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Introduction

Well I have finally decided to take the leap and record my orchid travels, discoveries and photos in a BLOG

Well I have finally decided to take the leap and record my orchid travels, discoveries and photos in a BLOG so that others may choose to join in my adventures, looking for what I feel are an amazing family of flowering plants that have so many varieties, colours, shapes and sizes that one can not help but be amazed by them. In Western Australia there are two distinct areas that native orchids are found. The South West of Western Australia and in the north starting in the Kimberley.  My BLOG will focus on the South West terrestrial orchids due to the massive size of my home state of Western Australia.

Orchidaceae is the family name in scientific speak however I will be using the common name of “Orchid” in my posts. In Western Australia the South West orchid territory ranges from  Shark Bay in the Midwest  on a diagonal line to Kalgoorlie in the Goldfields and eastwards to Eyre on the Nullarbor plain including the entire South West,  Great Southern, South Coastal and Wheatbelt regions.

In this Southern region 28 different genera and over 400 species are found with many yet to be formally named, so as you can imagine tracking down all of these will provide years of adventures for me to fill up my BLOG.

Please note I am a self-taught amateur in Orchid location, Orchid identification and Orchid photography so I would ask for your understanding if I may get it wrong, and would appreciate your feedback, notes and comments to help this little BLOG grow and develop just as my wonderful Orchids do in this great state of Western Australia.

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Cowslip Orchids (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)

Helms Arboretum – We did miss you !!

25/09/2017

After a weekend of fishing we head out to Helms Arboretum (Mud Map SE35) on a long weekend Monday, to see what has changed whilst we were away on our Road Trip. First up are the usual suspects : Common bee orchids (Diuris decrementa), Cowslip orchids (Caladenia flava subsp flava), Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera), Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) and Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)

Profile of twins
Pale yellow colouration
Twisted up
Shimmery appearance
Looks very glossy when wet

These guys were all found prior to our Road Trip as well, so the search now is for anything new. Well we are not disappointed, as we find a patch with many White spider orchids. Some appear to be the Rigid white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. rigidula) as the petals and lateral sepals are stiffly spread. One had white fringe segments and the other red, same with the calli. This orchid is found between Ravensthorpe and Israelite Bay from August to early October.

White labellum with 4 or more rows of pale red calli
Relatively, short spreading petals and lateral sepals

Other white spider orchids were found which seem to be another species or subspecies. Some appear to be the Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa) which flowers August to early October as well, but ranges from Jerramungup to Cape Arid. The flowers are larger with broader petals and sepals.

Large white labellum, with narrow fringe segments
Broad spreading petals and lateral sepals

The other appears to be the Reclining spider orchid (Caladenia cruscula) due to its short labellum and short petals and lateral sepals. This one flowers August to September and ranges between Salmon Gums and Mt Ragged. So we are a bit south of this range

Narrow fringe segments
Short labellum

With so many variables and possibilities my naming of the above orchids is quite likely incorrect, so please let me know your thoughts. However the next orchid is more recognisable. The Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana) can only be confused with the Dwarf Zebra orchid which is found in inland areas and has a incurved dorsal sepal.

Lovers dancing
Up-swept, red-striped labellum
Petals and lateral sepals hang down surrounding the ovary
Erect dorsal sepal

Final orchids found were more Cowslip orchids in good numbers. Some pics taken then off we go to have our big catch of fish weighed.

Held up from the ground
Quite a good clumping

This was our final orchid adventure of the 2017 West Australian orchid season.  I hope you have enjoyed reading about our adventures as much as we enjoyed having them. 2018 will prove a more challenging year as we move into our newly built home in April/May.  So we will be busy painting, putting up fences, laying lawn, landscaping and numerous other tasks. This will reduce the hours available for Orchid Adventures, so we will see how the new year progresses. Until then take care.

Last Hoorah of our Holidays

22/09/2017

As we came home early from our Road Trip we had to finish our holidays with a final orchid hunt. What better place to check out than Boyatup Hill (Mud Map SE40) . Like Helms Arboretum, Boyatup never disappoints. Arriving at 10am we immediately go exploring for orchids. Our first orchid is the Purple enamel orchid ( Elythranthera brunonis).  Closely followed by the small Diuris orchid, from the Bee orchid complex. From the habitat found and the small stature of the plants they appear to be the Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementa).

Twins
Glossy flowers
Pinkish colour variant
Two large, black basal calli
Small, yellow, brown marked flowers
Forward projecting lateral sepals

In close proximity we come across a Red beak (Pyrorchis nigricans), Cowslip orchids (Caladenia flava subsp. flava), more Purple enamel orchids and Common bee orchids.

