Speaker. Clyde O'Donnell. Jan 22, 2006.

Clyde O'Donnell is a local nature photographer. He has been a guide to Mt Buffalo for many years. He now spends several months of the year in Nepal.

It was with amazement - and delight - that we viewed Clyde's slides of 50 or so beautiful orchids, many of which had been found on his property at Porepunkah. The images were superb, and we were introduced to a huge variety of orchids. Some have unusual common names such as Flying Duck, Swan Greenhood, Leopard, Bird, Spider, Bearded Greenhood to mention just a few. Some had names we remembered from times past - Hyacinth and Sun Orchid. We were astounded to hear that one of the species Clyde had photographed locally, he had also seen in Nepal in the Himalayas.

As the talk progressed, it became obvious that the correct naming of each species was no easy matter - indeed a somewhat baffling academic exercise. On a number of occasions, Jeff Campbell, with expertise always appreciated, was able to inform us that though the particular orchid has long been known as X, following detailed research, the same plant had been re-located and named as a subspecies of Y [or divided into species A, B, C and D (Ed)].

Strangely, an orchid discovered by Clyde appeared to be unrecorded.

Following the orchid presentation, Clyde showed a further selection of images of wild flowers from the alpine areas - mainly Mt Buffalo. Again the excellence of his photography was a source of delight.

Sheila and Terry Lockett

1: Flying Duck Orchid.
2: Scented Sun-orchid.
3: Bearded Greenhood.