmoides ranges from the Darling Downs in Queensland south through
New South Wales, ACT, Victoria to Tasmania and South Australia. It is widespread
and common and found in forested areas and coastal scrubs. This species is one of the
“potato orchids” because they have a rootless fleshy rhizome that can look like a
potato. Stems, a light brown colour, emerge in summer and are tipped with up to
twenty-five flowers that are light brown on the outside and white on the inside.
Envy - Protection of Orchids from Frost and Heat Damage
and its Use When Deflasking
Frank Simpson
This article was provided by Frank much earlier in the year. The "Recent extremely hot
weather in the Sydney area" discussed in this article was the late Summer of 1995. This
should now be appropriate for the upcoming late Spring and Summer.
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Recent extremely hot weather in the Sydney area has taken its toll on many orchids through
dehydration, mainly through the leaves. However, an article in a recent issue of the
Orchidophile (ANOS Sydney) states that this has been reduced to a minimum thanks to a
relatively new product called ENVY.
We and a number of other nurseries have been using Envy for deflasking purposes for some
time with good success. Instructions are to dip the plants into a 1 part Envy to 20 parts water
mix. Envy is a water soluble polymer similar to car polish which seals leaves to prevent
transpiration. As it is not recommended on the roots of plants, we pot first (when deflasking)
and spray the plants thoroughly with a 500ml trigger spray being sure to cover both sides of
the leaves.
Envy is also useful for preventing frost burn and sun scald. The rate of application to prevent
frost burn and sun scald would be 1 part ENVY to 10 parts water. The plants should then be
thoroughly sprayed on all surfaces to the point of drip-off. As the coating will last only a few
days it will be necessary to repeat the applications when the plants face stress (e.g. extremely
hot conditions or then freezing is expected).
We purchase our Envy from the manufacturer, Spray Tech, at Nerang in 5 litre containers. I
am not certain, but it may be available in 1 litre bottles. I also think it is available in
Caboolture from Elders.
ENVY is a very good product when used correctly.
Reprinted from Kalhari, October 1995.
At the Veranda Session last meeting, I mentioned using Envy to help my Den. bigibbums
cope with the stress of cold in the on coming winter. There were a few raised eyebrows. I
found the above by chance and I share it with you.
Roger Finn
What’s Flowering in the Bush
Graham Corbin
With the recent unseasonal warm weather, our orchids are confused and not flowering as they
wait for Autumn to begin, not Winter as is indicated by our calendar. Geophytic orchids
which should be flowering have not even emerged and no leaves are present above ground.
This is the situation which we found at Bellthorpe National Park. In areas where we expected
to find heaps of flowering orchids, we found nothing, not even leaves. In one area where
literally thousands of Acianthus fornicatus grow, we found virtually no leaves. In a ‘normal’
year, this area is a solid mass of leaves topped with inflorescences. Instead, there was only a
handful of leaves found after extensive searching even though this species is near the end of
its usual flowering period and should be flowering everywhere. It is indeed a strange year for
orchid flowering.
Acianthus fornicatus is usually a very common orchid at Bellthorpe and there should be
plenty of flowering orchids of this species. We did indeed eventually find some leaves and
flowers but only tens of leaves instead of thousands of leaves and just two flowering plants.
This is just a fraction of what is expected of Acianthus fornicatus at Bellthorpe at this time of
year.
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Acianthus fornicatus
Other species were also impacted by our strangely warm weather. A location where
Pterostylis ophioglossa grows revealed nothing, not even a leaf. At this time of year, I would
expect to find tens of plants in flower. If you refer to the Dianna’s Bath bushwalk report, you
will see that there were plenty of Pterostylis ophioglossa found flowering, so it was strange to
not see even a leaf at this location.
There were some species flowering as usual however. We did find Pterostylis russellii
flowering in reasonable numbers. I have never found this species to be very common, but we
did find quite a number of plants in bud, a few finished flowers forming pods and two plants
with fresh flowers. This is quite a distinctive orchid with it long petals, long galea and long
dark labellum protruding well past the sinus.
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Pterostylis russellii
The flower on the left was a typical flower with a 30cm tall inflorescence. The flower on the
right was unusual in that it was very pale and the inflorescence was a mere 5cm tall, much
shorter than the usual 30cm inflorescence. Possibly, this was another impact of the warm
weather but we will never really know.
