15/9/2017

After breakfast I take a little walk around our campsite in Canna (Mud Map N30) and finally find some orchids. It has been many days since we left Charles Darwin Reserve where the last orchids found were located. Pale donkey orchid (Diuris sp. ‘mid-north’) appears to be the orchid found, with only a few scattered individuals encountered. These orchids flower late August to late September and are found between Moora and Mingenew. Canna being only 60kms NW of Mingenew.

Off to find some orchids, whilst Deb and Richard enjoy a cuppa

Small flowered donkey orchid 200 to 350 mm in height with two to three basal leaves

Broad reflexed dorsal sepal

Narrow, prominently reflexed, crossed lateral sepals

Dorsal sepal and labellum lateral lobes have light reddish-brown edges

We say our goodbyes to Richard at the Canna Hall, then before heading off, we decide to take the Wildflower walk to Canna Church Rock. First up were more donkey orchids but then we find some Dainty blue orchids (Cyanicula amplexans). At the rock picnic area we come across some Lemon scented sun orchids (Thelymitra antennifera) and some Cowslip orchids (Caladenia flava subsp. flava), plus more donkey orchids.

We said our goodbyes to Richard

Tri-lobed labellum with broad, spreading lateral lobes and a short, flattened to convex mid lobe.

Pale version with long petals and sepals

Darker version with shorter petals and sepals

Size comparison with index finger

Distinctive column with a yellow crested mid-lobe and reddish-brown, ear-like lateral lobes

Broad spreading petals and sepals

With a little green friend

Short, broad petals and sepals

Up to 7 pale-yellow, light-brown flowers

After the walk we had awesome showers for a donation, then made our way south to Bilya Rock. No real parking area, so we pull alongside the track as best we could with camper trailer in tow. Onto the rock and the only colour immediately visible is Yellow. Lemon-scented sun orchids, Pale donkey orchids and Cowslip orchids were found. Some of the donkey orchids could be Dainty donkey orchids due to the reflexed petals however it is very difficult to tell.

Dark eyebrows and yellow nose

Up to 7 pale yellow flowers

Trio

Small rounded erect petals

Broad spreading lateral lobes to labellum

With his spiky friend

We checked out War Rock which was surrounded by paddocks, so was overrun with weeds. Time to make tracks for Three Springs as we had to get to the bank. We also took the time to have another counter lunch, this time at the Commercial Hotel. We asked for orchid locations at the Tourist bureau and was given a map with places marked for possible sightings, however the lady informed us it has not been a great year and things flowered earlier than usual this season. We made our way around Dookanooka Nature Reserve and was lucky enough to find some Cowslip orchids early on, then much later some Purple enamel orchids (Elythanthera brunonis). First for this season as they flower August to early November on a large range from Kalbarri to Israelite Bay.

3 and rarely 4 flowers

Small membranous labellum with two large, black basal calli

Nothing else found so we make tracks to Arrino for our next overnight camp.               Only 5 known species found today, which was a slow start to our orchid hunting as we move south away from the dry north.

These distinctive signs are all over Wildflower Country.

Ready for a drink and rest