Grand spider orchid

Grand spider orchids are only found in Western Australia & are highly threatened. They’re found in scattered populations within 20km or so of the coast from north of Perth south to the Margaret River region. It’s likely that this species was common historically, but extensive clearing for urban development & agriculture have restricted it to remnants of bush. ~50% of the known populations of this species have less than five flowering plants, & ~85% of plants are in just four populations, so it’s no surprise that it’s Critically Endangered.

A good number of the remaining populations are on protected land, but the current fragmentation & continuing habitat degradation are still serious issues that don’t just affect the orchids themselves, but also the thynnid wasps they rely on for pollination & the mycorrhizal fungi they rely on for germination and nutrient supply. A pollination rate of only 4% has been reported (which indicates there are few pollinators), & very few seeds germinate because the appropriate fungus has to be present where they land.

To help protect threatened flora & fauna in WA, 50%+ of the profits from all sales of this print are donated to the Conservation Council of Western Australia.