journal of the native orchid society of south australia incmay 04, 2014 · journal of the native...
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Journal
Of the
Native Orchid Society
Of
South Australia Inc.
Print Post Approved Volume 38 Nº 4
PP 543662/00018 May 2014
N AT I V E O R C H I D S O C I E T Y O F S O UT H
AU S T R AL I A
PO Box 565 Unley SA 5061
Website: www.nossa.org.au Ph: 8294 8014 April 2014 Vol. 38 NO4
President
Robert Lawrence
Email:
Vice President
Kris Kopicki
Secretary
Vacant
Email: [email protected]
Treasurer
Gordon Ninnes
Email: [email protected] or
Editor
Lorraine and John Badger
Email: [email protected]
Assistant Editor Helen Lawrence
Committee Jan Adams
Robert Lawrence
Rosalie Lawrence
Bob Bates
Thelma Bridle
David Hirst
Other Positions
Botanical Advisor Bob Bates
Conservation Officer
Thelma Bridle & Bob Bates
Field Trips Coordinator
Vacant
Librarian
Pauline Meyers
Membership Liaison Officer
Robert Lawrence
Ph: 8294 8014
Email:
strar of Judges Les Nesbitt
Show Marshall
Vacant
Trading Table
Judy Penney
Tuber Band Coordinator
Jane Higgs
Ph: 8558 6247
Email: [email protected]
Website Manager
Rosalie Lawrence
Email: [email protected]
The Native Orchid Society of South Australia promotes the conservation of orchids through the preservation of natural habitat and through
cultivation. Except with the documented official representation of the management committee, no person may represent the Society on any matter. All native orchids are protected in the wild; their collection without written Government permit is illegal.
Contents
Title Author Page
Notice Board 39 Summary of April Meeting Lorraine Badger 40 From the President Robert Lawrence 41 NOSSA @ APS Autumn Show 41 Winning Picture for March Rosalie Lawrence 42 Orchidologist John Lindley Rosalie Lawrence 43
Australian Orchid Foundation Essay Competition
43
Field Trip We Did Not Have Leo Davis 44 2014 Orchid Season Rob Bates 45 Field Trip to Hindmarsh Falls & Knott Hill Reprint 45 A Note on Greenhood Taxonomy LeoDavis 46 Incorrect Identification Rob Bates 48
LIFE MEMBERS
Mr R Hargreaves† Mr G Carne Mr H Goldsack† Mr R Bates
Mr R Robjohns† Mr R Shooter Mr J Simmons† Mr W Dear Mr D Wells† Mrs C Houston Mr. L Nesbitt Mr D Hirst
PATRON : MR L. NESBITT
The Native Orchid Society of South Australia, while taking all due care,
take no responsibility for loss or damage to any plants whether at shows,
meetings or exhibits.
Views or opinions expressed by authors of articles within this Journal do
not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the management committee.
We condone the reprint of any articles if acknowledgment is given.
Front cover from an original drawing of Pterostylis cucullata ssp.
cucullata by Thelma Bridle. Used with her kind permission. Pterostylis
cucullata ssp. cucullata is a rare, short-statured species of Leafy
Greenhood which grows only in coastal regions. Thought to be extinct in
SA, a NOSSA member discovered a large population in 2013, growing in
the lower South East close to the Victorian border.
Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South Australia Inc. April 2014 Vol. 38 NO4
39
NOTICE BOARD
The Native Orchid Society of South Australia meets every fourth Tuesday of the months February to November at St
Matthew's Hall, Bridge Street, Kensington. Meetings start at 8:00 p.m. Doors to the hall will be open from 7:15 pm
to allow Members access to the Library, Trading Table, OR Les Nesbit’s Growing Orchid Forum 7.15 to 7.45 p.m.
Welcome to the following new members
Adrian Whiting of Windsor Gardens
Grantley and Vicki Morris of Parafield Gardens
Rob and Jenny Pauley of Victor Harbor
Dr Mandy Walker of Upper Sturt
May Meeting - Speaker Les Nesbitt NOSSA Diuris
behrii Project sponsored by Hillgrove Resources
Les will present a pictorial history of the conservation
and propagation of Diuris behrii for eventual
reintroduction to the rehabilitated Kanmantoo Mine
site. The cultural methods used will be demonstrated.
