On a bright, sunny November morning, 9 ANGAIR members, including a 4-year-old and his dad, went for a nature ramble on the corner of the Great Ocean Road and O’Donohue Road, part of the Great Otway National Park.

The low-growing wind-pruned tea-tree - Leptospermum sp. was in full bloom and a glorious sea of white as far as the eye could see.

However, growing in amongst the tea-tree was a wonderful variety of orchids and heathland flower.

A rarely seen mauve flower – the Slender Speedwell – Veronica gracilis was a pleasing find.

It was interesting and quite unusual to see the seedpods of Creeping Boosiaea – Bossiaea prostrata with the flowers.

Lots of Short Purple Flag – Patersonia fragilis were scattered throughout.

A patch of fringe lilies caught our eye – as they seemed to have no foliage we decided they were the Branching Fringe Lily – Thysanotis juncifolius.

As well as onion orchids and the remains of many sun orchids, there were lovely patches or single Mantis Orchids – Caladenia tentaculata.

There was the discovery of one wicked South African Weed Orchid which was quickly removed, with the help of a screwdriver!

The bright yellow Small St. John’s Wort – Hypericum gramineum, stood out amongst the foliage.

Over 60 species were identified and recorded, and we all agreed it was a wonderful day to be out in the bush enjoying our delightful flora.

Christine Morrissey