Maroondah’s environmental groups are rallying behind the opportunity to protect the Kilsyth South spider orchid. The Maroondah Leader has reported on the efforts to preserve one of the world’s rarest plants.

The Kilsyth South spider orchid, which was found in 1991 at 6 Tereddan Drive in Kilsyth South, is listed as critically endangered under State and Federal legislation. The property has recently been listed for sale providing council, State and Federal Governments with the opportunity to purchase the property and protect this very rare plant.

Councillor Alex Makin said buying the site – bordered by council-owned bushland, a Melbourne Water retarding basin and a Trust for Nature Reserve – would complete “one of the largest bush reserves in Maroondah”.

Given the endangered status of the Kilsyth South spider orchid and the fact that it would connect areas of biological significance, it makes sense for the property to be jointly purchased by government and council.