This very successful project started in 2011 and may
run for 10 years. Based on this effort, NOSSA
volunteers may be called upon to help grow other
threatened local orchids in future.
New venture - MONTHLY GROWING ORCHID
FORUM
If there is sufficient interest Les Nesbit will present a
monthly Growing Orchid Forum in the side room from
7.15 to 7.45 prior to the general meeting beginning at
the May meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend. You
will get your questions answered, and learn a little
about growing native orchids. You may bring along a
plant for discussion. Any member interested in
growing orchids is encouraged to attend.
NOSSA Name Tags
Lost or broken your name tag? Possibly you have
never received one. Contact Rosalie Lawrence on 8294
8014 or email [email protected] for a
new one. Badges certainly help in getting to know one
another, especially on field trips.
NOSSA Library
The library is available to all members. There is a good variety of books on orchids which can be borrowed prior to each meeting. The latest additions to the library include
Orchid Pollinators of Victoria (2nd ed.) Kuiter, Rudie. H. (2013).: Seaford: Aquatic
Photographics. Field guide to the orchids of Western
Australia : the definitive guide to the native
orchids of Western Australia- Andrew Brown, Kingsley Dixon, Christopher French and Garry Brockman (2013)
"WANOSCG 2014: Celebrating 40 Years," WANOSCG (Western Australian Native
Orchid Society and Conservation Group), Western Australia.
Membership Fees Now Overdue
Thanks to those of you, who have recently updated their fees but there are still a number of outstanding
fees. Payments can be made by cash at any Bank SA branch or electronically as Direct Deposit.
Bank SA - BSB: 105 011 Account Name:
Native Orchid Society of SA Incorporated
Account #: 073181741 Reference: Member Name;
Subs
For the diary:
Next Judges' Meeting - Saturday 2nd August.
Further details will be provided in future
journals
End of year BBQ Saturday 29th November
2014 (ie the Saturday after the November
meeting)
Date Event
May 17, Sat Working Bee & BBQ beginning 10am Warradale Uniting Church – May 17, Sat Planning for Spring Flower Show – at working Bee as above
May 25, Sun Field trip 10 am Meet at Myponga Hall Car park *(Rescheduled) May 27,Tue Growing Orchid Forum 7.15 to 7.45 BEFORE general meeting May 27, Tue General Meeting 8 pm: Speaker – Les Nesbitt- Diuris Recovery Project Jun 3, Tues Committee Meeting 7.30pm at the Lawrence’s home
Jun 6, Fri Articles for Journal are to reach the editor by this date. [email protected] Jun 7, Sat Weeding at Brentwood 10 am - notification of attendance necessary – see below Jun 14, Sat Weeding at Belair National Park 9:30 Long Gully
Jun 24, Tues General Meeting 8 pm: Speaker Jane Higgs - Orchid Microculture - How I Grow My Orchids
Jun 28, Sat Field Trip – Warren CP – meeting place TBA
Jun 30, Mon Australian Orchid Foundation Essay Competition due date – see item below
Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South Australia Inc. April 2014 Vol. 38 NO4
40
Working Bee & BBQ Saturday 17th May beginning
10am
NOSSA has hired a storage shed at Warradale Uniting
Church (corner Lascelles and Struan, Warradale UBD
Map152 P3.). Members are encouraged to come and
help sort and pack NOSSA equipment. Time will also
be given to planning for the spring flower show.
Weeding at Brentwood Cemetery Saturday 7th June
10am
A joint working bee at
Brentwood Cemetery has
been organized by Natural
Resources Management
(NRM) Northern and York
Group and the Threatened
Plant Action Group
(TPAG). This small
cemetery is approximately
8 km south-east of the
Hardwicke Bay along
Cutline Road, on Yorke
Peninsula. As weed invasion is a serious threat to the
nationally endangered Arachnorchis intuta or ghost
orchid which is located at this site, this is a necessary
task. Anyone is invited to join this weeding project but
as the Friends of Brentwood Cemetery will be
providing lunch it is requested that anyone intending to
participate needs to notify NRM Team Leader,
Deborah Furbank. Phone (08) 8854 3208 or Mobile
0421 617 155
Working Bee Dates for Belair - Threatened Plant
Action Group
Unfortunately we have missed a few dates but there a
still a couple more for the remainder of the year.
Entry to the park is free for volunteers – simply inform
the gate folk. Meet at Long Gully at 9:30am.
