This is a Swamp Orchid Phaius australis that I photographed last week. These are the first I have found here on the island. Their localities are mostly kept secret because their scarcity in the wild is apparently due to illegal collecting. Even so, clearing of swamps, wallums and heaths must take much blame. It is listed as Endangered under Federal and State legislation.
My photographs, however, are of old and not fresh blooms. I was too late onto the scene. I notice there are no photos in our database - should I still add them despite the flowers not being fresh? It is a very big terrestrial orchid: this flower spike is about four feet high and the leaves reach as high.
I noticed today several specimens for sale in a nursery. These ones come with a certificate of permission to possess because they have been allowed to be collected from habitat before it was legally cleared for development. Not from this State, Queensland, but the State immediately to the south: New South Wales. Hopefully this availability is taking pressure off wild populations.
