Purple Diuris (Diuris punctata)

Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid family).

Native of Eastern Australia.

There are early reports (pre 1940) of an abundance of Purple Diuris in the Sutton Grange district. It now appears to be very rare or extinct locally.

• it is a purple diuris.

There are also early reports of Swamp Diuris (Diuris palustris), also from Sutton Grange (Mt Alexander). It is yellow flowered, grows in swampy areas, and is a small orchid (to 15cm) high.

VROTS: vulnerable. Listed under the Fauna and Flora Guarantee Act.

Photos: Purple Diuris. 1, 2: Riddells Creek 3: Bonegilla, at the former refugee camp.