Sat June 14th - Long Gully - species protecting -
Pterostylis cucullata & Manna gum Woodland PC013
Sat Oct 11th - Long Gully - Pterostylis cucullata PC013
Contacts : Tim Jury 7127 4166 Joe Quarmby 8336
0931 Thelma Bridle
8384 4174
Changes to Field Trip Procedures
From time to time field trips may need to be cancelled
for various reasons beyond our control. In such
circumstances folk intending to participate need to be
informed and to that end the committee has decided to
require bookings for field trips.
The preferred method is to book through:
[email protected] OR if that is not
convenient phone Rosalie at 8294 8014.
It also pays to check the NOSSA website to check the
status of any field trip. http://nossa.org.au/events/
NOTE: Following recent rains the field trip to Mt Billy
will now take place.
Vale Park Our Patch (VPOP) Website
Following last month’s report on this wonderful
project, readers were encouraged to find out more
about VPOP through their web site. Unfortunately for
those who receive a printed version of the journal the
website was virtually unreadable for which we offer
our humble apologies.
http://www.valeparkourpatch.com
SUMMARY OF APRIL MEETING
Lorraine Badger
The guest speaker for the night was Jason Tyndall, regional coordinator of
Natural Resource Management (NRM) which is hosted by the City of
Onkaparinga. His chosen topic, “Orchid Stories: Connecting children to
nature through orchids” proved to be a fascinating and thought provoking
story.
Finding ways to connect children with nature is more important today than
at any other time in history and Jason shared his passion for working with
children in various schools. In his talk he sought to demonstrate the ways
in which he imparts his message by using the powerful form of
storytelling. Accompanied by a photographic power point he shared how
he had used orchids, which he has found to be one of the most interesting
plants, to engage children.
Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South Australia Inc. April 2014 Vol. 38 NO4
40
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Robert Lawrence
I am honoured to be able to write my first article as
President of the Native Orchid Society of South
Australia Incorporated.
I would like to thank Geoff Borg who stepped into the
role of President two years ago and oversaw a time of
adjustment. During his term Bill Dear moved to
Western Australia and Cathy Houston was no longer
available to serve the Society. The contribution made
by each of them is sorely missed.
I would also like to thank John Bartram who stepped in
to the role of Secretary early in 2013 after I found it
necessary to leave the role. This enabled the Society to
continue to function. I am pleased to welcome
Michael Clark as Minutes Secretary for the committee
meetings. Bob Gunn has kindly commenced taking
minutes of the general meetings, thus helping to share
the load.
In the later part of the year 2013 Helen Lawrence
started as Assistant Editor and produced an updated
format. John and Lorraine Badger commenced in the
role of Editor from the start of this year. David Hirst
has done a wonderful job as Editor for eleven years
and has served the Society well throughout this period.
He has given the new editorial team an example to
emulate.
Looking ahead, the Society faces a number of
challenges. The number of growers benching plants
and contributing to the annual Spring Show is
dwindling and there appears to be no new growers. It
has been exciting to learn about Trevor Gerrard in his
role as Education Officer of the Orchid Club of South
Australia with the Orchids in Schools Program. We
hope that this will contribute to a new generation of
orchid growers and that
some will take a particular
interest in Australian
orchids.
We also want to make sure
the range of activities and
publications meet the
expectation of all of our
members, many of whom
receive the Journal without
attending general meetings
or field trips. We hope we provide a range of materials
that readers find interesting.
New and exciting opportunities could be started in the
next couple of years. These include a web-based
interactive orchid identification key and
commencement of directed data collection for citizen
science projects on topics such as the distribution of
orchids and the timing of flowering.
This is just a brief snapshot of issues. In writing these
I am mindful of contributions of particular members
that I have not mentioned above; these continue to be
important and I certainly want those who contribute to
know that they are valued. Members are more than
welcome to bring to the attention of the Management
Committee any issues that should be addressed or
would make the Society more relevant to its members,
or if we are doing things well that should not be
changed.
NOSSA @ AUSTRALIAN PLANT SOCIETY AUTUMN SHOW
NOSSA members recently promoted the society at the APS Autumn Sale with a
display of native orchid material even though there were no orchids for sale on this
occasion. Time was taken on the previous to set up the area in such a manner as to
attract the show goers. Gordon Ninnes’ expertise combined with the assistance of
Jan Adams and Rosalie Lawrence meant that people were certainly drawn to the
area on the show days. A favourite attraction was the society’s orchid diorama
created with replica orchids cleverly formed from paper by former member Thelma
O’Neill. Thanks go to all who helped out over the two days.