Up to five flowers per plant
Common, red marked yellow flowers
Distinctive red and white flowers
Great family shot

Then prior to hopping back in the Triton we find some Lemon-scented sun orchids (Thelymitra antennifera) and what appears to be an Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora) nearing the end of it’s season.

Small antennae like column lobes
Stiffly held petals and sepals

 We now pass through the gravel pit and head up the track to a spot that allows us to turn around, where we get out have morning tea, then head on up the overgrown track on foot,  towards the granite outcrop. Along this overgrown track we find some Pink candy orchids (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea), more Cowslip orchids and Esperance king spider orchids, plus some of the small, Zebra orchids (Caladenia cairnsiana).

Short, spreading petals and lateral sepals
Twins
Red tipped labellum
Upright dorsal sepal

As mentioned Boyatup is a great location and as proof we have already found 8 varieties in the first half hour of looking. What will a few hours bring? We can’t wait to find out.

Next orchid found was a Pointing spider orchid (Caladenia exstans) which is only found between Esperance and Israelite Bay from September to early November.

Named after the labellum projecting forwards
Smooth margined labellum

More yellow spied. Cowslips and Lemon-scented sun orchids found.

Enjoying the sunshine
Red colouring is varaible
3 is a crowd
No scrub will stop them finding the sun

Then to our surprise we find a Beautiful donkey orchid (Diuris pulchella), very near it’s season end, but still showing off it’s mauve colouring.

The beautiful mauve colouring
Found north and east of Esperance

The further along we walk the more we find. More Zebra, Cowslip, Pink Candy, Pointing spider and Beautiful donkey orchids, then something new for the day. We break out of the overgrown track onto an open, damp, low granite rock space about the size of a soccer pitch and find a Blue china orchid (Cyanicula gemmata ), but exact identification is uncertain as 3 different species can be found in this location.

Short, scattered labellum lamina calli
Mauve-blue to purple flowers

Next orchids found were a small grouping of a Caladenia hybrid. One parent is the Cowslip orchid but deciding the other was proving difficult. The other parent does not appear to be the usual Pink fairy orchids as the dorsal sepal hangs forward over the column, which is a feature of the Pink fans.  Reviewing the site esperancewildflowers.blogspot.com.au  and the Spider Orchids EBook 2018 it appears the other parent to be the Little pink fan orchid.  I would never have picked this due to the recorded location being  West of Bremer Bay. So in my research the EBook mentions a hybrid between these two orchids being photographed in Esperance and the Esperance wildflowers blog records finding the Little pink fan orchid within his 160km radius of Esperance. So I am recording these orchids as (Caladenia flava x Caladenia nana) an unnamed hybrid.

Beautiful little hybrid
View from above
Forward facing dorsal sepal, typical of C. nana
Colours of both parents

 Before leaving this open area we find our smallest orchid of the day. A Laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum macrostachyum) which is found September through January in a range from Dongara to Cape le Grand. We are 50km East of this range however the flowers appear wider spaced, lateral sepals are shorter and dorsal sepal is wider, than the related Little laughing leek orchid, so I am happy with my classification.

Flowers more widely spaced that the Little laughing leek orchid
Still a very small orchid

The track becomes over grown again and we find a lone spider orchid. Appears to be a Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila) although this is far from certain

The most Eastern spider orchid
Smaller labellum than other wispy’s

Then we come to the low prickly scrub which leads up to the Granite outcrop. Close to the base of the rock is a thick woodland but for now we are searching in thigh high bushes. Amazingly we find a Rattle Beak (Lyperanthus serratus) growing under one of the bushes bordering the track. Further along we find more Rattle beaks pushing through the prickly shrubs.

Up to 10 dull flowers
Single, long, narrow, leathery leaf 200 – 400mm long by 12-16 mm wide
Densely hairy yellow-white labellum
Narrow forward facing petals and lateral sepals

We don’t have time or inclination to bush bash to the granite rock so after a few more minutes finding further Purple enamel, Pointing spider, Esperance king spider and Zebra orchids we back track to the Triton and move on to another location closer to home, only just.

Big brother watching over
Smooth margined labellum
Striking colours
Flower only 15mm high

On a track named Bebenorin Rd we first come across what appeared to be another Esperance king spider orchid, but on closer inspection I believe it to be a Heberle’s spider orchid (Caladenia herberleana) due to the narrow clubbing of the lateral sepals. These flower September and October in a range from Augusta to Cape Arid which causes them to grow in the same area and at a similar time to the Esperance king spider orchid which makes it difficult to distinguish between them.

