Many thanks. Hope that will be confirmed. A chance meeting told me where to go, but am concerned at the number of people tramping thro the bush on Taylor and Black Mtn hoping to find orchids .
An image of leaves helps with identifying peas, but I'm fairly confident given this is a local stronghold for this species (I've suppressed the location of this sighting, a good idea with sensitive species like Swainsona). It is certainly concerning, much better to stay on the path unless you know what you're doing, particularly since many orchids are much smaller than people might think:).
Thanks, Tapilord. I am pleased to hear that you have suppressed the location. People searching randomly might miss the flowers as the plants are so low and small, but unfortunately there are a number of shiny metal tags lying on the ground to mark the spot which surely can draw people in. Only this morning I was up there again, on the fire trail, when about 20 people and a dog came walking along and some of them started to head off in the direction of the Swainsona, obviously looking for something. Unfortunately several organisations such as the NPA (ACT) and the friends of Black Mountain have been publicising the orchids on black mountain, organising wildflower walks and so on over a number of years and this year I was dismayed to see the number of "tracks" people had made through the bush, trampling many wildflowers and orchids in their search for orchids, and I suspect that the majority do not even know exactly what they are looking for. I think it is time that these wildflower walks were cancelled!
Wildflower walks are also about educating people how to best enjoy the flowers while minimising damage. It is also possible that the people you observed where doing an activity unrelated to the Swainsonea. such as geocaching - and people not being aware of a sensitive plant can also place it at risk.
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