The Clematis. The Quarterly Newsletter of the Bairnsdale & District Field Naturalists Club Inc. A C. Executive 2013/14. Issue No.

Transcription

1 The Clematis The Quarterly Newsletter of the Bairnsdale & District Field Naturalists Club Inc. A C Executive 2013/14 Issue No. 99 Autumn 2014 President Pat McPherson (03) Vice President John Saxton (03) Secretary (under the Act) Pat McPherson (03) Treasurer Margaret Regan (03) Ordinary members and Coordinators Clerical Duties/Club Enquiries Fran Bright (03) Botanic Group James Turner (03) Bushwalking Group Noel Williamson (03) Newsletter Editor/ Website Manager Pauline Stewart (03) Librarian Dot Prout (03) Rosy Hyacinth Orchid (Dipodium roseum) see page 15 Photo by Fran Bright

2 Issue The Clematis99 Pa Page 2 CONTENTS Programme March to May President s Report 4 Camp-out at the Bendoc Nature Conservation Reserve 5-14 Beyond Marlo in Search of Tongue Orchids CORRESPONDENCE TO: The Secretary, P.O. Box 563, Bairnsdale The Clematis is printed and supported by the Department of Environment & Primary Industry, Bairnsdale. MEETINGS General meetings take place at: The Noweyung Centre, 84 Goold Street, Bairnsdale as per program at 7.30pm sharp Committee meetings take place at: members homes as per program at 4.00pm STATEMENT OF PURPOSE 1. To further the awareness and study of all branches of natural history within the East Gippsland community through field excursions, regular surveys, specialist guest speakers and publications. 2. To observe and strengthen the laws for the preservation and protection of indigenous flora, fauna, habitat and important geological features. 3. To promote the formation and preservation of THE CLEMATIS Responsibility for the accuracy of information and opinions expressed in this newsletter National and State Parks and Reserves. 4. To collaborate with other groups and agencies with similar environmental interest. rests with the author of the article. All articles for the Winter Clematis must be sent to the Newsletter Editor by June 1st LIBRARY INFORMATION - Librarian - Dot Prout Books are generally borrowed for one month - however you can write on the sign-out sheet if you wish to have it longer. Should any library materials need maintenance, please make me aware of same. SUBSCRIPTION FEES 2013/14 Single membership $30 Family membership $45 If you wish to recommend a book, this can be done by writing a short recommendation for the Clematis. This information could be from our library books or from other books that you believe our library could look at purchasing. Mid-year fee (new members only) $15

3 Page 3 Issue 99 RULES TO OBSERVE DURING FIELD TRIPS 1. Excursions are cancelled on days of TOTAL FIRE BAN. 2. Participants to keep a visual on the car in front and behind. 3. When making a turn, give signal, and stay at intersection until following car has also turned. 4. If separated from other cars, stop, and stay with your car. Other members will return to find you. 5. The Car Pooling Cost Calculator is used to assist drivers and car pool passengers to share fuel costs. FIELD TRIPS It is your responsibility to contact the coordinator of each field trip to notify them of intention to participate. The coordinator will notify you if the trip has to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. Please take note of safety procedures in your Bairnsdale & District Field Naturalists Club Inc. RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY booklet. DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY FOR BUSH WALKS Easy: Flat, good firm track. Moderately easy: Mostly flat, track in good to fair condition. Mod: May be undulating, track in good to fair condition. Mod. Difficult: May be some steep sections, track may be rough in places. Difficult: May have long steep sections, track may be non- existent at times. Walks vary in distance from 6 to 14 km. Contact the leader of the walk for a rating if it s not included in the program. MARCH PROGRAM March to May 2014 Thursday 13th Committee meeting 4.00pm Pauline Stewart s home. Friday 21st General meeting 7.30pm Speaker: Roger Bilney Peregrine Falcon nesting boxes on the Red Gum Plains Sunday 23rd Monthly excursion 9.00am Bridge Club or 9.30am Bruthen for Swifts Creek, Mt. Delusion Forest, back of Mt. Baldhead. Leader: James Turner. Sunday 30th Bushwalk 9.00am Bridge Club to the Chinese Diggings, Melwood. APRIL Thursday 10th Committee meeting 4.00pm Margaret Regan s home. Leader: Noel Williamson or contact Pauline Stewart. Sunday 13th Monthly excursion 9.00am Bridge Club Meerlieu to Roseneath birdwatching- weather dependent. Leader: James Turner Sunday 27th Bushwalk 9.00am Bridge Club to the Avon Channels. Not yet rated. MAY Thursday 8th Committee meeting/planning meeting 4.00pm Pat McPherson s home. Leader: Noel Williamson or contact Pauline Stewart. Friday 16th General meeting 7.30pm Noweyung Centre Speaker: Greg Fyffe Frogs & Reptiles. Sunday 18th Monthly excursion 9.00am Bridge Club or 9.30am at Bruthen for fungi trip to Dead Horse Creek area. Leader: James Turner Sunday 25th Bushwalk 9.00am Bridge Club to Angus Vale Billy Goat Bend. Leader: Noel Williamson or contact Pauline Stewart. Rated: Moderate