Long, slender, rather indistinct petal and sepal clubs
4 or more rows of pale to deep red calli
Red-tipped labellum with long fringe segments
Pale red, white and yellow flowers 60-120mm across

Close by we find some Dancing spider orchids (Caladenia discoidea) and more Cowslip orchids, this time with longer, thinner lateral sepals.

Pale green and red rounded labeluum
Longer thinner lateral sepals than the standard shape

Another first for the day is the Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media) which flowers September through January and ranges from Shark Bay to Eyre, one of the largest ranges of the orchid family in WA.

Curled lateral sepals
Each small flower has a hood like dorsal sepal
Up to 100 yellowish-green flowers
Maybe a pollinator

Getting hungry so we head off to Thomas River for lunch, but not before taking a few more pics.

Awesome coloured tips to the sepals and petals
Wonder where they got the Wispy name from?? LOL
Short spreading petals and sepals
King spider orchid
Side profile
Four rows of squat labellum calli
Nice off centre shot
Large spider orchid flowers 60-120mm across

Just at the entrance to the National Park we find some more Rattle beaks, Lemon-scented sun orchids, Purple enamel orchids and Bee orchids, however only got good pics of the Rattle beaks.

Prominent hood-like dorsal sepal
Spread eagled

We decide to have lunch at the top campground as they have undercover seating. First though we check out the beach and take a walk up the trail for a bit, looking for the patch of leaves we found months earlier. Nothing doing, so we head back to have lunch. On the track in, Deb spies some blue and we are lucky enough to find a solitary Coastal sun orchid (Thelymitra granitora) with a Lemon-scented sun orchid neighbour.

Maroon-tipped flower bract
Column with smooth, yellow-crested mid lobe
Broad spreading petals and sepals
Saying hello

We park the Triton in one of the camping bays and quickly look around, finding  a Pointing spider orchid and a King spider orchid, species unknown due to it’s petals and lateral sepals being nibbled off.

Upswept lateral seapls
Petals and lateral sepals nibbled away

After lunch we make our way to the Len Otte nature trail. At the base of the first rise we find a small Laughing leek orchid and further up a some Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia) and  Common bee orchids.

Smooth tubular leaf
Stiffly spreading petals and sepals
Tri-lobed labellum, short fringe segments, two rows calli
Small, yellow, brown marked flowers

Moving through a wooded part of the trail we find some Western wispy spider orchids, before coming out onto the next clearing. Here we get the fright of our life, with a big, black, curled up snake hiding in the low bushes. We keep to the track from now on, no bush bashing, so to speak.

Stiffly held petals and sepals
Two rows of white calli
Birds-eye view of group
OMG this scared us

Now to add to our day the heavens open up and it starts to rain. We try to hurry back but the I see another Blue sun orchid, which appears to be another Coastal sun orchid. Then just as the rain and wind picks up we find some Rabbit orchids (Leptoceras menziesii) in a new location for this nature trail. Photos with it raining and your lenses fogging up, is not an easy task.

Not fully open given the weather
Narrow, erect, ear-like petals
Broad, forward spreading lateral sepals
Up to 5 red and white flowers

Nearby Deb finds a lone Snail orchid. From location and the length of the lateral sepals I am naming it Ravensthorpe snail orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘ Ravensthorpe’), which is found from Stirling Ranges to Esperance, flowering August and September.

United dorsal sepal and petals forming a blunt hood
Rosette of leaves, 20 to 50mm across
Long, erect lateral sepals, 10 – 25 mm long
Bloated appearance

Still getting wet, but unperturbed, we still search whilst walking quickly back and find some more spider orchids and cowslip orchids.  No good photos though, due to rain and fogging lenses, so will not post them. Well this was quite a day of orchid hunting, as our holidays draw to an end. However we did finish on a high – 22 species found in just over 4hours of searching.

Pterostylis – Greenhoods, shell orchids, bird orchids, snail orchids & jug orchid.

Pterostylis aspera complex (Shell orchids)

Flowering – May to August

There are 7 Western Australian species

  • Rosette leaves are present on non-flowering plants only.
  • Flowering plants have stem leaves.
  • Plants are found in colonies.
  • Mostly winter flowering

Green-veined shell orchid (Pterostylis scabra)

Curled-tongue shell orchid (Pterostylis rogersii) 02/07/2017

Dwarf shell orchid (Pterostylis brevichila)

Pterostylis nana complex (Snail orchids)

Flowering – May to November

There are 34 recognised Western Australian species

  • Flowering and non-flowering plants have a rosette of leaves (Exception – Robust snail orchid).
  • Labellum is not visible (Exception – Shy greenhood).
  • Narrow, thickened or clubbed lateral sepals.
  • Flowers are generally much smaller than the similar Shell orchids.

