Keep your eyes open for Spiders, Donkeys and Pink Fingers this spring

Published on 30 September 2020

For those in the know, you’ll understand what this means – orchids. And with orchid season, lovers of bushwalking and plant spotting will be delighted with the mission to seek these tiny floral treasures out. 

Among the wonderfully-name species we have in the Wimmera are the big purple Wax-lip, the Greenhood and the Gnat. Many of these orchids can be found on the higher rises of Mount Arapiles, and in the Grampians over the coming months.

For orchid enthusiasts, there are many rare and threatened orchid species that are particularly special to see. Among them is the spectacular Grampians Duck orchid, which resembles a duck in flight.

As for the Spiders, Donkey Ears and Pink Fingers, they should be easier to spot – and just as easy to connect to their names.

Often pollinated by wasps and bees, orchids also rely on fungi to germinate in many cases. The co-dependent relationships orchids have with specific fungi and pollinating species of insect means they are particularly vulnerable to eco system disruptions.

With this in mind, make sure if you see an orchid, admire it, take a photo to remember it by, and then leave it be.   

Pictured: donkey ear orchid, photo by Mandi Stewart