4 The Clematis Page 4 CONTACT PHONE NUMBERS and address s for meetings and field trips. Pat McPherson patricia.mcpherson@bigpond.com James Turner m jturner.kw@gmail.com Noel Williamson nwilliamson_7@hotmail.com Pauline Stewart happycats@eastvic.net PRESIDENT S REPORT A very warm welcome to all members as we start a new year. I trust that you had a great Christmas and haven t been affected by the heat waves and the bush fires. Your Committee held its first meeting on Thursday 13 th February and I need to share a number of decisions and requests with you. 1. Risk Management Policy (RMP) This policy was revised and updated late last year and is now available on our website. All members are required to familiarise yourselves with the requirements of this policy and I urge you to do so. Hard copies will be made available at our general meetings to those members not on line. 2. Basic medical report Safety procedures (1) in RMP concerns members with a medical condition who undertake excursions/ bush walks or camp outs to CONSIDER filing a Basic Medical Certificate with the co-ordinator/s of these activities. Should a major health incident occur during the activity, the leader can open the envelope and access pertinent information to pass onto medics (if called in) and to your next of kin. This form is also available on our website. It would be helpful if those of you who are willing to fill in one of these forms (NB compliance is optional) to do so at the start of our field activities this year. 3. April general meeting This has been cancelled because it falls on Good Friday 18 th April. Our Field Guide to native orchids in East Gippsland will be published this year. This has been a marathon task by James Turner, Andrew Bould and Jennifer Wilkinson and I do congratulate and thank them most sincerely. Pat McPherson President Illustration by LynnTurner

5 Page 5 Issue 99 CAMP-OUT TO THE BENDOC NATURE CONSERVATION RESERVE November 2013 by Margaret Regan This trip was more a camp-in than a camp-out, as only two Field Nats actually camped in the attractive Bill Jeffreys Memorial Park on the Delegate River in Delegate in NSW. The rest of us were very comfortably accommodated in River and Nurses Cottages in Delegate. The Bendoc Nature Conservation Reserve of 233.2ha is located between the Bendoc River and the dotted Victorian- New South Wales border in Victoria, approximately 6km NE of Bendoc. It was purchased by the Crown on 13 June The main ecological vegetation classes (EVC) on the reserve are Montane Grassland, Montane Grassy Woodland, Montane Dry Woodland and Montane Riparian Woodland. The topography of the Bendoc NCR is undulating. A rocky escarpment occurs at the southern boundary of the reserve where the land drops away to the Bendoc River. The geology of the area is laminated siltstone and slaty mudstone. The grassland in the reserve has historically been used for grazing cattle and sheep. Cattle were only removed from a section of the reserve 3 weeks before our visit. Grazing could still be used as a management tool in grassland areas over autumn and winter, to allow native grassland plants to set seed and regenerate in spring and summer. There are some boundary and internal fences and four dams. Fire may also be used as a management tool. Weeds are a threat to the conservation values of the reserve. Weed cover is variable with annual and perennial grasses, thistle, clovers and berries. Foxes, rabbits, wild dogs and cats have been observed in the area. Eastern Grey Kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) occur in the reserve. Bendoc Reserve looking to Mt. Delegate Photo by James Turner

6 The Clematis Page 6 There are no recorded places of heritage value in the Bendoc NCR. In the 1920 s and 30 s the Lower Bendoc School was located near the southern end of the property, as was the homestead of the original owners, the Sellers family. The site is marked by several poplars and fruit trees. The first assessment of the flora and some birds was done in The Bairnsdale Field Naturalists were asked to visit the reserve and make a new assessment. It was difficult to cover the whole area in two and a half days, so the flora list was expected to be more limited than that in 2005, but wasn t and the bird, reptile and frog lists have been extended, although no trapping was carried out. Friday 22 November Our first day was spent in the Montane Grassland/Montane Grassy Woodland Mosaic area with Gippsland Peppermint (Eucalyptus croajingolensis) being a dominant tree. It is a smallish tree with rough bark and bluish grey leaves with a strong peppermint smell. Another common tree was Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata). Small epacrid shrubs were Daphne Heath (Brachyloma daphnoides) with white scented flowers; Honey-pots (Acrotriche serrulata), whose green bell-shaped flowers are honey-scented and full of nectar; and Common Heath (Epacris impressa). Daisies were the shrubs Moth Daisy-bush (Olearia erubescens), an erect bush with long-stalked flower heads with usually only three ray florets; and Silky Daisy-bush (O. myrsinoides) which is more spreading, with the backs of the leaves silky-white, and the flower heads with only one or two ray florets; and herbs which were all daisies, were tiny yellow Scaly Buttons (Leptorhynchos squamatus); yellow Clustered Everlasting (Chrysocephalum semipapposum); and Narrow-leaf New Holland Daisy (Vittidinia muelleri). Trailing Podolobium (Podolobium procumbens) Photo by James Turner Peas were the shrubs Prickly Bush-pea (Pultenea forsythiana) to 3m with pointed leaves and the flowers have bracteoles at the base of the calyx (sepals); mauve Common Hovea (Hovea heterophylla) with upper leaves linear; the uncommon, extremely prostrate, orange and red Trailing Podolobium (Podolobium procumbens) which has small wavy-edged ovate leaves; and the also extremely prostrate, rare Low Bush-pea (Pultenaea subspicata) with crowded blunt concave leaves. Other small shrubs were Heath Pink-bells (Tetratheca bauerifolia); yellow Curved Rice -flower (Pimelea curviflora), a small shrub to 150cm with tubular flowers that are hairy on the outside; white Smooth Rice-flower (P. glauca), a taller shrub to 1m whose flowers are only hairy in the upper part; Mountain Slender Riceflower (P. linifolia subsp. caesia) which has pale pinkish flower; and Grey Guinea-flower (Hibbertia obtusifolia). Herbs were Creamy Candles (Stackhousia monogyna); pale blue tiny Trailing Speedwell (Veronica plebia) with heart-shaped or oval toothed leaves; and Sheep s Burr (Acaena echinata) which is in the same genus as Bidgee-widgee (A. anserinifolia), and also has spiny fruit guaranteed to attach to one s socks, for dispersal!. In the family Campanulaceae which has mostly blue flowers, were two bluebells, Tufted Bluebell (Wahlenbergia communis) with numerous, much-branched stems which are tufted at the base, and flowers which are bright blue inside and golden-

