29/04/2018

After our two weeks away it was nice to pop out to Helms Arboretum (Mud Map SE 35) to see what is in flower. Low and behold we find some White bunny orchids (Eriochilus dilatatus subsp. dilatatus). Luckily many orchids were still flowering however many more had already had their season. 

100 – 350mm high

Narrow, smooth, flattened leaf 10 – 100mm long by 5 – 18mm wide

Up to 7 flowers

What a stunner!!!

Full flower shot

Standing tall

However some bunnies had many more flowers than the documented “up to 7”. From a recent post in the Western Australian Native Orchids FB group it appears the Common bunny orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus subsp. multiflorus) may exist locally. Flowering March to May in locations from Jurien Bay to Albany, now Esperance. 

Like a watercolour

Up to 20 flowers per orchid

No other orchids found however was a pleasant few hours looking around this wonderful location.