The Million Spider Orchid

The impact of fire, flood and people on Australian wildlife and flora is of great importance to Allegra aged eight. She has illustrated books and been actively involved in local wildlife rescues. The Pink Spider Orchid is an endangered species of orchid from the south-west of Western Australia. Allegra notes the “million shades of pink” exhibited by this species, which inspired the name of this piece. The main threats to this species are fire during its growth and flowering period, grazing by feral pigs and the impact of road maintenance. It is a relatively new discovery, having been first described in 2001, yet could be gone before we know it. Spider Orchids are a prime example of the delicate nature of our flora, with their delicate structure no match for footprints, feral animals and hot bitumen. How can we stand losing something so beautiful and so unique? And once it is gone, our Australia will lose “a million shades of its pink”.