Wallflower Orchid

~ Diuris orientis ~

ORCHIDACEAE

Orchids are social characters and do not survive in isolation, deriving their existence from the health of their ecosystems. From germination to growth, pollination and fertilisation, they depend on the organisms around them. They also use other flowering plants for survival. The Diuris species is infamous for mimicking pea-flowers in the quest for cross-pollination and hang out with pea-plants such as the Common Brown Pea (see p. 123). Because Orchids do not offer the allure of nectar for pollinating visitors, they will blend into a habitat with nectar-filled pea-flowers, relying on this visual deception (aka food mimicry) to lure in a bee. This also seems to work out for the pea-flowers as evidence suggests that, when both plants are together, a higher concentration of pollinating insects are present. Trichocolletes serotinus, with its prize-winning common name of the Late-flying Hairy Cellophane Bee, is one of the pollinating agents seen attending the Pea and Orchid party. Like other Orchids, the Wallflower Orchid also has a symbiotic relationship with Mycorrhizal Fungi and may be difficult to cultivate (see p. 3).

WHERE TO LOOK

Also known as the Eastern Wallflower Orchid, it can be seen flaunting its dangly blooms on the south-east side of the country, from Tassie to South Australia and Victoria, where it’s particularly prominent. It enjoys open forest and heathlands and sits in the company of Sundews, Heaths, Desert Banksias and Grass Trees. There’s evidence that flowering dramatically increases after summer bushfires.

Locations → NSW: Nadgee Nature Reserve; Victoria: Anglesea Heath and Brisbane Ranges National Park; SA: Scott Creek Conservation Park and Mount Billy Conservation Park.

FEATURES

This Wallflower can grow to a height of 10–40cm tall with one to three channelled leaves measuring 10–30cm. A common characteristic of the Diuris genus is its ‘donkey ears’: the Wallflower has two rounded ear-like petals propped up on the top of its head. These special blooms are yellow with hints of reddish-brown and mauve, are around 3–4cm tall and can be found in groups of up to six per plant.

FLOWERING SEASON

Spring → This springtime perennial will flower around September and November and sometimes as early as August.