7 Page 7 Issue 99 bronze to white on the outside; and Tadgell s Bluebell (W. multicaulis), a narrow erect herb to 40cm; pale blue Swamp Isotome (Isotoma fluviatilis), a prostrate herb with milky sap; and Matted Pratia (Lobelia pedunculata) with white, pink or mauve starry flowers. Isotoma and Lobelia have 5-petalled flowers with the stamens fused into a tube around the style. The anthers ripen and shed their pollen before the stigma is mature, thus preventing cross-pollination. There were many plants of the insectivorous Tall Sundew (Drosera peltata). There were two lilies, white Early Nancy (Wurmbea dioica) whose tepals have a purple nectary band just above the base; and tiny Golden Weather-glass (Hypoxis hygrometrica). A rush was Common Woodrush (Luzula meridionalis). Much of the ground cover was Common Tussock-grass (Poa labillardieri) and Spiny-headed Matrush (Lomandra longifolia). Orchids were Common Onion-orchid (Microtis unifolia); two sun-orchids, blue Peppertop Sun-orchid (Thelymitra brevifolia) which has a short broad flattish leaf, many flowers, and the postanther lobe is often dark or brightly coloured; and blue Trim Sun-orchid (T. peniculata) with a fleshy ribbed leaf, Monaro Greenhood (Pterostylis clivicola) photo by James Turner and up to 18 flowers; yellow and brown Tiger Orchid (Diuris sulphurea), Mountain Golden Moths (D. monticola) which are smaller than the commoner Golden Moths (D. chryseopsis); and there was much excitement over the sighting of the endangered Monaro Greenhood (Pterostylis clivicola). This is the only area that this rather insignificant greenhood is found in Victoria, but we found many specimens. Because it is quite small and green, it may have been overlooked in other areas. It is less than 10cm tall with several flowers on the stem. The labellum in the flower has a darker green erect appendage. Weeds included Sweet Vernal-grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum); Childing Pink (Petrorhagia nanteulii) in the carnation family Caryophyllaceae, a herb with linear leaves and deep pink flowers in terminal cluster; Suckling Clover (Trifolium dubium); and Sweet Briar (Rosa rubiginosa), There was Austral bracken (Pteridium esculentum) and the minute pale yellow primitive fern Austral adder stongue (Ophioglossum lusitanicum). There were macropod scats and Eastern Grey Kangaroos