Shy greenhood (Pterostylis allantoidea)

Robust snail orchid (Pterostylis dilatata)

Slender snail orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘crinkled leaf’) 29/07/2015

Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘inland’) 04/07/2015

Eastern granite snail orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘miniature’)

Skinny snail orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘skinny’) 29/07/2015

Fawn snail orchid (Pterostylis parva)

Lort river snail orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘south-coast clubbed sepals’) 02/07/2017

Pterostylis rufa complex (Rufous greenhoods)

Flowering – August to December

There are 23 Western Australian species

  • Rosette may be withered at time of flowering.
  • Narrow ended lateral sepals, joined at the base.
  • Mostly spring flowering.
  • Multi-flowered inflorescence.

Midget greenhood (Pterostylis mutica) 20/9/2017

Striped rufous greenhood (Pterostylis sp. ‘striped’)

Pterostylis vittata complex (Banded greenhoods)

Flowering – April to October

There are 9 Western Australian species

  • Flowering plants lack rosette of leaves.
  • Short, broad lateral sepals, joined at the base.
  • Green or brown, white banded flowers.
  • Multi-flowered inflorescence.

Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea) 25/07/2015

Frog greenhood (Pterostylis sargentii) 20/09/2017

Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata)

Pterostylis barbata complex (Bird orchids)

Flowering – July to November

There are 14 Western Australian species

  • No flattened rosette of leaves.
  • Feather-like, irritable labellum.
  • Long narrow lateral sepals, joined at the base.
  • Numerous stem leaves.

Bird orchid (Pterostylis barbata)

Dwarf bird orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘dwarf’) 20/09/2017

Pterostylis recurva

Flowering – August to October

This orchid does not fit into the other Pterostylis complexes

  • Narrow ended, prominently recurved lateral sepals.
  • Flowering plants lack a rosette of leaves.
  • Numerous stem leaves, with a small dark-coloured, almost circular leaf near the base

Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) 19/9/2017

 

 

Road Trip 2017 – Listing of Orchids found

Over our 20 day road trip we were lucky enough to find more than 44 different orchids. I have listed them below with almost all pictured and sorted firstly into their Genus then the first date found.

Pterostylis

Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) 01/09/2017

Midget greenhood (Pterostylis mutica) 01/09/2017

Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) 01/09/2017

Frog greenhood (Pterostylis sargentii) 01/09/2017

Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea) 01/09/2017

Hairy stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘inland’) 02/09/2017

Dwarf bird orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘dwarf’) 20/09/2017

Light green, white banded flowers
Blunt petals and sepals
United petals and dorsal sepal forming hood
Recurva relates to the curved backwards of the lateral sepals
Green and white flower 10-20mm long and 3-10mm across
Short lateral sepals which are joined at the base
Petals and dorsal sepal form a hood

Cyanicula

Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta) 01/09/2017

Dainty blue orchid (Cyanicula amplexans) 05/09/2017

Blue china orchid (Cyanicula gemmata) 18/09/2017

Nice group shot
Size comparison with my index finger tip
Size comparison with my index finger
Short, horizontally spreading petals and sepals
Flattened white labellum
Short , horizontally spreading petals and sepals

Pyrorchis

Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) 01/09/2017

Short spreading petals and lateral sepals
Prominently curved dorsal sepal forming hood over the column

Ericksonella

Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata)

A distinctive orchid 50 to 150 mm high
Short mid-lobe with several rows of calli

Diuris

Western wheatbelt donkey orchid (Diuris brachyscapa) 01/09/2017

Mottled donkey orchid (Diuris suffusa) 03/09/2017

Yellow granite donkey orchid (Diuris hazeliae) 05/09/2017

Pale donkey orchid (Diuris sp. ‘mid-north’) 15/09/2017

Dainty donkey orchid (Diuris refracta) 16/09/2017

Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementa) 16/09/2017

Common donkey orchid (Diuris corymbosa) 17/09/2017

Hanging, often reflexed, crossed lateral sepals
Often reflexed petals, a broad reflexed dorsal sepal, narrow, reflexed, crossed lateral sepals
Broad petals and a very broad dorsal sepal
Broad spreading lateral lobes to labellum
Prominently reflexed, sometimes crossed, lateral sepals
Small, yellow, brown marked flowers
Yellow, brown and purple flowers

Prasophyllum

Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) 01/09/2017

Fused lateral sepals with elongated tips, forward facing dorsal sepal
Yellowish-green or rarely purplish flowers

Caladenia

Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) 01/09/2017

Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea) 01/09/2017

Common spider orchid (Caladenia vulgata) 01/09/2017

Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia) 01/09/2017

Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila) 01/09/2017

Ballerina spider orchid (Caladenia melanema) 01/09/2017

Little pink fairy (Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans) 02/09/2017

