Magnificent Turpentine Tree

Alan and I went into the Barrengarry Nature Reserve last week, looking for Chiloglottis plants.
But I could not resist posing beside the trunk of this magnificent old Turpentine Tree (Syncarpia glomulifera)

How old is this mighty tree?
(Photo: Alan Stephenson)

   I jokingly said I needed to hold my tummy in, but as you can see, that did not work.

Me posing with this huge Turpentine Tree trunk.
(Photo: Alan Stephenson)

Here are some photos of the small ground Orchids from the forest floor.

Chiloglottis reflexa, the so-called "Short-clubbed Wasp Orchid"

These Orchids get their name from their relationship with Wasps

which assist in pollination

through a complex process of scent production to dupe the wasps

into believing the flower is actually a female wasp.

Chiloglottis reflexa - side view

 You can see this nicely formed "pseudo-insect"

or gland, or "osmophore"

on the labellum.

Chiloglottis reflexa

osmophore: a scent-producing gland.