8 The Clematis Page 8 We found a Common Wombat (Vombatus ursinus) hole beneath a Sweet Briar and Spiny-headed Mat-rush arbor. A wonderful catch was a small beautifully marked Blotched Blue-tongue (Tiliqua nigrolutea). Blotched Blue-tongue Lizard Photo by James Turner Saturday 23 November We drove further into the reserve to the top of the hill, in similar vegetation as the day before, but with lots of Burgan (Kunzea ericoides), which although native, can become quite weedy. There was evidence of the latrines of feral Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and Eastern Grey Kangaroos were again seen. The only orchid noted here was Musky Caladenia (Caladenia gracilis) whose white, musk-scented flowers have their exteriors covered with red to brown glandular hairs. A small tree was the semi-parasitic Cherry Ballart (Exocarpus cupressiformis). A larger shrub was the daisy Shiny Cassinia (Cassinia longifolia). A small shrub to 1m was white Smooth Rice-flower which has an inflorescence with 4 bracts, the outer pair being smooth and the inner pair fringed and hairy inside. Lilies were white Early Nancy; and Black-anther Flax-lily (Dianella revoluta) whose long linear leaves have turned under margins. Daisies were Small Bottle-daisy (Solenogyne bellioides) whose greenish flower heads only have disc florets; and Brachyscome spathulata) whose basal leaves have rounded teeth. A small sprawling saltbush was Nodding Saltbush (Einardia nutans) where the minute petals and sepals enlarge and become red and succulent on maturity, and are much loved by Rosellas. Creepers were white Mountain Clematis (Clematis aristata) and the red pea Running Postman (Kennedia prostrata). Small herbaceous plants included white Prickly Starwort (Stellaria pungens), Stinking Pennywort (Hydrocotyle laxiflora), and Creamy Candles (Stackhousia monogyna). Weeds were Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare), a hairy herb where each lobe of the dissected leaves ends in a sharp rigid spine and the flower heads are purple, terminal and rounded; and Childling Pink. We then moved down to a gully. Here there were Snow Gums (Eucalyptus pauciflora). An amazing find was one large very old Silver Banksia (Banksia marginata) which was 1.3m across the base. It may be the largest and oldest in Victoria. Banksias rely on fire and smoke to regenerate, so the existence of this single old Silver Banksia means either that there has been no fire at this site for many years, or no seed has been produced, or its seed is infertile, as there is no other tree for it to cross pollinate with. The orchids seen were Common Bird Orchid (Chiloglottis valida); Mountain Golden Moth and blue Peppertop Sun-orchid. Larger shrubs were the daisies white Sticky Everlasting (Ozothamnus thyrsinoides) and white Moth Daisy-bush. A small shrub was the prostrate pea Matted Bossiaea (Bossiaea buxifolia) which has rounded leaves. Lilies were yellow Bulbine Lily (Bulbine bulbosa); and purple Common Fringe Lily (Thysanotus tuberosus) where three of the tepals of the flower have fringed margins. Small herbaceous plants were Australian Carraway (Oreomyrrhis eriopoda) in the carrot and parsley family Apiaceae, where the leaves are often finely dissected and the flower stalks in the inflorescence all arise from the same point; the yellow daisies Austral Bear s-ears (Cymbonotus preissianus); Clustered Everlasting (Chrysocepalum semipapposum); and a Fireweed (Senecio sp.). Others were Yellow Sebaea (Sebaea ovata), an annual to 30cm with pairs of ovate leaves and bright yellow 5-lobed flowers; the light green cushion plant Twin-flower Knawel (Scleranthus biflorus); pink hairy Austral Crane s-bill (Geranium solanderi); and white Small Poranthera (Poranthera microphylla). One native grass was Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra).

9 Page 9 Issue 99 Weeds here were the daisies Spear Thistle, the ubiquitous yellow Flatweed or Cat s-ear (Hypochoeris radicata), Variable Plantain (Plantago varia), Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus spp.agg.) and Sheep Sorrel (Acetosella vulgaris). A fern was Mother shield-fern (Polystichum proliferum). Over our visit to the reserve we came upon several Alpine or Highlands Copperheads (Austrelaps ramsayi). These snakes, which can grow to 1.1m and are dangerously venomous, are found in moist habitats in cool upland areas between eastern Victoria and the New England Tableland in NSW. They are coloured from dark reddish brown to dark grey. They mostly feed on frogs and skinks and are livebearers. As we know from a previous high country encounter, when cornered they can raise their flattened necks in a low curve, looking very like a cobra. A Common Froglet (Crinia signifera) was heard calling in the vicinity of the wetland surrounding the Bendoc River at the bottom of the escarpment. This frog is one of the most common and widespread, and grows up to 30mm. Butterflies were a probable Common Grass-blue (Zizina labradus) seen on a Mountain Golden Moth orchid and an Australian Painted Lady (Vanessa kershawi), a brown, black and orange butterfly with four eyespots on the hind wings and toothed edges to the wings. Australian Anchor Plant (Discaria pubescens) Photo by James Turner While driving further down the reserve, we had to pass a Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax) nest with one fairly advanced juvenile. Further on to another gully with the weed Barley-grass (Hordeum murinum), we came upon the rare prickly shrub Australian Anchor Plant (Discaria pubescens) which has pairs of spines on the branchlets and few opposite soft leaves. Herbaceous daisies were white or lilac Rough Burr-daisy (Calotis scabiosifolia) whose leaves are hairy; and yellow Common Everlasting (Chrysocephalum apiculatum) with cottony hairy leaves and flower heads in terminal clusters. There was lilac Pale Vanilla-lily (Arthropodium milleflorum) with the most gorgeous furry staminal filaments in the flowers. Elderberry Panax (Polyscias sambucifolia) is a shrub whose leaves can be entire or incredibly dissected. A weed was yellow English Broom (Cytisus scoparius). As we came nearer to the Bendoc River, several frogs were identified by their calls from the river wetland. These were again Common Froglet, Spotted Marsh Frog (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis) and the Pobblebonk or Banjo Frog (L. dumerili). New plants were the shrubs white Victorian Christmas Bush (Prostanthera lasianthos); Rough Coprosma (Coprosma hirtella) with opposite sandpaper-like leaves and later orange-red fruits; the creeper

