Orchid Habitat Preservation
Australia Orchid Trio photos and text by Alan W Stephenson
Danhatchia australis
Habitat for Danhatchia australis is steep leech infested rain forest but Acianthella amplexicaulis is Littoral Rain Forest/Bangalay Sand Forest, which means it is semi rainforest beside the ocean. The Speculantha parviflora habitat is completely different in that it is thin heath vegetation over sand stone rock shelf. The area is referred to as the Helipad as occasionally helicopters from either the nearby naval base or National Parks set down there.
The flowers of Danhatchia australis are quite small, only slightly larger than a match head and it is difficult to determine whether they are actually open. Stems of plants are about the same size as the average ball point pen refill.
Acianthella amplexicaulis
Acianthella amplexicaulis
The leaf of Acianthella amplexicaulis sits about 70 mm (almost 3 inches) above ground level and is green underneath. It is also lobed and looks similar to the club on a playing card.
Speculantha parviflora var alba
Speculantha parviflora var alba is unique in that the entire plant from ground level measured 30 mm (1.25 inches). This is unusual as these plants can support up to eight flowers on a stem to 30 cm (12 inches). I included a photo of the rosette which is post flowering, as it along with the leaves (bracts) on the plant was green. I had hoped the rosette may also be white. I will check the site again next season to see if it flowers the same colour.
Danhatchia australis is at 600 mts (2000 feet) above sea level, Speculantha parviflora 200 mts (600 feet) and Acianthella amplexicaulis is at sea level.
I will be undertaking a survey on the Acianthella site this year to determine the number and distribution of the species as the nearest known population is 230 km (145 miles) further north. A submission will need to be written to have the local population declared as an endangered population.
Alan W Stephenson
National Conservation Officer
Australasian Native Orchid Society
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