41
Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South Australia Inc. April 2014 Vol. 38 NO4
40
WINNING PICTURE FOR APRIL 2014
ROSALIE LAWRENCE
With the range of photographs
submitted it is always difficult to guess
which picture is likely to be the winner
but somehow this month’s winning
photograph by Lorraine Badger was not
surprising. With a common name of
Queen Orchid, Thelymitra crinita is
aptly named for the flower has a quiet
regal air of elegance and delicacy that
would appeal to many people. Other
entries were: Jane Higg’s Eriochilus
(2nd), John Badger’s Corunastylis sp
Adelaide Hills (equal 3rd), Helen
Lawrence’s Jonesiopsis capillata
(equal 3rd), David Hirst’s Pterostylis
laxa, David Mangelsdorf’s Acianthus
pusillus, Pauline Meyers’ Caladenia
crebra and Marg Paech’s Calochilus
robertsonii,
T crinita is a common Western
Australian orchid that can be found
from Perth around to Albany with a
disjunct area near Esperance. Back in
1839, it was one of 60 orchids named
by John Lindley in ‘Appendix to the
first twenty-three volumes of Edwards’
Botanical Register together with A
Sketch of the Vegetation of the Swan
River Colony’. Though the register is
written in English the species
description is in Latin, reproduced here
for all those Latin buffs –
(214) helymitra [sic] crinita; folio
radicali oblongo apiculato glabro,
raceme cylindraceo, floribus purpureis,
cuculli laciniis lateralibus barbatis
unguiculatis intermediâ fornicatâ
emarginatâ dorso glanduloso-villosâ.
On a recent visit to the Herbarium, Michelle Waycott, Chief Botanist, explained that there is a strict botanical standard for describing a species. You may be pleased to know that at the 18th International Botanical Congress in Melbourne, Australia in July 2011, it was
determined that from the 1st January 2012 it was no
longer mandatory for descriptions to be in Latin only. English can now be used.
For anyone wishing to enter the monthly photographic
competition images can be:
1. emailed to [email protected] or
2. mailed to PO Box 565, Unley SA (5061) or
3. brought to the meeting on the night
4.
42
Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South Australia Inc. April 2014 Vol. 38 NO4
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ORCHIDOLOGOGIST JOHN LINDLEY (1799-1865)
R OSALIE LAW R ENC E
John Lindley (1799 - 1865), who named the above mentioned Thelymitra crinita, was one of the world’s earliest orchidologists and has been described as the Father of Modern Orchidology (Pridgeon, p.1). Having
no formal university education his career began under Sir Joseph Banks as assistant-librarian. He eventually rose to Professor of Botany, University College, London, amongst many other numerous official duties and public activities. It was the result of Lindley’s work and involvement with a group of other like-minded men that Kew Garden was saved from
destruction and Corn Tax was repealed at the time of the great Irish potato famine.
Although orchids were not his only area of interest
they were his passion and the common name ‘orchid’ was introduced by him in 1845. Lindley became involved with the naming of orchids at a time when the western world was discovering the wealth of the orchid world and his subsequent work on orchids was prodigious. He personally examined and named thousands of species specimens, with one author
stating that Lindley named over 6,000 orchid species, establishing over 120 genera. Notably he wrote three major orchid works Genera and Species of Orchidaceous Plants (1830-1840), Sertum orchidaceum (1838), and Folia orchidacea (1852-1855). He also wrote for the general public and one delightfully readable textbook was Ladies’ Botany or A
Familiar Introduction to the Study of the Natural System of Botany Volume I and II (1834 – 1837).
Though not referring specifically to South Australia, he lamented “that there are still, however, many species from the East and North Coast (of Australia), with which he has no acquaintance” [sic]. As far as I can
determine none of our endemic orchids were named by him.
References:
Lindley, J. (1830). The genera and species of orchidaceous plants /by John Lindley. Retrieved 30
Apr 2014, from https://archive.org/details/mobot31753002698485
Lindley, J. (1839). Appendix to the first twenty-three volumes of Edwards's botanical register : consisting of a complete alphabetical and systematical index of names, synomymes and matter, adjusted to the present state of systematical
botany, together with a sketch of the vegetation of the Swan River colony (http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/29179#page/59/mode/1up ed.). London: James Ridgway.
