28/07/2018

After another wonderful brunch at the Esperance Bird and Animal Park we make our way to Helms Arboretum (Mud Map SE35 ) to see if anything has flowered since we last visited a fortnight ago. 

First stop was just off the highway where we decided to jump out and check closer, even though we could see nothing from looking out the Triton windows. Deb found the first orchids of the day. The Hairy-stemmed snail orchids (Pterostylis sp. ‘inland’) were in hoods, spread over the entire area.  Also found close-by were some Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata). 

Watch out behind you!!

Variable height, 50 to 150mm

Elongated, slightly cupped lateral sepals

Snail and greenhood meet

Erect, narrow-ended lateral sepals

Small hood of snails

Side profile

Further into the arboretum we find our first spider orchids of the season. Only two individual plants were found flowering and both are the Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora). These flower August to October in a range from Bremer Bay to Cape Arid. 

Single, erect, hairy leaf 90 – 120mm long. Small friend nearby

Clubbed sepals

Long lateral sepals on this one

Side profile

4 or more rows of pale to deep red calli

White, red-tipped labellum

Other snail orchids are found which appear to be a different species, as they lack the hairy stem. Checking with my esteemed colleague Margaret P. it appears to be an unnamed species currently termed Pterostylis sp. ‘Helms Arboretum’    

Rosette 10-15mm across, 2 stem leaves

Beautifully formed snail orchid

Short, thickened lateral sepals

I also found a new patch of what appears to be Western tiny blue orchids (Cyanicula aperta) getting ready to bloom.

Group of 6 or more ready to flower

Last orchid found for the day was a nice specimen of a Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea)  

Nodding their heads in respect

insect-like labellum

Multiple stem leaves – Up to 12

As usual Helms Arboretum delivers.