10 The Clematis Page 10 Purple Coral-pea (Hardenbergia violacea); and the herbs, lilac Diggers Speedwell (Derwentia perfoliata) scientifically named for the base of the grey-green leaf which completely surrounds the stem, so the stem appears to perforate the leaf; purple Austral Bugle (Ajuga australis); the pink triggerplant Stylidium montana; and Snow Daisy (Celmisia pugioniformis) whose large flower heads have white ray florets and yellow disc florets. Spotted Marsh Frog (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis) Illustration by Lynn Turner Sunday 24 November This day we were surveying in the SE corner of the reserve in the modified Montane Grassland/Montane Grassy Woodland Mosaic, and then into the Montane Riparian Woodland along the Bendoc River. The two main trees were Snow Gum and Black Sallee (Eucalyptus stellulata). Again we found the rare Australian Anchor Plant. Other plants on the way down the slope to the river were Curved Rice-flower; Bulbine Lily; the pea Hare s-foot Clover (Trifolium arvense); purple Showy Violet (Viola betonicifolia) and Ivy-leaved Violet (V. hederacea); and the daisies yellow Scaly Buttons; and white and mauve Narrowleaf New Holland Daisy. Along the edge of the river on the rocky escarpment was red and cream Woolly Grevillea (Grevillea lanigera); the yellow pea shrub Leafy Bossiaea (Bossiaea sericea); Mountain Bitter-pea (Daviesia mimosoides), a shrub to 2m with thick green linear leaves; and Mountain Beard-heath (Acrothamnus hookeri), a shrub to 1m with oblong leaves and clusters of small white flowers. Smaller plants included Diggers Speedwell; Tufted Knawel (Scleranthus diander), a small light green plant with leaves and flowers in clusters; Pale Vanilla-lily; blue Native Flax (Linum marginale); White Purslane (Neopaxia australasica), a tiny mat-forming tufted succulent; purple Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris) in the lavender family Lamiaceae; and the rare Slender Seseli (Gingidia harveyanum), a subalpine perennial to 45cm, with thin green sprawling stems with small compound umbels of white flowers, and in the same family Apiaceae as carrots and parsley. Two weeds were blackberry; and Broadleaf Privet (Ligustrum lucidum), a large hairless shrub ovate leaves and terminal panicles of white flowers, followed by black berries. There was scatological evidence of Common Wombat. Again an Alpine Copperhead was sighted. We heard Common Froglet and Striped Marsh Frog (Limnodynastes peroni) calling. There were Yabby towers. At the edge or in the wetland were Large River Buttercup (Ranunculus inundatus) with very dissected leaves and hairy sepals; Large-head Club-rush (Scirpus polystachyus), a rare plant of far eastern montane watercourses; masses of a rush (Juncus spp.); white Swamp Violet (Viola caleyana) with heart-shaped leaves; and the ferns Soft water-fern (Blechnum minus) and Necklace fern (Asplenium flabellifolium);

11 Page 11 Issue 99 Above the river we came upon evidence of the old Lower Bendoc School site with many introduced plants such as Poplar (Populus), the pea tree Robinia, fruit trees such as plum (Prunus), rosehip (Rosa) and blackberry. There was Tall Sedge (Carex appressa) in a sea of Tussock-grass. There were some native plants with two shrubs, white Silky Daisy-bush (Olearia myrsinoides) which has stiff shiny toothed, almost stalkless leaves, and flower heads with only one or two ray florets; Rough Coprosma; and White Iris (Diplarrena moraea) whose flowers have only 2 stamens. Close to the river was Mother shield-fern. In the NE corner of the reserve in the vegetation classed as Montane Grassland/Montane Grassy Woodland Mosaic near two of the dams is a cluster of huge eucalypts, some of which were Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) with a smooth white trunk with bark ribbons and weeping narrow leaves. The area had been control burnt in the last year. There was yellow Button Everlasting (Coronidium scorpioides) with mostly basal grey-green hairy leaves. A Brown Hare (Lepus capensis), and Grass Skink (Lampropholis guichenoti) and Weasel Skink (Saproscincus mustelinus) were seen. Near the lower dam was again Monaro Greenhood, an Onion-orchid (Microtis sp.), and pink trigger-plant Stylidium montanum. In the dam was one of the watermilfoils (Myriophyllum sp.), a light green plant with distinctive feathery leaves. Along the southern boundary of the reserve were fairly dense Snow Gum and Silver Wattle. Two heaths were white Daphne Heath (Brachyloma daphnoides) and Common Heath (Epacris impressa). There was the red and yellow Trailing Shaggy-pea, white Smooth Rice-flower, Mountain Slender Rice-flower and Pink-bells (Tetratheca labillardieri). Daisies were yellow Scaly Buttons and yellow Common Everlasting; and there was again White Iris. There was a macropod skull, which was thought might be that of a Red-necked Wallaby. We also found a fawn katydid. Katydids are in the same order Orthoptera as grasshoppers and crickets. They have enlarged hind legs, usually modified for jumping, and their wings resemble leaves, with most species being green. Katydids often sit on the tops of trees, so their song is the only means of knowing that they are in the area. Monday 25 November On our way home we made several very interesting stops. First we drove up nearby Mt Delegate (1308m). The drive up was stunning, with changes of vegetation, going through big trees with ferns, and finally up to very rocky sparser sub-alpine vegetation with Snow Gums. The summit of the mountain was shrouded in mist; it was absolutely freezing and there was no view. The mountain is of sedimentary rock, with the eastern side being private property and the western Scenic Reserve. There were fire and telecommunications towers, and an old Forests Commission hut. Shrubs were Forest Geebung (Persoonia silvatica) which is only in this corner of Victoria and was bearing green succulent fruits; and Mountain Pepper (Tasmannia lanceolata) with hot-tasting glossy leaves, reddish stems, cream flowers and black fruits. Smaller plants were Tasman Flax-lily (Dianella tasmanica) which has linear sheathing leaves with sharply toothed edges; Ivy-leaved Violet; Stinging Nettle (Urtica incisa); and Prickly Starwort. We saw Black Wallaby (Wallabia bicolor) (no doubt needing its fur coat) and a Bogong Moth. The Bogong Moth (Agrotis infusa) is a nightflying moth, which is a common sight in Canberra during spring, when the adult moths migrate from their breeding grounds on the plains in NSW and Queensland, to caves in the cooler mountain ranges, a distance of up to 3000km. It has a brown to black body with a wingspan to 5cm, and its body is 60% fat. It is because of that fat that they can migrate so far without feeding. Many animals, including the Mountain Pigmy Possum (Burramys parvus) and the aborigines in the past, come to the caves to feast during the time the moths are there. The surviving moths make their way back to the plains to lay their eggs at the base of plants and then die. Their caterpillars are a pest to farmers, feeding on their crops. Driving back down the mountain, we stopped in the tall forest of Messmate (Eucalyptus obliqua) with Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata), which has feathery phyllodes. Here the white tall shrub Musk Daisy-bush (Olearia argophylla) was in stunning full bloom. Much of the understorey was bracken and grasses with Golden Everlasting (Xerochrysum bracteatum).