"Lindley, John". (2008). Complete Dictionary of Scientific Biography Retrieved 30 Apr. 2014, from http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-
2830902630.html Pridgeon, A. (2005). Blue Plaque for John Lindley’s
Home [Electronic Version]. Orchid Research Newsletter 46, 1. Retrieved 8 May 2014, from http://www.kew.org/herbarium/orchid/orn46.pdf
AUSTRALIAN ORCHID FOUNDATION ESSAY COMPETITION
The Foundation is pleased to announce the
establishment of the AOF Essay Prize. The AOF
Essay Prize has been set up to encourage local orchid
growers to participate in letting others know of their
initiatives and practices in the cultivation and
conservation of orchids.
It is an annual writing competition, established with a
generous endowment by the Slade Family who have
been actively involved with the AOF since its
inception. There will be three prizes – first prize $350;
second prize $250 and third prize $150.
The Foundation invites all Australian orchid growers
to consider the topic for 2014 and submit an entry.
ESSAY TOPIC FOR 2014: “My Favourite Orchid”
Select your favourite orchid* and tell why you have
made this choice. *Orchid can refer to a single orchid,
hybrid or species, or a single orchid genus.
The deadline for receipt of all entries is June 30th 2014
Send entries, including name, address and telephone
contact to:
AOF Essay Prize P.O. Box 322, Essendon North
Vic. 3041 or electronically to -
Be sure to check the following site for further
information, entry rules and winning essays for the last
two years at http://www.australianorchidfoundation.org.au/
The 2013 first prize winner was South Australian Chris
Heysen of Auldana. Can SA provide another winner
for 2014?
43
Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South Australia Inc. April 2014 Vol. 38 NO4
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REPORT ON NOSSA OUTING WE DID NOT HAVE
LEO DAVIS
Our quest for Leporella fimbriata at
Scott Conservation Park was pencilled
into my Planner so indelibly that I
headed off on my own searches, that
day and on others, and I report on
those forays.
I headed for Scott Creek C.P. first (no,
even though for some years I didn’t
realise Scott and Scott Creek were
NOT the same place, I do know now)
in my usual dream state, so missed the
Stirling turnoff, and settled on
Meadows Flat instead. The Midge
Orchid (Corunastylis sp.) plants John
Badger had led us to on the last visit
were well past flowering, now
pumping up their ovaries, and there
was not a sign of Parson’s Bands
(Eriochilus sp.)
On then to the always reliable Knott Hill NFR
where the results were the same, with the addition
of a single double flowered and a single triple
flowered specimen of the Fringed Hare Orchid (L.
fimbriata). You know what an odd bod I am and
how easily pleased, so you’ll not be surprised that
the day’s highlight was finding many leaves of the
Small Flying Duck, (Paracaleana minor), to 68 x
2 mm, and its large relative, Caleana major, to 42
x 5 mm. These very late flowering species are
always among the first out of the blocks.
I had high hopes for Scott Creek C.P. because Bob
Bates had shown us L. fimbriata growing in an
unexpected location, among Oyster Bay Pines
(Callitris rhomboidea) during our May 27, 2012
outing. More than 20 flowering plants were found
and many more in leaf only. Hopes were dashed
when I arrived on April 30, this year because a
fire, controlled or not, had gone through the area
recently. My plastic tags, on Thelymitra
benthamiana, T. carnea and Caladenia pusilla
sites, are now, let’s say, a lost cause. The Oyster
Bay Pines were gone. Down along the creek the
fire had either not taken or had been held at bay
and a few Parson’s Bands were in flower, Midge
Orchids were in fruit and Pterostylis pedunculata
were well in leaf.
Later the same day I went across to Mark Oliphant
CP and along the Waterfall Track found Parson’s
Bands in flower all along the track. Those few I’d
seen in flower back on March 24 were now in
fruit. There is a wide variation in prime flowering
time at the various locations.
There are clearly local populations of orchids.
