This tiny Orchid, and hundreds more are scattered along the trails at Mount Maxwell. The are tiny, about 3 to 4 cm tall.
Though not well marked, it’s a great hike from Seymour Heights Road, up through the towering firs along Trail #1 to the summit and back down to the viewpoints along Trail #4. In pretty much any weather, a stress reliever.
These are calypso orchids and can also be found along the coastal path at Burgoyne Bay. Precious little flowers boldly declaring that Spring has sprung!
Thanks Maggie, love your comment.
I’ve seen them in the Mount Erskine area as well. Am I right in thinking that, if left untouched, they pop up each year in the mature evergreen forests?
than you John for the trail info too. I will add that one to my list.
There’s only one tricky spot on the loop trail. On the way back down, after the viewpoints on #4, you need to make sure you don’t head down the trail to Armand Way. Instead, cut left across a small clearing towards a huge Maple (that currently has a couple of orange ribbons) and continue slightly uphill along the trail.
Hi John, you are correct, like trilliums and shooting stars you just leave them alone and they ARE truly perennail!