Wildflower Season Blooms at the Gravity Discovery Centre
It’s that time of the year again – wildflower season at the Gravity Discovery Centre is bursting with colour and life. If you’re into nature, Insta-worthy shots, or just curious about what’s blooming, we’ve got you covered.
Highlighting a few blossoms of the season:
1. Caladenia longicauda – The White Spider Orchid is notable for its long, slender sepals and petals, which give it a distinct spider-like appearance.
2. Pterostylis vittata – The Banded Greenhood is an evergreen terrestrial orchid, unique because it does not produce nectar but instead attracts pollinators through its appearance.
3. Caladenia flava – Known as the Cowslip Orchid, this species is recognized by its bright yellow flowers with red markings. It’s a favourite among native bees for pollination.
4. Pterostylis dilatata – The Green Snail Orchid is fascinating in its growth pattern, often emerging after bushfires, signifying nature’s resilience.
5. Pterostylis arbuscula – The Dwarf Greenhood gets its name from its small stature, often growing to a height of only about 10 cm.
6. Kennedia prostrata – The Running Postman is a sprawling ground cover plant. Its name is derived from its vibrant red flowers resembling the red coats of early British postmen.
7. Philotheca spicata – The Waxflower has oil glands in its petals which make them glisten, giving it its wax-like appearance.
8. Lysinema ciliatum – The Curry Flower stands out due to its fringed petal edges, providing a soft, feathery appearance.
In the coming days, the Elythranthera brunonis or the Purple Enamel Orchid is expected to bloom, definitely a fan favourite here at the centre.
Oh, and did we mention the family of Drosera? We’ve identified 7 unique species here. Commonly called sundews, these intriguing plants are not just beautiful but also carnivorous!
Why is this important? 🌍
Western Australia is a biodiversity hotspot. This means it’s home to a variety of plants and animals that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Biodiversity (a combination of the words ‘biological’ and ‘diversity’) refers to the variety of different species inside an ecosystem. The array of wildflowers is not only a visual feast but a reminder of our responsibility to safeguard the balance of our ecosystems. If you’re planning a visit and have questions or are keen to spot these floral gems, do approach one of our astronomers Mitch. Whilst at night his head is in the stars, by day he
looks down at the ground beneath us to take in all of nature’s wonders no matter how big or small.
Pull out your cameras, bring your buddies and immerse yourself in nature’s playlist.