Along about 300 or more metres of Waterfall
Track I saw hundreds of Parson’s Bands flowers,
in spasmodic and dense distributions, and I saw
just one double flowered spike. Along Moore’s
Road, at the top of Morialta C.P., throughout the
first half of April, I watched the Parson’s Bands
gradually come into flower and along a 200 m
stretch of fire track verges there were several areas
busy with plants and I found numerous double
flowers and in two spots found triples surrounded
by doubles. It’s all in the genes, I say.
44
Leporella fimbriata. Knott Hill
NFR
Eriochilus sp. Hills Woodland
Along Moore’s Rd, Morialta CP
Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South Australia Inc. April 2014 Vol. 38 NO4
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2014 ORCHID SEASON
Robert Bates
After a very dry March and April in the Adelaide Hills
and most of coastal South Australia the wild orchids
were looking very sick due to water deficit and our
first ever autumn plague of flower thrips.
Our April field trip was cancelled and consideration
given to postponing the May excursion. Fortunately
heavy rain at the end of April turned the situation
around and orchid leaves began to show, right on time
indicating an above average orchid season.
Further north in the Gawler and Flinders, heavy rains
in February were of no benefit to orchids but good rain
in early April and early May set the scene for a bumper
orchid year on our desert fringes. Certainly autumn
orchids in the north have been impressive already,
especially in areas burnt by the Bangor Fire.
Editors’ Note: The year certainly has seen a slow start
to the orchid season. The following historic article
makes a good comparison with 2014 as well as
interesting reading.
FIELD TRIP TO HINDMARSH FALLS AND KNOTT HILL 25 4 1981
R.J. Markworth
Reprint from Native Orchard Society of South Australia Journal Vol. 5 No p.35-37
Adelaide's unusually long ‘Indian summer' provided a
really good turnout of members with a perfect autumn
day in which to enjoy our first field trip for 1981.
After some initial socializing involving a great deal of
chin-waging (an important aspect of the Society's
activities which excursions provide excellent
opportunities to indulge in), we walked from the
Hindmarsh Falls picnic area to view Pterostylis obtusa
in one of the few locations in South Australia where it
seems to grow.
The location accords remarkably well with Nicholls'
description of the plants ‘Eastern States' habitat, "…
most commonly or rocky timbered hill slopes - it may
be found plentifully among ferns and on mossy slopes
in sheltered forest areas”
In his delightful little book "South Australian Orchids"
(1911), Dr. R.S. Rogers made the following reference
to P. obtusa: "P. obtusa has quite a blunt tongue." …
obtusus (Latin) - blunt ..:... " This species is said to
have been found at Port Elliot. For many years 1
hunted it unsuccessfully, but two years ago I ran it to
earth in the Ravine de Casoars, in the unfrequented
west coast of Kangaroo Island. Since then I have
received specimens from Mount Muirhead "... between
Millicent and Mount Burr "collected by a school child
in the district."
In the Transactions of the Royal Society of South
Australia (1909), he records the original discovery
(attributed to his wife) as occurring, at the end of
September, 1908. He based his determination of the
species on half a dozen withered specimens which he
thought had probably, flowered in July and August.
It occurs to me that late September is a long time after
the usual flowering period of this plant (April and
May), in which; to see "withered specimens". The
Third Edition of J.N. Black's "Flora of South
Australia" (1978) does not record P. obtusa from
Kangaroo Island. I wonder; whether the good doctor
really saw the plant we know as P. obtusa, or perhaps
some other species.
Unlike our previous visit to this area in 1979, 1981 is
definitely not a vintage year for P. obtusa, having
probably been too dry. Although a number of plants
were flowering and some were in bud, many had
already wilted. They were not present in the numbers
seen in 1979. Other orchids recorded were Acianthus
exsertus in bud, and the basal rosettes of Pterostylis
spp. There was some discussion as to which particular
species the rosettes belonged to, but as P. pedunculata,
P nutans, and P. curva are known to grow here,
perhaps all were represented.
An interesting non-orchidaceous plant seen growing at
the side of the track was a Correa with greenish
flowers, probably Correa calycina.
Regrouping at the picnic area, we then travelled across
the top of the range to Knott Kill in Kuitpo Forest. The
views along the way, through wide valleys to the plains
and the sea beyond, were quite beautiful. However,
45
Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South Australia Inc. April 2014 Vol. 38 NO4
40
although a large part of the way was tree-lined and
through bush land, the greater part of the journey was
over unsealed roads, and tail-enders in the convoy
were more concerned with seeing through the dust than
looking at scenery.