Fringed mantis orchid (Caladenia falcata) 02/09/2017

Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea) 02/09/2017

Crimson spider orchid (Caladenia footeana) 02/09/2017

Chapman’s spider orchid (Caladenia chapmanii) 02/09/2017

Spectacular spider orchid (Caladenia x spectabilis) 02/09/2017

Ant orchid (Caladenia roei) 02/09/2017

Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis) 03/09/2017

Blood spider orchid (Caladenia filifera) 03/09/2017

Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia) 19/09/2017

Purple-veined spider orchid (Caladenia doutchiae) 19/09/2017

Pendant spider orchid (Caladenia pendens subsp. pendens) 19/09/2017

Red thread spider orchid (Caladenia erythronema) 20/09/2017

Golden yellow, creamy yellow or white, often red marked flowers
short spreading petals and lateral sepals
Creamy-white red-striped labellum
Creamy-white flowers
Yellow, cream or pink-red flowers
Short spreading petals and sepals with a prominently tri-lobed labellum
Greenish-yellow, red tipped labellum with comb-like fringe segments
Short, horizontally spreading petals and lateral sepals
Spreading petals and lateral sepals of uniform colour
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3rd colour variation. Brightest of the bunch
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Prominently red-striped, shortly-fringed or smooth-margined labellum
Small blood-red labellum with serrate to dentate fringe segments and 2 rows of red calli
Prominently tri-lobed labellum
short red calli
Relatively broad, red-striped labellum with serrate to dentate fringe segemnts
Two rows of red to cream calli

Pheladenia

Blue beard (Pheladenia deformis) 02/09/2017

One (rarely two) blue or more rarely white, flowers 20 – 30 mm across
Narrow, upright labellum with short fringe segments and a dense mass of calli

Thelymitra

Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera) 02/09/2017

Granite sun orchid (Thelymitra petrophila) 9/9/2017

A distinctive column with a yellow crested mid-lobe and reddish-brown, ear like lateral lobes
Blue, purple or pink flowers 10 – 20 mm across

Elythanthera

Purple enamel orchid (Elythanthera brunonis) 15/9/2017

Small membranous labellum with two large black basal calli
Spreading petals and sepals

Spiculaea

Elbow orchid (Spiculaea ciliata) 19/09/2017

Leaf is shrivelled at time of flowering
Getting close to flowering

Road Trip – Day 20 – Harrismith to Home

20/9/2017

After having breakfast we make our way north to Dudinin which was a quaint little town but with no real prospects for orchid hunting we move on further north to a place called Jitarning. We park next to the CBH wheat bins and head into the bush adjacent. The area proves to be thick with Donkey orchids with a small patch of Pink candy orchids (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea) found.

Pale to deep pink flowers
Upright labellum
Spreading petals and sepals with a narrow upright labellum
Labellum with short fringe segments and four or more rows of calli

The donkey orchids appear to be Yellow granite donkey orchids (Diuris hazeliae) as they are larger and brighter yellow than the ones found in Harrismith.

Tri-lobed labellum with broad, spreading lateral lobes and a broad, flattened to convex mid lobe
Bubble head
Reflexed, usually crossed lateral sepals
Visitor on 1 petal
Broad petals and dorsal sepal

So many donkey orchids but we need to move on. Well not to far as we cross the Williams-Kondinin Road and visit the bush the other side. The only orchid found over this side was the Midget greenhood (Pterostylis mutica). On walking back to the Triton we discover the area we had been exploring was in fact the Jitarning Nature Reserve.

United dorsal sepal and petals form a hood
Flowers only 4.5 to 5.5mm across

Next stop is the North Jitarning Nature Reserve a few kilometres north on the western side of the road. After parking the Triton we make our way west into the bush and our first find is the ever faithful Purple enamel orchid (Elythanthera brunonis). In fact they were everywhere in this reserve.

Up to 3 flowers per stem
Glossy purple flowers
Small membranous labellum with two large black basal calli
Underside of petals and sepals spotted in colouring
Spreading petals and sepals

Further hunting and we found some Frog greenhoods (Pterostylis sargentii) growing underneath some bushes.

Green to dark brown, white striped flowers
United petals and dorsal sepal form hood
50 – 200mm high with up to 10 stem leaves
Short lateral sepals

Then even further hidden under bushes Deb spies a bird orchid. Further specimens found, which all appear to be Dwarf bird orchids (Pterosylis sp. ‘dwarf’) as they are found between Eurardy Station and Peak Charles during August and September. We first found this orchid back in August 2016 near Corrigin.

Short lateral sepals which are joined at the base
A distinctive feather-like labellum with fine fringe segments
Two close neighbours
Short-beaked bird orchid

Further Fringe mantis orchids are found as are more Donkey orchids.