Pterostylis baptistii is another common orchid in the area which flowers through most of the
year, from March through to November. The peak flowering period is April and September
with just the occasional plants flowering in winter. We did find numerous plants with a few
finished flower and forming pods and a few in bud and just a few in flower, typical of what
we would expect for this time of year. The flower photographed was unfortunately not
particularly fresh and had a triggered labellem, not the best example for photography, but the
best flower of this species located on the day.
Pterostylis nutans is another species which flowers most of the year, the same as Pterostylis
baptistii, from March to November. There were plenty of plants in flower and with their
nodding flowers, they are unmistakable.
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June 2014
Pterostylis baptistii
Pterostylis nutans
The highlight of the day was the Corybas. We planned to visit this area to see the Corybas
aconitiflorus and Corybas barbarae which grow in the area. As always, there is no guarantee
of success and always the chance of finding a different Corybas species in flower which we
have previously not found in this area.
Our first surprise was that there were very few Corybas barbarae leaves and even less
flowers. This species is very common at Bellthorpe and forms large matts of leaves. This
year, there are very few leaves evident and we only managed to find a few plants in flower.
When in flower, this species is easily seen as the glistening white flowers stand out on the
green leaves like small white snails sitting on the Corybas leaf.
This species has an interesting history. It was only described by David Jones in 1988, a very
recent discovery for such a widespread and common orchid. Prior to this time, it was
considered a pale form of Corybas aconitiflorus which was described in 1807 by the English
botanist Richard Salisbury.
Reading the descriptions, there is not a lot to separate these two species, so the confusion is
understandable. The leaves of both species are similar in shape, size and colour except
Corybas aconitiflorus is purplish under the leaf whereas Corybas barbarae is silvery green or
reddish beneath. In my experience, Corybas barbarae is always greenish under the leaf in
south east Queensland, so this is the first difference. The second and most obvious difference
is the flower colour. Corybas barbarae has a sparkling white flower whereas Corybas
aconitiflorus has a greyish purple to redish purple flower. A third difference is the flowers of
Corybas aconitiflorus have narrow flowers when viewed from the top, just 10 to 12mm wide,
whereas Corybas barbarae has a much wider flower at 15 to 20mm wide. Lastly, there is a
technical difference in the flowers in that the bristles on the labellum of Corybas aconitiflorus
are relatively sparse compared to the dense bristles of Corybas barbarae. This difference is
difficult to see as the bristles are microscopic and the labellum is mostly hidden by the dorsal
sepal.
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Even given the small differences, when both species are seen in the wild, the differences are
unmistakable. Firstly, there is a distinct colour difference in the flowers. Corybas barbarae
has a glistening white flower whereas Corybas aconitiflorus has a grey pink flower. The most
obvious difference is in the flower shape when viewed from above. Corybas barbarae has a
relatively wide flower making the flower appear almost round from above. Corybas
aconitiflorus has quite a thin flower from above, less than half as wide as high, giving the
flower a very thin appearance from above, quite different from the profile of Corybas
barbarae. Lastly, when viewed with a magnifying glass, the bristles on the labellum of
Corybas aconitiflorus are indeed much more sparse than the dense bristles of Corybas
barbarae.
There are other differences between these species, not to be found in the field guides.
Corybas barbarae grows in quite open conditions where the grass is very sparse or nonexistent. While it needs a moist area to grow, it generally favours relatively dryer areas on the
red brown soil areas at Bellthorpe. Corybas aconitiflorus on the other hand prefers quite
different conditions. It grows in moister conditions in heavily grassed areas where it hides
under the grass making it quite difficult to locate. It also grows exclusively on yellow clay
like soil areas and never in the red brown soil areas. The difference in habitat requirements
means that you never find these two species growing together as their habitat preferences is
just too different.
Given the obvious differences between these two species, I am surprised that it took so long
to separate these two species. I would have thought that taxonomists would have at least
described these two species as varieties of Corybas aconitiflorus, not just mention a pale
form in passing in the guides. It just goes to show that there is much still to learn and
document about our wonderful orchids.
Corybas aconitiflorus
Flower Grey Pink
Corybas barbarae
Flower glistening white
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The Kalhari
June 2014
Corybas aconitiflorus
Flower width less than half its length
Corybas aconitiflorus
Sparse bristles on labellum
Corybas barbarae
Flower width approaching its length
Corybas barbarae
Dense bristles on labellum
The orchids we found in flower were:Acianthus fornicatus
Corybas aconitiflorus
Corybas barbarae
Pterostylis baptistii
Pterostylis nutans
Pterostylis russellii
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