There are a number of Australian native orchids which are flowering in the later months of winter and early spring. In the bushland surrounding his home Don Burke came across some Trim Greenhood orchids (Pterostylis concinna) which are tiny green orchids that can go unnoticed in the bush. They are found in clumps on mossy rocks and damp areas in sheltered positions in South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales. The interesting aspect to the Trim Greenhood is that it is pollinated in a similar fashion to a carnivorous plant, although it doesn’t derive nourishment from the insect. The insect is attracted inside the hooded flower by nectar glands at the base (see diagram). When the insect touches the nectar deposit it sets off a trigger which pushes the lip or labellum up against the pollination area in the orchid. The insect is trapped within the hood with one escape route forcing it along the column where it will finish up with pollen on it. As it flies away it is sure to pollinate the next orchid it visits.
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