Hunting for orchids
Barrm Birrm has 36 recorded species of orchid, but this doesn't mean they are lined up for you to admire them. You have to look out for them, dropping your eyes to the ground, walking slowly, staying ready for their flash of colour or shape of their leaves. Patience is required, and attention to the signs of each particular orchid.
Getting up close
A lot of the native plant action in Barrm Birrm is down at ground level, in amongst the grasses. To see it, you have to get down close, and there's no better way to get close to ground level than hunting for gorse regrowth!
Bluebell Creeper - Billardiera heterophylla (Weed)
You'll find this gorgeous native climber at your local garden nursery, but when it gets out and about, it's hard to stop.
Sweet Pittosporum - Pittosporum undulatum (Weed)
This tree, a native of East Gippsland, has settled in properties along Gap Road. Its orange seeds are eaten by birds and possums.
Sallow Wattle - Acacia longifolia (Weed)
Undeniably a pretty acacia - bright green all year, and brilliant yellow flowers in Spring. Just not in the bush, where it shades out the grasses!
The lovely Cinnamon Wattle is flowering
What the Cinnamon Wattle lacks in bulk, it makes up in delicacy. It's out now in Barrm Birrm, and suddenly, it's everywhere, scattered through the lower slopes.
What's Growing in Barrm Birrm
Early autumn is a quiet time in Barrm Birrm, but things are still appearing. This is new growth on a peppermint which had its head snapped off in a storm - that's the torn edge you can see in the top of the photo.