Knott Hill is a favourite venue for members interested
in rare and uncommon species, and has been visited on
several previous occasions. \
This time, we found plenty of flowering specimens of
Leporella fimbriata, Prasophyllum rufum in smaller
numbers, and what must have been the last flowering
plants of Eriochilus cucullata for this season, while
basal leaves of Lyperanthus nigricans and Thelymitra
spp were recorded. Unlike 1979, however, a diligent
search failed to uncover basal leaves of Acianthus
caudatus, A. reniformis, Caleana major or Paracaleana
minor. The area is now somewhat over-grown making
the search difficult, but maybe the season has been just
too dry.
Bob Bates pointed out that since the Leporella is
pollinated by a male bull ant, and these insects only –
emerge under the right conditions of temperature and
humidity, the flower must remain open for an extended
period of time if pollination is to be effected. This is
fortunate for people like ourselves who like to seek
them out.
Probably the most conspicuous non-orchidaceous plant
flowering here was Correa reflexa, its red bell shaped
flowers being infinitely more visible than the Correa
sp. growing at Hindmarsh Falls.
All in all, we enjoyed quite a successful excursion on a
beautiful day, undertaken in an unhurried, even
leisurely fashion, which suited the balmy weather, and
seemed to suit the general inclination of most of the
members present.
Orchids seen in Flower
Eriochilus cucullatus
Leporella fimbriata
Prasophyllum rufum
Pterostylis obtusa
Editor’s Note:
The above article has been reproduced in the same
format as much as possible. I note that there is some
obviously plant name changes. The only one that I
have worked out is as below.
Prasophyllum rufum
Synonyms: Genoplesium rufum (R.Br.) D.L.Jones &
M.A.Clem.; Corunastylis rufa (R.Br.) D.L.Jones &
M.A.Clem. APNI
A NOTE ON GREENHOOD TAXONOMY
LEO DAVIS
Bob Bates has contributed thoughtful, informative
articles to this Journal that present a strong case for the
use of a number of genera of Greenhood orchids.
These propositions seem soundly based to this amateur
field observer. His arguments, for example, that the
“Bearded or plumed greenhoods became
Plumatichilos, Shell orchids became Diplodium;
striated greenhoods became Bunochilus” just seem
good sense, (DNA and other evidence, etc., aside)
when we consider what clearly discernible
morphological differences we amateurs see in the field.
I have studied some of the published articles behind
the debate and submit my interpretive summary of the
latest published classification, as I understand it. This
places all Greenhoods into the single genus Pterostylis.
(Table below).
Janes and Duretto (2010) reject the division of the
Greenhood orchid genus Pterostylis into 16 genera by
Szlachetko (2001) and Jones and Clements (2002) and
instead propose a single Pterostylis genus comprising
two subgenera (Pterostylis and Oligochaetochilus)
within which they set up 10 Sections.
Janes et al (2010) “concluded that the generic concepts
proposed by Szlachetcho (2001) and Jones and
Clements (2002b) were questionable”.
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Section Foliosae. (53 + 3).
Eremorchis.
Diplodium. Linguella.
Taurantha.
Crangonorchis.
Sub Genus Pterostylis.
(106 ssp + 5 hybrids)
Lateral sepals erect
(reflexed).
Section Parviflorae. (11).
Petrorchis.
Speculantha.
Section Pterostylis. (52 + 2).
Genus Pterostylis,
(216 ssp. + 5 hybrids).
Section Pharochilum. (1).
Pharochilum.
Oligochaetochilus.
Section Stamnorchis. (1).
Stamnorchis.
Section Catochilus. (4).
Plumatichilos.
Sub Genus
Oligochaetochilus.
(110 ssp+ 0 hybrids).
Lateral sepals deflexed.
Section Oligochaetochilus.
(47).
Oligochaetochilus.
Section Squamatae. (27). Bunochilus.
Oligochaetochilus.
Section Urochilus. (4).
Urochilus.
Oligochaetochilus.
Ranorchis.
Genera in NON BOLD
italics are recent
synonyms.
Section Hymenochilus. (16).
Hymenochilus. Oligochaetochilus.
