Bush Crew diaries November 2024

Published on 30 October 2024

Our bushland reserves are habitat to approximately 633 indigenous plant species, most of which are flowering plants. Wildflowers can be observed in the bushland landscape throughout the year, although spring is arguably the best time to observe greater floral displays.

Sun orchids (Thelymitra sp.) are orchids which are locally indigenous to parts of Banyule. They are called sun orchids because their flowers generally require warm, humid weather to open.

Recently, while hand weeding through remnant bushland on a warm sunny day, the bush crew spotted a beautiful Slender Sun-orchid (Thelymitra pauciflora), with its flowers open and on full display.

The insect pollinators of sun orchids are native bees. However, some sun orchid species also have the ability to self-pollinate. The Slender Sun-orchid can self-pollinate its flowers even when the flowers remain tightly closed during cool weather. How very cool is that?

Find out more about our bushland reserves and their importance as refuges for indigenous biodiversity.