Australian terrestrial orchids
In contrast to the readily identifiable and cultivated Dendrobium orchids which are native to northern and eastern coastal regions of Australia, terrestrial orchids are spread widely across the continent in many different habitats. In South Australia, there are more than 350 species of native orchids, many of which are very restricted in distribution, or threatened, due to land clearing, grazing, spread of weeds and use of pesticides. Changing fire behaviour and control methods also have impacted on orchid diversity. An excellent resource for appreciating and identifying our local orchids is RJ Bates’ South Australia’s Native Orchids DVD, 2011, available from the Native Orchid Society of South Australia (NOSSA).
My orchid project
Until recently, my own appreciation of native orchids had been restricted to more common flowers such as spider orchids and donkey orchids. Through NOSSA, I made contact with a local expert who has generously shared his love of these plants and has shown me most of the known species in the local area over a 12 month period. In many cases, I have returned to the same sites to watch the progression of the flowering season, recording extensively with my macro lens and using various tripod devices! After returning to my studio, I spent a lot of time cataloging my photographs and checking species identification, before starting to draw these amazing flowers. Detailed photography in the field is essential for my process, as, like all native plants, it is illegal to remove orchids from the bush!!
LEFT COLUMN
Giant Sun Orchid Buds (2023) pencil on cotton rag, framed 34x34cm (SOLD)
Hills Little Greenwood Orchid (2015) pencil on cotton rag, image 31x23cm (Private Collection)
Small Duck Orchid (2016) pencil on cotton rag, framed 54x45cm
Small Gnat Orchid (2016) pencil on cotton rag, image 30x24cm (SOLD)
Giant Sun Orchid (2017) pencil on cotton Raf, framed 80c61cm (SOLD)
Pink-Lipped Spider Orchid (2015) pencil on cotton rag, framed54x46cm (Private Commission)
Thick-lipped Spider Orchid (2017) pencil on cotton rag, image 30x24cm (SOLD)
CENTRE COLUMN
Pink Sun Orchid (2022) pencil on cotton rag, framed 34x34cm
Bluebeard Orchid (2015) pencil on cotton rag, image 31x22cm (Private Collection)
‘Haven’ – Blunt Greenwood (2016) pencil on cotton rag, framed 62x50cm (SOLD)
Blue Spotted Sun Orchid (2016) pencil on cotton rag, image 31x23cm
Common Green Shell Orchid (2015) pencil on cotton rag, image 31x23cm (SOLD)
Rabbit Ears Sun Orchid (2016) pencil on cotton rag, framed 48x55cm
Fitzgerald’s Leek Orchid (2016) pencil on cotton rag, image 30x24cm (SOLD)
RIGHT COLUMN
Rigid-Combed Spider Orchid (2023) pencil on cotton rag, framed 34x34cm (SOLD)
Bristled Rustyhood Orchid (2016) pencil on cotton rag, framed 49x41cm (SOLD)
Flying Duck Orchid (2023) pencil on cotton rag, framed 34x34cm (SOLD)
Golden Cowslip Orchid (2017) pencil on cotton rag, image35x28cm (Private Collection)
Bearded Orchid (2015) pencil on cotton rag, image 34x28cm
Narrow Lipped Spider Orchid (2015) pencil on cotton rag, framed54x46cm (SOLD)
Nodding Greenhood Orchid (2015) pencil on cotton rag, 43x37cm (SOLD)