Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — Oceania
Victoria's Native Orchids
| — | Royal Botanic Gardens - Melbourne | — |
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, April 14, 2026
1. Victoria's Native Orchids Marker
Victoria's native orchids
South-eastern Australia is one of Australia's two main centres of terrestrial orchid diversity. Many species are threatened.
As land is turned to agriculture and urban development, habitat is taken from native plants and animals. Those with localised distributions are the most vulnerable - one new road could wipe out an entire orchid species-and dramatically affect associated organisms such as insect pollinators.
The Gardens works with land management authorities to help restore Victoria's orchid populations.
The Dwarf Spider Orchid (Caladenia pumila) of Western Victoria was considered extinct - until two plants were found in 2009. Gardens staff germinated seed inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi from the same site. The resulting seedlings can be re-introduced into the wild.
We are establishing orchids in this collection, including a Gnat Orchid, the Small Mosquito Orchid and the Trim Greenhood. Look for emerging leaves and flowers during autumn.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Horticulture & Forestry. A significant historical year for this entry is 2009.
Location. 37° 49.681′ S,
this page online
Regionally, it is in Oceania, Australasia, the Pacific Ocean, South Pacific, the Pacific Rim, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Taming the river (a few steps from this marker); Victoria's Grassy Woodland (a few steps from this marker); Earth, mother (within shouting distance of this marker); Murong or Yam Daisy (within shouting distance of this marker); Botanic Gardens Curators or Directors (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Director's Residence Royal Botanic Gardens (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Baron Ferdinand von Mueller K.C.M.G (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Unwelcome Strangers (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Melbourne.
Also see . . . Dwarf Spider Orchid.
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, April 14, 2026
2. Victoria's Native Orchids Marker in the Gardens
The Dwarf Spider-orchid (Caladenia pumila) was first collected by school teacher, Miss Bertha Pilloud in 1916 while she was working in Bannockburn. Miss Pilloud enthusiastically describes the orchid’s abundance at the time:(Submitted on May 5, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)
“I wish you could pay a visit to our district, and see for yourself the hillsides, where on this white spider grows, I am sure you would be delighted with the sight.”
Credits. This page was last revised on May 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 5, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 5, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