Comb-like fringe segments to labellum
Spreading petals
Greenish-yellow, red-tipped labellum
Up-swept lateral sepals
Unsure of the species of this one
Broad petals and dorsal sepal
Up to 7 flowers per stem
Lateral sepals reflexed and usually crossed

We were also lucky enough to find a spider orchid, which I am naming, Red thread spider orchid (Caladenia erythronema) as they flower August to early October in locations between Nyabing and Mukinbudin.

Variably dull red, pinkish red or dull cream to creamy yellow with dull red markings
Two rows of red to cream calli
Pendulous petals and sepals covered in deep-red hairs

We then make tracks for Kulin, to fuel up, then head off on the Tin Horse Hwy. After checking out some of the great Tin horses we make our way to Buckley’s Breakaway for lunch.

Picture stop
A Charlton Horston Epic
Ned’s Horse
PLC Piping Pony
The breakaway is massive
Harder rock than the surrounding soil
Erosion artwork
Amazing colours

On the walk from the car park / picnic area we find some Donkey orchids. Nothing else found on the walk around the breakaway, however it was an impressive sight.

2 – 3 basal leaves and up to 7 flowers
Reflexed, usually crossed lateral sepals
Erect petals and reflexed dorsal sepal
Tri-lobed labellum with broad, spreading lateral lobes and a broad, flattened to convex mid lobe
Predominately yellow, brown marked flowers

We now head further east, till we again reach Dragon Rocks Nature Reserve. At the northern end of the reserve, whilst earlier on the trip we were at the southern end. We find what we hoped was the road south, which dissects the reserve, and travel along slowly with heads out the windows looking for orchids. They proved more elusive than before but we did find our first ones. A finished Jug orchid then some Frog greenhoods.

Well past it’s best
Green to dark brown, white striped flowers
Petals and dorsal sepal form a hood

It was more than a half hour later, before any more orchids were found. Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) were a surprise find.

Up to 7 red and white flowers
Short spreading petals and lateral sepals
Large fleshy, oval, dark green and red speckled leaf
Prominently curved dorsal sepal forming hood over the column

Further south we come across some spider orchids. From their appearance I will name these Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia) due to the yellowish colouring, dark brownish tail filaments and backswept slightly elevated petals.

Petals backwards, elevated to horizontal
Petals and sepals with dark brownish tail filaments
Dorsal sepal erect to incurved, lateral sepals deflexed to drooping, petals backswept, usually elevated
Small white, red striped labellum with dentate fringe segments and two rows of white, sometimes red-tipped calli
Creamy-white to pale-yellow flowers

A solitary Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) and Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) were found a little further down the track, however as time was slipping away and we had previously visited the south of the Dragon Rocks N. R., we headed straight for our last stop of the day, being the Rock View Nature Reserve.

Bright distinctive orchid
Short spreading petals and sepals
United petals and dorsal sepal forms hood over the column
Green, brown and white flowers

It is now past 5.30pm when we arrive at Rock View N. R. so we quickly have a look around. First orchid I find is the Midget greenhood, whilst Debbie finds more spider orchids.

Midget greenhood
100 – 200mm high
Midget greenhood
Pterostylis mutica

From the appearance I believe these to be further Chameleon spider orchids.

Spreading petals and lateral sepals
White, red-striped labellum with dentate fringe segments
Two rows of white or red-tipped calli
Creaming white to pale yellowish flowers, occasionally with variable reddish toning
A common variable inland spider orchid
Relatively small labellum

Due to the inclement weather we did not wish to set up camp, however as we were unable to find overnight accommodation, this stop proved to be the final stop of our  2017 Road Trip.

11 orchid species found on the final day.

Road Trip – Day 19 – Tutanning Nature Reserve to Harrismith

19/9/2017

After breakfast we go for a more leisurely search around our campsite for any orchids we may have missed in our late search yesterday. Ant orchid (Caladenia roei), Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata), Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) were again located as was one Fringed mantis orchid (Caladenia falcata) with a dangling labellum. Also found was a yet to open Thelymitra species.

Prominently tri-lobed labellum
Dangling labellum
No hint as to the type
Yellow, red marked flowers
Smooth margined labellum

We then hurried back to camp, packed up a headed back along the track we drove down late yesterday afternoon. First up were some Donkey orchids, which due to the location they must be Western wheatbelt donkey orchids (Diuris brachyscapa).

Short, broad dorsal sepal
Broad spreading lateral lobes to the labellum
Top down view

Further along we find more Cowslip orchids plus better specimens of the Fringed mantis orchid.

