Baluk Willam Flora Reserve

Baluk Willam Flora Reserve, south-west of the Dandenong Ranges, is particularly significant for its flora and is a sanctuary for over a third of Victoria's orchid species.

Flora & Fauna - The reserve has sightings of the Southern Boobook Owl and Powerful Owl, cockatoos and other parrot species, Tawny Frogmouths, Laughing Kookaburras and a number of honeyeater species are present. Brown Antechinus, Bush Rats, Swamp Rats, Swamp Wallabies, possums and echidnas also inhabit the reserve.

Four ecological vegetation classes can be recognised. These are shrubby foothill forest, damp sclerophyll forest, wet sclerophyll forest and healthy woodland (dominated by Silver-leafed Stringybark). Of the 250 indigenous plant species recorded, 73 are orchid species. Other significant flora species are Spreading Rope-rush, Cinnamon Wattle and Stiff Sword-sedge.