Appreciating and Documenting Unique Native Orchids of Western Australia

Why fungi and insects matter?

By Subas P. Dhakal
Friends of Brixton Street Wetlands, Kenwick

This book intends to highlight the significance of the Brixton Street Wetlands as an orchid oasis in the middle of the ever-expanding concrete jungles of Perth. It is my contribution from the perspective of conservation photography – the practice of highlighting the beauty in nature with a purpose (Dhakal, 2016). I studied botany in my undergraduate years and have been involved in integrated conservation and development projects in various parts of Asia and the Pacific. Nonetheless, I was only peripherally aware of orchids’ beauty and their quest for survival. It is fair to say that my affiliation and “hanging out” with various members of the Friends Group transformed me into an orchid admirer. The Brixton Street Wetlands is a significant biodiversity hotspot in its own right. It supports various botanical wonders – some documented, some not, and some may never be. I have captured and presented unique orchids and, where appropriate, described the processes/stories behind the photographs. The ultimate objective here is to inspire non-experts, everyday people like you and me, especially the young generation, to participate in and or lead a broader community-led sustainability movement. This book is organised into four parts. After this brief introduction, the first section delves into the obsession with the beauty of orchids and several unique features that justify the “Orchidelirium” phenomenon. The second part focuses on the significance of the Brixton Street Wetlands and its custodians – the Friends Group. The third part showcases 51 species of native orchids that I have documented within the wetlands since 2009. The fourth part reviews the critical management challenges and discusses a way forward. I have conscientiously excluded images/information that reveals the exact location of orchids (especially the uncommon and rare ones). Primarily to prevent the area from trampling by thrill seekers wanting to see native orchids “at any cost” – one of the emerging management challenges exacerbated by the proliferation of social media.