Shorter lateral sepals
Group with long lateral sepals
Colourful trio
No right way up to the photo, taken looking directly down onto the flowers
Red-tipped labellum, with long comb like fringe segments
Upswept, narrowly-clubbed lateral sepals
Spreading petals
Large green yellow and red flowers
Comb-like fringe segments to the smooth labellum

And finally after a very long spell we finally find another Pterostylis specimen, the Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva).

Looking into the Jug
The glistening flower
Showing the colour variations

Our final stop along the bush track was at a small granite outcrop, where we found some Lemon-scented sun orchids (Thelymitra antennifera)  and some yet to flower Elbow orchids (Spiculaea ciliata)

Antennae like labellum appendeges
Broad, spreading petals and sepals
Getting close to flowering
Leaf is shrivelled at time of flowering

We leave Tutanning N. R. and head on down to Wickepin, where we have a yummy lunch, before heading over to visit Toolibin Lake N. R.. On the track in we spy many Fringe mantis orchids, some with two flowers per stem.

1 – 2 reclining flowers
Size comparison of the entire plant. Another twin header
Twin headers were common at Toolibin Lake N.R.
Size comparison to my fingers
Looking top down shows how reclined the flowers are. Twins on one stem
Dorsal sepal horizontal basally, the curved upwards and forward
Moderately long, indistinct clubs on the sepals
Red tipped labellum
The lateral sepals up curved to almost vertical

We decided to take a walk alongside the track to see what other orchids may be around. We came across Cowslip orchids, Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea) and Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia).

Yellow flower with red markings
Small, squat flowers
Very broad labellum, with 4 – 6 rows of short, thick, crowded calli
Can have up to 4 flowers per plant
Horizontally spreading petals and lateral sepals
Prominently tri-lobed labellum
Stiffly spreading, petals and sepals
Up to 4 flowers per orchid

We then drove to the parking area and attempted the lake walk, however it was closed due to flooding from recent heavy rain, which had washed away some of the infrastructure. I decided to walk back along the track and Deb drove the Triton, which proved fortuitous as I found some Ant orchids and Deb found some spider orchids.

Pale yellow to yellowish-green with variable reddish stripes.
Lateral sepals tapering to thickened tips rather than a narrow tail before the clubs
Smooth-margined, greenish-yellow, red tipped labellum
This one lacks the usual red colouring but the calli give it away
Easily distinguishable due to the short, thick, rounded, glossy black calli

Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis) is the obvious specie as it has a smooth margined labellum with distinctive striping.

Cream coloured, red-striped labellum
Reddish-brown to dark brown tails to petals and sepals
Drooping petals and lateral sepals
Red-striped smooth-margined labellum
Up to 2 red and cream flowers

Final find before hitting the Wickepin-Harrismith Rd is a great Pink fairy twin.

120 – 450mm high
Twin fairy

As soon as we got on the Wickepin-Harrismith Road we took a track near Dulbining Lake,  that seemed to run adjacent to the road and drove along in 1st gear with our heads hanging out the window looking. Some spider orchids are seen on the left hand side of the track, so we alight from the Triton to check them out. They appear to be Common spider orchid (Caladenia vulgata).

Red striped labellum
Narrow, usually pendulous petals and lateral sepals
Index finger a bottom of photo for size comparison

Moving slowly along this track we find many other orchids, starting with Cowslip orchids, Fringed mantis orchid and Pink candy orchids (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea).

Erect flowers
Deformed lateral sepal on both flowers
Bright yellow variation

 

3 flowers in close proximity
Size comparison to index finger
Up to 2 green, yellow and red flowers
Labellum with short fringe segments and four or more rows of calli
Twin flowers
Deep pink colouring
Pale pink colouring
Location gives up name not the colouring
Short, spreading petals and lateral sepals
Brighter pink colouring

Then we find what we initially thought were more Ant orchids. However on closer inspection we have found Purple-veined spider orchid (Caladenia doutchiae) which flowers August to October between Mullewa and Ravensthorpe. In the middle of all these is a lone Ant orchid.

Down-swept petals
Smooth-margined, greenish-yellow, rep tipped labellum
Long, shortly-clubbed lateral sepals
Greenish to greenish-yellow and red flowers
Short petals and long lateral sepals
Greener version
Joined by spider web between the dorsal sepals
Appear to be dancing
Possible pollinator
Lack clubbing of sepals
short red calli
A common wheatbelt spider orchid

Final orchids found before getting back on the sealed road were what appeared at first to be Common spider orchids. However the flowers had much broader labellum’s and if they were fully unfurled, long petals and sepals. I am going to name these Pendant spider orchid (Caladenia pendens subsp. pendens) which flower August to early October in a range from Wongan Hills to Walpole.

