Blue Fairies - Pheladenia deformis
This orchid is also called "Blue Beard" as the labellum is usually dark blue and heavily bearded with long calli. The flower is 20-30 mm (1") diameter, so quite large and very noticeable in the bush. Most flowers are blue, but occasionally you may come across a white one, but they all have a long slender leaf that can be see above. Overall height is to 150 mm (6") and they can flower as early as May, but more commonly in August and September.
Found in sandy heath, around granite and sheltered limestone outcrops, so quite an adaptable orchid, but more likely to be discovered after fire, although odd ones can be unexpectedly encountered in unburnt country.
