Diuris species

Donkey Orchids can be found in multiple zones across the corridor in spring. They flower at the same time as native peas like Daviesia and compete with them for bee visits. While Donkey Orchids are not nectar producing like peas, they have evolved strategies to deceive bees into visiting them and achieving pollination. As well as similar colouring to pea flowers, research has shown that the outer petals of Donkey Orchids are more UV reflective to advertise their shape to bees. When further away from the nectar producing pea flowers, fast moving bees mistakenly visit Donkey Orchids often enough to pollinate them – for no reward!