12 The Clematis Page 12 Delegate River Diversion Tunnel Photo by James Turner Along Bendoc Bonang Road we stopped to view the Jug Handle Tree. This is a large Mountain Grey Gum (E. cypellocarpa), where a side branch has, very soon after leaving the main trunk, rejoined it and fused with it, forming a handle on the side of the tree trunk. Here was also Tall Rice-flower (Pimelea ligustrina subsp. ligustrina), a shrub to 3m, with balls of cream flowers with bright yellow anthers on very long filaments, protruding from the flowers. Our last very interesting stop was at the Delegate River Diversion Tunnel. This square tunnel was a gold rush diversion tunnel, approximately 60m long, and diverts the river from its original course. It was dug in 1889 by the Delegate River Gold Sluicing Co. which was formed to sluice for gold in the dry river bed cut off by the tunnel diversion. There is quite a level of infrastructure at the tunnel site, with boardwalks and information boards. The river was flowing actively and at the exit of the tunnel were small attractive water falls over the rocks. It s a very picturesque spot to visit. The vegetation and birds were pretty interesting too. The main trees were the lovely Snow Gums, but there was also Gippsland Waratah (Telopea oreades) which we were fortunate to see with its huge red inflorescences. At the entrance to the tunnel was Mountain Teatree (Leptospermum grandifolium) which is common by montane to subalpine watercourses on rocky terrain. Peas were Prickly Bush-pea; Gorse Bitter-pea (Daviesia ulicifolia) with spiny branchlets and small ovate phyllodes; Hop Bitter-pea (D. latifolia) which has large prominently veined phyllodes and no spines; and Leafy Bossiaea (Bossiaea foliosa) with bright yellow flowers and small leaves. There was Narrow-leaf Pomaderris (Pomaderris angustifolia) with tiny lanceolate leaves and masses of cream flower buds. Diggers Speedwell was seen, and two orchids, Common Bird-orchid (Chiloglottis valida) and Black-tongue Caladenia (Caladenia congesta) which is usually pink, with a labellum with a dense central mass of black calli. Two ferns were Fishbone water-fern (Blechnum nudum) with separate barren and fertile fronds, the later growing stiffly from the centre of the tufted fronds; and the bright green climber Scrambling coral-fern (Gleichenia microphylla) which has flat pinnules with 3-5 sporangia on the underside.

13 Page 13 Issue 99 Bird count taken over the three days of the trip Pacific Black Duck (with young) White-faced Heron Wedge-tailed Eagle (nest with young) Wood Duck (with young) Masked Lapwing Brown Goshawk Australian Hobby Nankeen Kestrel Common Bronzewing Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Galah Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Crimson Rosella Eastern Rosella Shining Bronze-cuckoo Laughing Kookaburra White-throated Treecreeper Superb Fairy-wren Striated Pardalote Brown Thornbill Yellow-rumped Thornbill Striated Thornbill Red Wattlebird Yellow-faced Honeyeater White-eared Honeyeater New Holland Honeyeater Flame Robin (feeding young) Scarlet Robin Hooded Robin Jacky Winter Grey Shrike-thrush (feeding young) Golden Whistler Rufous Whistler (on nest) Grey Fantail Willie Wagtail Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Masked Woodswallow Dusky Woodswallow (on nest) Australian Magpie Pied Currawong Australian Raven White-winged Chough Welcome Swallow Tree Martin Richard s Pipit European Goldfinch Red-browed Firetail Silvereye Common Blackbird Common Starling Superb Fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus) Photo by John Saxton

