stock photos of terrestrial orchids Australia

Searching for stock photos of wildflowers of Australia made easy. Simple enter your keyword(s) in the search box above and click search archive. For widest selection use single keywords.

There are around 800 different terrestrial orchids native to Australia. Most are tiny plants, deciduous, growing from bulbs, tubers and rhizomes. occuring in both the Northern and Southern regions of Australia. Despite large variety and distrubution, terrestrial orchids in Australia often go unnoticed. Being petite and often blending well with their environs makes them all but invisible to most humans.

Not all of the terrestrial orchids in Australia are reclusive. The Salmond Sun Orchid, Thelymitra rubra grow to around 20cm tall. However as the name suggests Sun Orchids only open during daylight hours and at times of most sunlight.

Small gallery of terrestrial orchids found in Southern Australia

Pink Fingers, Petalochilus carnea, or Caladenia carnea. A tiny and delightfully delicate terrestriol orchid with a wide distribution in Australia. Unlike many of the Greenhood Orchids which often grow in near proximity, isn't afraid to stand out from the surrounding enviromnment. Many of the Greenhood Orchids, while plentiful, often take on the camoflage colours of greans and browns, resulting in them being difficult to find.

Another of the more conspicuous ground orchids found in Souther Australia, the Waxlip Orchid, or Glossodia major. Colours vary significantly from pure white all the way through to a deep mauve colour. In some parts the common name of Purple Parrot Orchid is used. Flower stem up to 25cm high, usually with a single flower but occasionally two blooms per stem. The three flowers in the picture above were from seperate plants clumped closely together.

Both Sun Orchids and Waxlips prefer more open forest, while species such as the Greenhoods and Caladenia's prefer more shelter from more cense forests.