Relatively broad, red-striped labellum with serrate to dentate fringe segemnts
2 rows of white, sometimes pale-red-tipped calli
Once fully unfurled the petals and sepals will be long and pendulous
Broad labellum
Up to 3 flowers per stem
Nearly fully unfurled

Travelling west we arrive at Harrismith and as the weather was looking like rain we decide to book a room rather than risk getting our canvas camper wet. Rather than a room we take the donger which has its own shower and toilet. Was really cheap and rough but was sufficient for 1 night. After unpacking into the bedroom we decide to take a drive around the self drive wildflower tour. Our first orchids were more Fringed  mantis orchids. (Mud Map SE 10)

Common wheatbelt orchid
Greenish-yellow, red tipped labellum
Lateral sepals are narrowly clubbed
Prominently up-swept lateral sepals
Spreading petals

Also found were Western wheatbelt donkey orchids, Sugar orchid and Jug orchids.

Short, broad dorsal sepal
Spreading petals and sepals
Dark green, fawn and white flowers

Back just before sunset, so we have a shower and get changed into fresh clothes, then make our way over to the Oasis Hotel for a meal, game of pool and a few drinks to celebrate finding 15 different orchids.

Road Trip – Day 18 – Walyormouring to Tutanning Nature Reserve

18/09/2017

After breaking camp we head through Goomalling to our first planned stop, Cunderdin Hill lookout. Lots of broken glass and pink everlastings with blue cornflowers thrown in, were the only finds. We made our way down to town centre and visited the famous Ettamogah Pub for lunch.

Cunderdin Hill Lookout
Cunderdin Hill Lookout
Cunderdin

 After lunch we head off towards Quairading, however we notice a sign for Toapin Weir (Featured Image) so decide to check it out. What an amazing hidden gem this is. Great granite outcrop to explore, flushing toilets, fresh water supply, gas BBQ and picnic tables. We would have stayed here the night had it not been so early in the day.

Now off to explore for orchids with our first find being some spent Prasophyllum gracile complex orchids closely followed by some donkey orchids. Location would suggest them to be Western wheatbelt donkey orchid (Diuris brachyscapa). 

Past it’s prime. By the length of the Lateral sepals appears to be a Little laughing leek orchid
Rounded to elongated petals
Mostly found East of the Albany Highway between York, Tenterden and Ravensthorpe

Next up we start finding Sun orchids that have yet to open which is frustrating given our long wait in Charles Darwin Reserve. However we finally stumble across some that have opened. The Granite sun orchid (Thelymitra petrophila) which blooms August to November from Mullewa to South Australia was a sight for strained eyes.

Distinctive column with a smooth, yellow or purple crested mid-lobe and white tufted lateral lobes
Up to 10 blue, purple or pink flowers
Size of plant compared to iPhone
Flowers 10 to 20 mm wide

 Much better specimens of the Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) including single plants to small clumps of plants were found on the walk back to the Triton.

In good seasons plants are often found in clumps
Found in shallow soil pockets on inland granite outcrops
Up to 40 flowers per plant
Fused lateral sepal with elongated tips

Now we head off for our over night stay location which we have not decided upon just yet.. How unusual for us.. NOT. We bypassed Quairading instead driving through Dangin and south past Lake Mears to Tutanning Nature Reserve, located in the Dutarning Range. Totally unaware if any suitable camping site would be found we headed West into the reserve and on the drive in we spied some Cowslip orchids (Caladenia flava subsp. flava). However as light was fading fast, given it was after 5pm, we didn’t stop to take photos as we wanted to find our overnight stop first.  By chance we came across a wonderful cleared site, which must have been some sort of farm or townsite, now abandoned. We quickly set up camp then went exploring. First up we both came across more Cowslips.

Found by Deb
Found by Mike
Short, stiffly spreading petals and sepals
Regularly in pairs

Next orchid found by Deb was a Blue china orchid (Cyanicula gemmata), which flower August to early November in a range that stretches from Kalbarri to Israelite Bay.  My next orchid on the other hand was an Ant orchid (Caladenia roei). We then quickly moved to each others location to grab some photos.

Also called Clown orchid, man orchid and jack-in-the-box.
Deb’s photo
Single, short, broad, flattened leaf
Mike’s find.
Short , horizontally spreading petals and sepals
40 to 150mm high

Also found were Sugar orchids (Ericksonella saccharata) . Light is fading fast so we make our way back to camp when we stumble across another Blue china orchid.

Flattened white labellum
Short, horizontally spreading petals and sepals
Small tri-lobed labellum
Short, spreading petals and sepals
Mauve-blue to purple flowers 20 to 50mm across

Seven species found for the day