16/9/2017

From our camp in Arrino we back track west then south to Hydraulic Road where we make our first stop of the day. Nothing found so we drive further east to a creek crossing then stop for another look. Wow there are so many Purple enamel orchids (Elythranthera brunonis) and then on the other side of the creek Deb finds some Cowslip orchids (Caladenia flava subsp. flava). 

up to 3 glossy-purple flowers

Named in honour of the famous naturalist Robert Brown

Underside of petals and sepals is spotted

Marking on petals and dorsal sepals vary greatly

Orchid with clumping habit.

This was also the area we were directed to find some spider orchids. Spent Pterostylis found first then some spider orchids well passed their best.

Way past it’s time

Unknown species well past it’s best.

So back to Three Springs to fuel up and onwards through Carnamah to Bunjil. Turning south we travel through Latham and make a orchid hunting stop at Buntine Rock. (Mud Map N38) We park the Triton and make our way to the rock by foot. Lemon-scented sun orchids (Thelymitra antennifera) are the first to be found , quickly followed by many small Donkey orchids. They appear to be Pale donkey orchids (Diuris sp. ‘mid-north’) as they are very pale in colour and small in size.

From the Latin ‘antennifer’ (antennae) and fero (to bear) alluding to the antennae-like column lobes

Small flowered, but these where extra small. My index finger tip.

Up to 4 lemon-scented, lemon-yellow flowers

Clumping habit

Other donkey orchids found that I am unable to name. They did not fit the description given to the two species that are recorded from around these parts.

Confusing aspects such as : More colourful;  lateral sepals that hang rather than being reflexed; reflexed or upright petals; upright dorsal sepal. Pictures posted as evidence of these variations.

Vivid yellow with minimal markings

Rocky granite habit

Hanging lateral sepals

Broad lateral lobes to labellum

Broad , rounded , erect petals

Possible Dainty donkey orchid (Diuris refracta)

Crossed lateral sepals but not reflexed

Small flowered

Our next orchid hunting stop was at Miamoon Reserve (Mud Map N40), which is southwest of Wubin. We walked around this flat granite outcrop which still had some wet areas which allowed us to find a new species for this trip. First up though were more donkey orchids which now appear to be Dainty donkey orchids (Diuris refracta), which flower late July to early September between Bindoon and Northampton. Also found were more Lemon-scented sun orchids.

Reflexed petals and dorsal sepal.

Prominently reflexed, sometimes crossed, lateral sepals

Found between Shark Bay and Israelite Bay

Antennae like column lobes

Clumping habit

The new species found is Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementa) which flowers from late August to early November in an area from North of Perth to Esperance. We must be in the northern margins of its territory.

Forward projecting lateral sepals

Broad petals

Small, yellow, brown marked flowers

Clumping habit

Obliquely erect, tapering dorsal sepal

Final orchids found for the day were some spent Little laughing leek orchids and more Lemon-scented sun orchids.

Fertilised with seed pods growing

Trusted trio

We then made tracks heading south through Dalwallinu and turning east at Pithara. Finally we turn south down Petrudor Rd and make camp at Petrudor Rock. Before the sun sets we go for a walk around the rock but find no orchids.

6 species flowering with 3 other s past their prime. Not too bad a day.