7/9/2017

As Charles Darwin Reserve is proving to be very light on orchids this year we have decided to take a day trip to Camel Soak (Mud Map N34) which is to the west. Last year it was a place we found many different species so fingers crossed for this year.

At Lake Monger lookout, on Rabbit-proof Fence Road, just off Wanarra East Road the first orchid found was the  Dainty blue orchid (Cyanicula amplexans). However in the breakaway we also found many sun orchids yet to open fully.

Long lateral lobes of labellum curve over the column and almost touch

Single broad, hairy flattened leaf

Narrow ridged leaf

A day or two early for the flowers to open.

Travelling down Rabbit-proof Fence Rd we turn East and arrive at Camel Soak. This granite catchment, also known as The Rock Hole was sunk as a watering point for men and their camel teams working on the No 2 Rabbit Proof Fence from 1903 to 1905.

Now to search for some orchids! The Yellow granite donkey orchid (Diuris hazeliae) is found all around the granite outcrop which is wonderful to see.

Broad petals, broad dorsal sepal and broad lateral lobes on labellum

Growing in the rushes on the edge of the granite

I stumble across a new orchid for this far north. Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta). All alone but still a different species finally.

Short fringe segments and four or more rows of calli

Spreading petals and lateral sepals

100 – 250 mm high with a single , broad, ground-hugging leaf

More Donkey orchids and Dainty blue orchids found

Vibrant yellow

Double and triple headers

Recurved, crossed lateral sepals

Faint brown markings and long petals

full flower shot

Buddies in the background

Paler colour

Various stages of flowering

Another species found in good numbers. Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava sp. flava)

Often red marked yellow flowers

Heights of flowers also vary greatly

Flowers can be up to 250 mm high

Markings and length of petals and sepals vary a lot

Richard then spies a Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) and further specimens are found.

Fused lateral sepals with elongated tips

Up to 40 yellowish-green flowers

Short, forward facing petals,

Single, green, smooth, tubular leaf

Yellowish-green flowers

Small leek orchid, 60 – 200 mm high

Short, forward facing petals, erect, fused lateral sepals with elongated tips, a forward facing dorsal sepal and a small, recurved labellum.

Some unopened Yellow and Blue sun orchids were the only other species found.

Pink tinged underside

Exact species unknown

From the pink underside appears to be as named

Many more Dainty blue orchids and Yellow granite donkey orchids were found and photographed.

Group shot

5 species identified today with 2 Thelymitra species found that had yet to flower for identification.