Forest Ghosts Emerge

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Created: Friday, 11 July 2008 17:38

Few people have ever seen the rare and enchanting Phantom orchid blooming in the deep woods. Yet right now, this endangerd saprophytic plant is emerging around the region. Thin white stalks rise up to 40 cm high with yellow-centred white flowers in dark, sparsely vegetated fir forest. The similar Indian pipe is also white, but its single flowers droop from short and thick stalks. HAT provides landowners with information on Species at Risk and how to maintain them on their land. If you spot this spectre, let us know. We're also interested in sightings of Western painted turtle and Sharp-tailed snakes. Painted turtles are red underneath but have no red spot on their ears like the exotic Red-eared slider. Sharp-tailed snakes are brown, pencil thin, less than 30 cm long, and feature black & white belly bands. They live on sunny slopes, but they don't bask in the sun or flee from people like garter snakes would. Call the HATline (995 2428) or send in your pics for identification (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)