10th April, 2024
CHIRANJIT MITRA
Looks exactly like a duck in flight! Tiny but mighty in its mimicry.
A whole family of odd shapes – helmet-like, some with long tails, insect lures inside!
They're not just flytraps! Melbourne's species have colorful, lidded pitchers.
Sensitive blooms only open fully on hot days, revealing intricate details.
Grows on bare rock faces, flowering after bushfires, a resilient beauty.
Touch the 'trigger,' and its flower explodes, scattering seeds!
The shiny, purple flower looks like it's coated in lip gloss, a unique stunner.
So many species! Long petals, hairy textures, and strange shapes galore.
Where to Find Them: Parks, reserves, even roadsides! Explore and be surprised by Melbourne's botanical oddities.