Bush Crew diaries June 2024

Published on 30 May 2024

Pterostylis is a large genus of orchids consisting of over 100 species. Most of these species are endemic to Australia and a few to New Zealand, New Caledonia and New Guinea. Banyule is home to 11 of these species.

Pterostylis are commonly known as Greenhoods because their petals and some of their sepals have united to form a hood shape. While their hooded flowers are mostly green, they can also be tinged with brown or red.

The flowers of the Large Autumn Greenhood (Pterostylis ampliata) can be up to 45mm long. In contrast, the flowers of the Tiny Greenhood (Pterostylis parviflora) grows to only 10mm. Pictured here are the flowers of the Tiny Greenhood; note how small the flowers are in comparison with the pen tip. These flowers are so small and cute that the Bush Crew simply had to take a photo of them to share with Greenwrap readers in the hope that it brings a smile to their faces.

Our bushland reserves are comprised of a diversity of ecological vegetation classes (EVCs) that include indigenous plants such as trees, mistletoes, shrubs, climbers, ferns, sedges, lilies, rushes, orchids, grasses, herbs, daisies and aquatic plants.

To learn more about our EVCs, their flora and fauna and to undertake volunteer bushland management works to support the protection of these areas, you can join a local friends-of group.