Too many orchids ...

.. are never enough.

After a very frustrating day yesterday when I couldn't find any of the 'specials' we'd located on Tuesday we set off again this morning and ticked off most everything.  We even got an addition: Hymenochilus bicolor, which Frances found close to Glossodia Central.  The distinguishing feature is the shape of the 'black bit' (known I believe as a labellum appendage) which is m-shaped rather than the T of H. cycnocephalus.

Here is a picture.
The next cab off the rank is a Diuris.  I have concluded that this is D. pardina, the Leopard orchid on the basis of several of the plants having 3 leaves and the colour of the stems.  As always I am open to correction!
The first image is from this morning, looking from above the flower and has a nice effect of dew  - for once I had my camera with me at the required time.
Next we have a front on shot in mid afternoon, followed by a group photo of several open flowers.

 A couple of days later we went for another prowl and found our first Diuris sulphurea for the season.  A couple of images follow. Note: the lack of brown on the sepals; the green stems and the bright yellow petals and sepals.

On this extra day we also found a stack of Stegostyla ustulata.  While they have their own post, I really like this image so have popped it in here.

The final bit is one for the specialists.  It is I think a group of leaves which may eventually be accompanied by Microtis flowers.  These are not the most elaborate flowers going, but those who believe small is beautiful will enjoy them (if the kangaroos and hares don't eat them all).
Assuming that I have the correct diagnosis of this greenery it is progressing well.  (Actually I am not sure about that, since once it flowers we will than have to decide what species it is.  There seem to be 2 possible Microtis sp in this area and they are distinguished by by detail of the labellum, which is about 1.5mm in length!)

The collection in the image above are taking their time about flowering.  However while looking for a sun orchid about 50m away I found this nice Microtis bud  (and three buds of sun orchids - c'mon sun!).


And now for something completely different, buds of Thelymitra sp.  The first I am not sure about as it is growing with the slower developing Microtis.  I am being bolder about the second, and calling it T pauciflora, because that has flowered in exactly the same position in the past!


As we have some warmer days scheduled, I am hopeful we might see some action in the next few days!

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