I suggest that even if Janes and Durettos’
interpretations of literature and data are correct, that is
not sufficient reason not to consider a rational division
of the large and highly diverse genus Pterostylis. A
cursory glance at the table above suggests the
possibility of setting up at least two genera (Pterostylis
and Oligochaetochilus) or, alternatively, up to 10
genera (which, according to Janes et al, would spread
what I like to call Oligochaetochilus species across 5
different genera!). Both these possibilities would be
consistent with the DNA results reported by Janes et al
(2010).
But I’m surrendering. Out in the field, where nobody
knows, I’ll continue to seek out and identify
Bunochilus, Diplodium, Hymenochilus,
Oligochaetochilus, Plumatichilos, Urochilus, etc.,
plants but in public I’m going to be a Pterostylis man
all the time.
References:
Bates, R. J. (2012a). Twenty reasons why the New
Segregate Genera of SA Native Orchids Must be Accepted. Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South Australia, 36(2), 16-20.
Bates, R. J. (2012b). Why Bunochilus is a Separate Genus to Pterostylis. Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South Australia, 36(4), 38-39.
Bates, R. J. (2013). Why the Genus Speculantha Jones and Clem does not Belong in Pterostylis. Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South
Australia 37(3), 52-53.
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Janes, J., & Duretto, M. (2010). A new classification for the subtribe Pterostylidinae (Orchidaceae), reaffirming Pterostylis in the broad sense.
Australian Systematic Botany, 23, 260-269.
Janes, J., Steane, D., Vaillancourt, R., & Duretto, M. (2010). A molecular phylogeny of the subtribe Pterostylidinae (Orchidaceae), resolving the
taxonomic confusion Australian Systematic Botany, 23, 248-259.
INCORRECT IDENTIFICATIONS
Rob Bates
DL Jones’ Native Orchids of Australia (2006) is an excellent book and is certainly my main reference on Australian
orchids. However, the following SA orchids have the wrong species shown in their illustrations
1. Petalochilus prolatus: page 40 shows a pink flowered Caladenia with tall labellum side lobes. True P.
prolatus as shown in Orchids of SA is always white flowered.
2. Corysanthes expansa: the image on page 171 is one of the many forms of C. despectans. For true C.
expansa see Orchids of SA.
3. Corunastylis tepperi: the image on page 189 is acceptable as C. tepperi, but as this species is based on
material from South Australia it would have been better to have chosen an image from SA.
4. Prasophyllum constrictum: is a mallee species so it is hardly useful to show an image of Prasophyllum
species Bushfires from near Mt Lofty (page 206) as an illustration of it. Similarly the image of P. pruinosum
on page 212 is hardly a good example of the species.
a. Prasophyllum fecundum R Bates: on page 218. The image used here is P. sp Enigma.
b. Prasophyllum calcicola R Bates on page 219 is a species based on South Australian material and
the WA image used is very different from P. calcicola in the true sense.
5. Microtis: the images used to illustrate SA and WA species are often way off the mark. M. familiaris R
Bates from WA for example is a species with the lateral sepals clasping the ovary which is not the case in the
image used on page 224. It is clearly M. brownii.
a. M. graniticola R Bates on page 225 is a species with a very large labellum whereas the image used
shows flowers with affinities to M. eremaea R Bates and nothing like graniticola.
b. Likewise with Microtis oblonga on the same page. This species, based on Victorian material, has a
long slender labellum nothing like that of the NSW specimen illustrated.
c. On page 227 the image of a woodland plant purported to be the waterhole species M. quadrata R
Bates is a very poor match.
I admit that Microtis is a difficult genus to work with, but poor images of the wrong species will not help
anyone to work out the genus.
6. Thelymitra images are much better, but I do have a problem with the use of a Tasmanian plant to illustrate
the SA species T. bracteata especially as the image on page 234 is nothing like the real T. bracteata.
7. Calochilus images are great but somewhat misleading on all SA forms. The concept of accepting C.
imberbis as a species but ignoring SA’s C. cupreus is mystifying. Also the use of an Adelaide Hills
woodland image of C. platychilus to illustrate C. robertsonii on page 262 when true C. robertsonii is a heath
land species based on plants from SW Victoria is not at all helpful.
8. Oligochaetochilus: images of South Australian species were most unimpressive especially O. ovata which
showed nothing of the species’ special features. Otherwise the Pterostylis in general are well done.
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Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South Australia Inc. April 2014 Vol. 38 NO4
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Journal of the Native Orchid Society of South Australia Inc. April 2014 Vol. 38 NO4
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