Ophioglossum lusitanicum

Adder's Tongue at Canberra Central, ACT

Request use of media

Identification history

	Ophioglossum lusitanicum	9 Sep 2016	MichaelMulvaney
	Unidentified	15 Aug 2016	petersan

Identify this sighting

Please Login or Register to identify this sighting.

8 comments

TonyWood wrote:

16 Aug 2016

Not sure, the leaves look a bit like Eriochilus. In the second photo the leaves look more like Caladenia (Arachnorchis), but a bit too wide, and some of the other leaves also look orhidaceous. I think its worth keeping an eye on these sightings to see how they develop.

CathB wrote:

16 Aug 2016

I wonder if it might be the fern Ophioglossum rather than an orchid.

dcnicholls wrote:

24 Aug 2016

I think we need to wait until it does something. Could well be an Ophioglossum.

MichaelMulvaney wrote:

24 Aug 2016

Peter can you please go back to this site in about two -three weeks and see whether it has put up a spike such as in sighting http://canberranaturemap.org/Community/Sightings/Details/26675 - we don't have many records of Adders Tongue so would appreciate the effort.

MichaelMulvaney wrote:

9 Sep 2016

Peter given that the plant appears to have been eaten and that an adders tongue was recorded nearby two weeks after this photo was taken. I will confirm it as Adders Tongue as it seems the most likely. Thanks for your efforts and posting.

petersan wrote:

9 Sep 2016

I was back there yesterday and although the original plants had gone, I located and photographed other examples nearby. I hope they survive as I will keep an eye on them. Interestingly in this area I previously photographed a number of Caledenia but yesterday could find only two - seem there is high attrition rate

waltraud wrote:

9 Sep 2016

Unfortunately both, fern and Caladenia are heavily grazed; Mt Majura would look different if rabbits, hares and roos were managed to the point were natural regeneration could happen...

dcnicholls wrote:

9 Sep 2016

This provides prima facie evidence of the damage being done by uncontrolled feral pests and roos. It could be the basis for a strong case for the government to act. One of the major benefits of CNM.

Please Login or Register to comment.