14 The Clematis Page 14 WIN Television news reporter interviewing Kerry Seaton under the big Silver Banksia, Bendoc Photo by James Turner The survey came to the attention of local media, both press and TV. From the Snowy River Mail December 18 it was noted that 50 species of birds had been found, along with Alpine Copperheads and many skinks, including Weasel and Garden Skinks. Eighty native plants not previously noted were found. These included six threatened plants identified for the first time, including new records of the Monaro Greenhood, Low Bush-pea and Slender Seseli, an aniseed smelling herb. The identification of stands of English Broom, blackberry, thistle, isolated pine trees and other weeds means they can now be controlled. On a later visit in the NW grassland, near the entrance to the reserve, was found Dwarf Milkwort (Polygala japonica), a twiggy shrublet to 15cm, with ovate net-veined leaves and pink flowers. Dwarf Milkwort (Polygala japonica) Photo by James Turner Reference: Bendoc Nature Conservation Reserve. Management Statement. Land Stewardship & Biodiversity. Department of Sustainability and Environment. December Many thanks to Kerry and James for a wonderful four days.

15 Page 15 Issue 99 BEYOND MARLO IN SEARCH OF TONGUE ORCHIDS - 12 January 2014 By Margaret Regan Hunting for Tongue Orchids Photo by Fran Bright Past Orbost and along the Princes Highway we turned south on to Cabbage Tree Conran Road and then east on to Old Coast Road. This road is very light grey fine soil and forms amazing dust. It winds among the vegetation between eucalypts and Saw Banksia (Banksia serrata) and is most attractive. Unfortunately, the poor old plants close to the road were completely covered in dust. A few km east was our first stop, with overhead trees of Silvertop Ash (Eucalyptus sieberi) much loved by loggers, and White Stringybark (E. globoidea). A small shrub was Woolly Xanthosia (Xanthosia pilosa), a hairy shrub to 60cm with trifoliate leaves and tiny flowers in clusters. There were two members of the family Goodeniaceae where the flowers are irregular, and there is a cup at the top of the female part, the style, into which the pollen is deposited before the flower opens. These were Blue Dampiera (Dampiera stricta), a perennial to 90cm, whose flowers have rusty hairs on the undersurface of the petals; and purple Hairy Fan-flower (Scaevola ramosissima), a straggling herb with hairy leaves. There were three orchids. The largest was Rosy Hyacinth-orchid (Dipodium roseum) which grows to 100cm, with up to 50 pale pink flowers with darker pink spots. The labellum has darker stripes and the tepal tips are curved back. The other two are seriously weird in construction. The Large Duck-orchid (Caleana major) grows to 50cm with up to 5 duckshaped upside-down flowers. The humped labellum is shaped like a duck s head and bill, and is attached to the column by a broad strap. It is very sensitive to touch, and when touched, is propelled between the column wings; presumably if touched by an insect, this assists with pollination. The other strange orchid was the Elbow Orchid (Thynninorchis huntianus). This is tiny (to 15cm) and leafless with up to eight upside-down flowers. These are slender, insect-like and greenish with a hinged mobile labellum covered with hairs and warty calli. The generic name comes from the thynnine wasp, which is a sub-family of wasps that pollinate these orchids and others through pseudocopulation. There was also tiny Screw fern (Lindsaya linearis) where the pinnae of the fertile frond are twisted making the frond resemble a screw; and the clubmoss Bushy clubmoss (Lycopodium deuterodensum) which grows to 100cm with very small leaves appressed to the stem, and resembles a tiny pine tree.

