Swainsona recta

Small Purple Pea at Kambah, ACT

Swainsona recta at Kambah, ACT - 24 Oct 2021
Swainsona recta at Kambah, ACT - 24 Oct 2021
Swainsona recta at Kambah, ACT - 24 Oct 2021
Swainsona recta at Kambah, ACT - 24 Oct 2021
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Identification history

Swainsona recta 25 Oct 2021 MichaelMulvaney
Swainsona recta 25 Oct 2021 Tapirlord
Unidentified 25 Oct 2021 BarrieR

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5 comments

Tapirlord wrote:
   25 Oct 2021
ID is suggested based on location, S.recta is a nationally endangered species, so very rare. :)
BarrieR wrote:
   25 Oct 2021
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 .
Tapirlord wrote:
   25 Oct 2021
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:).
BarrieR wrote:
   25 Oct 2021
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!
   25 Oct 2021
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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Location information

Sighting information

Additional information

  • perhaps under 10 mm across? Flower dimension
  • 10cm to 30cm Plant height
  • True In flower

Species information

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  • Verified by an expert moderator
  • Nearby sighting(s) of same species
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