Hunting Terrestrial Orchids in SW Australia

Wed, Mar 1st 2023 at 12:50 pm - 2:00 pm

Professor Richard Byrne

Hunting Terrestrial Orchids in SW Australia -

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Guest speaker, Professor Richard Byrne, gave a fascinating talk, ‘Hunting Terrestrial Orchids in S W Australia’ to an attentive audience. Emeritus Professor in St Andrews University’s School of Psychology and Neuroscience, Prof Byrne’s interest in orchids was originally sparked by his father. Today’s talk centred on his visits to Australia’s South-West in pursuit of the rarest orchids. To thrive, orchids require burnt areas without competitive species (bush fires have always been an integral part of Australia’s ecology). Professor Byrne explained how to recognise true orchids, describing the remarkable mechanisms that orchids use to attract pollinators which transfer the fertilising pollen to themselves and then carry it, unwittingly, to other plants. Many superb photographs highlighted the extraordinary shapes and colours of orchids with roots (as opposed to epiphytic orchids). The different ways in which orchids present their three petals, two sepals, and a lip, are truly astonishing. From black globules, specified pheromones are wafted into the air which attract only the insect special to the plant to pollinate it. Nectar is not produced by orchids. Professor Byrne explored areas not frequented by tourists, finding many undisturbed places where orchids flourish, in particular on granite domes. The names given to the different flowers are as intriguing as the orchids themselves, for example: Queen of Sheba Orchid; Flying Duck Orchid; many different Spider Orchids. Some are minute and really difficult to see, while others can grow to one or two feet in height. The petals have many shapes too, some very thin, some prominent and eye catching, like the Donkey Orchid. Sadly, humans have unknowingly introduced pests into orchid habitats, making the future of these wonderful plants somewhat precarious. To finish his engaging talk, Professor Byrne showed some photos of Australia’s colourful birds and animals. The vote of thanks was given by John Christie.

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