Beer microbiologist's orchid hobby helping document rare species in Frankston

So this has this micro abrasive surface."And finally, his favourite."Thelymitra aurorae, that is named for my favourite artist, the Norwegian artist Aurora," he said."The flower kind of resembles her in flower terms."It has these blue spots and she has blue eyes, and it has these pink trichomes, and she has these streaks of pink make up."The scientific world hopes more can be found soon.The Royal Botanic Gardens in Victoria has the biggest orchid conservation program in the world.Mr Russell said the flowers that have been recognised can now be nurtured and protected."It is a group of plants that is highly vulnerable, so identifying flowers is essential," he said."Citizen scientists are really expert naturalists They are the eyes and ears on the ground to observe change over time, observe new plants."Mr Mitchell is committed to recording and conserving the delicate plants.He walks the same areas multiple times a week in warmer months, and monthly in winter."We've got these natural reserves that have amazing plants and animals out there," he said."You never know what you might come across."That's the new approach to science, just get out there, and hopefully we can prevent [things] from going extinct."