Curio

State Library of New South Wales
No. 1: Fuchsia Heath (Epacris longiflora); No. 2: Flying duck orchid (Caleana major), c. 1788–91

No. 1: Fuchsia Heath (Epacris longiflora); No. 2: Flying duck orchid (Caleana major), c. 1788–91

Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW; Purchased from Murray Marks, London, 1911; PXD 17, f. 18

Watercolour

Flowers of the Flying duck orchid resemble a ‘duck in flight’.
Flying duck orchids flower from September to January and are pollinated by insects.
Fuchsia Heath is the common name for Epacris longiflora.
There are around 40 species of Epacris.
Flying duck orchids are small and difficult to notice because their red-brown stem and flowers blend into the Australian environment.
Epacris longiflora, commonly known as Fuchsia Heath is named for its long tubed flowers.
The Flying duck orchid comes from the genus Caleana, named after English botanist George Caley.
Epacris longiflora belongs to the heath family.
Fuchsia Heaths are found along the eastern coast of Australia, growing in sandy soils and cliff faces.