20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Tall Bird Orchid

Endemic to Tasmania the Tall Bird Orchid (Chiloglottis gunnii) are quite a small plant living in wet forest environments. Each species of Chiloglottis orchid are pollinated by the male of a different species of wasp who are drawn to the orchid by pheromones. The small shiny bumps, called calli, mimic a wingless female. In an attempt to fly off with "their" female the male comes into contact with the overhanging column thereby depositing or collecting pollen...quite ingenious!!

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 12.2021
Date Uploaded: 11.2022
Photo Location: nearest city - Hobart Tasamnia, Australia
Copyright: © Bronwen Gunning