hybrid
this is a suspected hybrid of the nationally threatened Diuris protena (Northern Golden Moth Orchid) and an unknown Leopard Orchid. It turned up during the annual survey of the Diuris protena population at Wedderburn, hiding amongst a population at a location recently cleared of rabbits. Problem is, the Leopard orchids were nowhere to be seen. Either the hybridisation happened a long time ago and the Leopards have since disappeared, or they are still hiding somewhere avoiding detection. It is therefore unknown which species of Leopard is guilty. Another further-flung possibility is that this a new and as yet undescribed species.
hybrid belongs to the following groups:
All About Flowers, All That is Nature (Photography Only), Australia! You're Standing In it...., Australian Native Plants-2 per day, Calder Highway Photography Group, Conservation Photography, Endangered or Vulnerable Plants, Evolution (A.k.a. Captain Darwin's Beagle club), Melbourne & Victoria and Only Orchids! Available for sale asGreeting Cards and Matted Prints
kalaryder
Good description and a pretty hybrid – they are clever to make new species. Well taken.
Larry Davis
Congrats mate.
This is now a feature on the Calder Hwy Group.
Nice and crisp.
Beautifully centered.
And a wonderful full on exposure.
kalaryder
Featured in Endangered or Vulnerable Plants Group