San Leandro, CA (Zone 9b) | September 2018 | neutral
Per Peter Nydegger of Perth, Western Australia.
One of our smallest helmet orchids grows in a secure refrigerated (constan...Read Moret 10C) sea container at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Nematocerus dienemus - Macquarie Island Helmet is kept secure for research and potential propagation purposes - actions to be applauded.
As the orchid is not on public display I count it a privilege to gain access for a short time each year. Visiting the secure site over the last 2 days allowed some respected enthusiasts to join me in photographing these tiny orchids growing in 20cm pots - many in the same pot. Today one of my colleagues pointed out a small tag in one of the pots suggesting they had been potted up for close on 20 years.
A challenge to photograph as the body of the flower is probably less than 7-10mm long, but their 'antenna' may be up to 20-25mm in length.
Many thanks to Lorraine and Megan at the RTBG for their professional and supportive assistance.
Per Peter Nydegger of Perth, Western Australia.
One of our smallest helmet orchids grows in a secure refrigerated (constan...Read More