Lost Sunshine Coast orchids

The Sunshine Coast is home to a large number of terrestrial orchids. During the thirty something years I have lived on the coast, I have walked many of the areas they grow in, enjoying the natural bush and photographing the orchids in-situ.

Sadly, our native flora & fauna does not seem to be given consideration when developers move in.

A lightly wooded area near to Yandina was one where you could always see some of the native terrestrial orchids growing. Between October and February there would be Cryptostylis subulata and Arthrochilis irritabilis in flower. This area has now been cleared of all trees and scrub to be developed for housing and like so many areas on the Sunshine Coast, our developers forget we are only caretakers for future generations.

Are they going to be able to enjoy what we have had in the past?

Arthrochilus irritabilis

Arthrochilis irritabilis

Arthrochilus irritabilis was first described by Ferdinand von Muell from a specimen collected from around Moreton Bay in 1858.

It is found in Victoria, New South Wales and Southern Queensland. There are ten species of this genus found in Australia and one in New Guinea.

I have had these two orchids for many years. They need to grow in dappled light and a soil mix that will readily drain. In the winter months the tubers need to be kept just damp not wet or otherwise they will rot and in the growing season they need to be watered at least once a week.

Cryptostylis subulata

Cryptostylis subulata

Cryptostylis subulata was described in 1806 by Jacques Labillardiere from a specimen collected in Tasmania and by Robert Brown in 1810.

It is found from the North to near Ingham through to New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania.

There are five of the Cryptostylis genus growing in Australia.

Written by Alan, NOS member