Orchid-spotting on the Cradle Coast

Do you follow Field Naturalists of Tasmania or Tasmanian Native Orchids on Facebook?

If so, you have probably admired the photographs of Craig Broadfield and Greg Close, two avid local naturalists and talented photographers.

Both Greg and Craig have a knack for discovering and photographing orchids, which can often be very small, hidden, and in flower for short periods. October to December is the best time for seeing orchid flowers, but in recent months there has been quite an array if you know where to look. Craig took this pho tograph of the BlackPterostylis melagramma striped Greenhood, , in the Dial Range Regional Reserve on 16 August, 2020, and he says, “We are so fortunate to have on our doorstep in the north-west some amazing and varied landscapes and environments to explore. Orchids can be quite a challenge to locate. Getting down to their level in their habitat opens up a whole new world in miniature; a world that abounds in small herbaceous plants, ferns, mosses, lichens, fungi and arthropods. Capturing these gems on “film” is only a small part of what drives me to get out into the great outdoors as often as time permits.”

Some great places to see orchids are between Sisters Beach and Rocky Cape on the walking track through the National Park, Henry Somerset Reserve, Warrawee Reserve, Kelcey Tier Reserve, and on the walking tracks through the Dial Range.

If you would like to learn more about native orchids, you can come to the Cradle Coast Authority office in Burnie where we have copies of the Beginner’s Guide to the Common Orchids of North West Tasmania, a very handy booklet produced by the Central North Field Naturalists and the Cradle Coast Authority. Photos can be uploaded to one of the two Facebook groups above, or to iNaturalist, where an expert is sure to help you with your identification!

Photo left: Black-striped Greenhood, Pterostylis melagramma (Photo credit: Craig Broadfield)

Photo right: Mayfly Orchid, Acianthus caudatus. (Photo Credit: Greg Close)