16 The Clematis Page 16 Elbow Orchid (Thynninorchis huntianus) Photo by Dianne Laws Further east we paused by the West Branch of the Yeerung River. By the river Kanooka (Tristania laurina) was covered with bright yellow flowers. In the same family Myrtaceae, it differs from eucalypts in having free coloured petals and stamens united in five bundles. Another tree was Lillypilly (Acmena smithii) with glossy pointed ovate leaves. Tall shrubs were cream Sweet Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa) with spiny branches and large pyramids of flowers; Hazel Pomaderris (Pomaderris aspera); Long-leaf or River Lomatia (Lomatia myricoides); and Burgan (Kunzea ericoides). There was the huge Tall Saw-sedge (Gahnia clarkei) which can reach a height of 4.5m, and is palm-like with annular leaf scars on the almost naked lower portions. There were also a number of ferns, with the area being moist near a river. These were bright green Scrambling coral-fern (Gleichenia microphylla); Fishbone water-fern (Blechnum nudum) and the, not very often seen, large Austral king-fern (Todea barbara) which has a short massive black fibrous trunk with several crowns with large bipinnate shiny fronds. A Brown Gerygone was seen. Further along, just before the junction with Gravel Road, was a damp Spear Grass-tree (Xanthorrhoea resinosa) plain. Here we found specimens of the endangered Tongue Orchid we were looking for and needed to count. This was the Leafless Tongue-orchid (Cryptostylis hunteriana). All the flowers of the tongue orchids are upside down and have large colourful labellums. The erect hairy labellum of the Leafless Tongue-orchid is reddishpurple with a raised central callus. This colour and the fact that the orchid plants are quite tall (to 45cm), means that one has some chance of seeing them in the dense vegetation of these grass-tree plains. One is always on the lookout, as well, for snakes; shorts would not be good apparel for such a situation! Other plants in this environment were the small Scrub Sheoak (Allocasuarina paludosa) which only grows to 3m, but was much shorter here; the perennial Blue-spike Milkwort (Comesperma calymega) which has small butterflylike flowers in clusters at the ends of the slender stems; and pink Heath Milkwort (C. ericinum), a shrub to 2m with pea-like blooms; Spike Goodenia (Goodenia stelligera) whose yellow irregular flowers are in an erect terminal spike with the outsides of the petals covered with brown hairs; and yellow Swamp Goodenia (G. humilis), a dwarf rosetted perennial of damp ground; Blue Dampiera (Dampiera stricta); and Rush Lily (Sowerbea juncea), a tufted perennial with a terminal cluster of mauve flowers; and Tufted Blue Lily (Thelionema caespitosa) with erect star-like flowers with papillate staminal filaments (one for the hand lens!).

17 Page 17 Issue 99 Leafless Tongue orchid (Cryptostylis hunteriana) Photo by Dianne Laws Just on past Gravel Road was again Large Duck-orchid, Rosy Hyacinth-orchid and Hairy Fan-flower. Further along we went to examine a grass-tree plain which had been control burnt in Here again was mostly Spear Grass-tree, some of which was fruiting, and Scrub Sheoak. It was noticed that one fruiting stalk of a Spear Grass-tree had been completely felled by ants chewing at the base. Was the stalk edible or were they collecting building material? There was Spike Goodenia; probably the rush-like Slender Yellow-eye (Xyris gracilis) with small very fine leaves, irregular tepals and 3 curled stigmas; and the lovely bright green rush or sedge Curly Wig (Caustis flexuosa) with its ultimate branchlets usually coiled in a complete circle. Both Leafless and Large Tongue-orchid were seen. Large Tongue-orchid (Cryptostylis subulata) grows to 80cm with up to 20 flowers. It has erect leaves that are green on both surfaces, and its yellow and reddish hairy labellum is held out and down with the margins curved up, and the surface has two long purple ridges ending in a bilobed callus. At the edge of the plain outside the dense grass-tree was tiny Swamp Boronia (Boronia parviflora), a low spreading shrub with few four-petalled white or pink flowers. We heard Grey Shrike-thrush and a very lucky person with very keen eyes spotted a Southern Emu-wren.

18 The Clematis Page 18 There were two very striking spiders. One was the very common, mainly black, Spiny or Jewel Spider whose webs are strung between plants and make walking through these areas difficult. The larger female is 10mm across, and the large abdomen has six prominent spines and a mottled yellow and white pattern. The other spider was much larger; about 10cm including the long pointed legs. The body colour was mid-brown, the legs had stripes of blue, black and orange, and the eyes were gold. Spider species Photo by Fran Bright Just near this grass-tree plain, but back by the road were Large Duck-orchids grey with dust, Elbow Orchids and Small Duckorchids (Paracaleana minor). The Small Duck-orchid is much smaller (to 18cm) than the Large Duck-orchid (to 50cm) with a few more flowers, and the labellum is covered with dark shiny warty calli. Back and onto Gravel Road, we were driving through forest that had obviously been logged in the past, as the trees were all even-aged. In another grass-tree plain we found the third tongue orchid, the Small Tongue-orchid (Cryptostylis leptochila) grows to 40cm with up to 15 flowers. The erect leaf is green above and purple below, and the labellum is held above the upside-down flower and recurved back towards the stalk. The reddish hairy labellum has two rows of shiny black calli. During the day we failed to find the fourth species of Cryptostylis, the Bonnet or Tartan Orchid (C. erecta) whose labellum is also much modified, to form a bonnet over the reproductive parts of the flower. Two butterflies were identified. One was the Common Brown which was a female. It is a brown butterfly with black and orange markings on the forewings and one eyespot on each wing. The female is identified by the absence of a forewing sex brand. The females aestivate in summer, resting on cool, shady places and are more active in autumn. The larval plants for this butterfly are grasses, both native and now introduced. The other was the Varied Sword-grass Brown, which is a little darker than the Common Brown with two eyespots on each wing. The larval plants of the Varied Sword-grass Brown are, not surprisingly, species of Saw-sedge (Gahnia). Thank you to James and Bill it was a beautiful area.

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20 The Newsletter of the Bairnsdale & District Field Naturalists Club Inc. If undelivered please return to: P.O. Box 563, BAIRNSDALE. Vic POSTAGE PAID BAIRNSDALE