Beer Expert Helps Find New Orchid Species

By Iskhandar Razak

Topic:Environment

Tue 16 Jun 2026 at 7:06am

Robert Mitchell found new orchid species in Frankston.

Robert Mitchell takes photos of plants in Frankston.

He started looking for orchids during the COVID lockdown.

He said, 'I took up orchid hunting.'

Robert Mitchell found some rare orchids.

Australia has many native orchid species.

Robert Mitchell posted his photos online.

Some orchids could not be identified.

Robert Mitchell worked with experts to learn more.

Robert Mitchell found new orchid species.

His work paid off.

It's quite cool.

He found fragile flowers.

There are many native orchid species.

Chris Russell says citizen science is important.

Many orchids could disappear.

Orchids are beautiful and delicate.

Finding new species is exciting.

Robert Mitchell wrote a paper on the flowers.

Each species has a special name.

Thelymitra serpentina is a new species.

The first new species is Thelymitra serpentina.

It looks like a snake head.

Thelymitra asperifolia has a rough surface.

It has a rough leaf.

Robert Mitchell's favorite is Thelymitra aurorae.

It's named after his favorite artist.

The flower looks like the artist.

It has blue spots and pink trichomes.

People hope to find more orchids soon.

Citizen scientists help find new species.

The Royal Botanic Gardens has a big conservation program.

The recognized orchids can now be protected.

Identifying flowers is essential.

Citizen scientists are expert naturalists.

They observe change and new plants.

Experts say citizen scientists are very helpful.

Robert Mitchell records and conserves orchids.

He walks in the same areas often.

He says, 'You never know what you might find.'

He wants to prevent plants from going extinct.

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