Saying goodbye to the kids, grandkids and Deb C, we head north for our next location. Here we check out the burnt patch north of Gibson.
Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans)
Distribution & Habitat: Found between Shark Bay and Israelite Bay, growing in sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands. With rare exceptions, plants flower only in the season following a summer fire. Also found in SA, Vic, NSW & Tas.
Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera)
Distribution & Habitat: Found between Shark Bay and Israelite Bay, growing on creek margins, seasonally moist flats and granite outcrops.
Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Distribution & Habitat: Found between Northampton and Israelite Bay, growing in sandy, sandy-clay, lateritic and granitic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands. In inland areas the subspecies is found in isolated populations on granite outcrops and rocky hills.
Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)
Distribution & Habitat: Found between Bremer Bay and Cape Arid, growing in sandy-clay and clay soils in woodlands and shrublands.
Bee Orchid (Diuris laxiflora)
Distribution & Habitat: Found between Gingin and Esperance, growing in sandy-clay and clay soils in seasonally wet areas.
Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana)
Distribution & Habitat: Found between Lancelin and Esperance, growing in sandy and sandy-clay soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.
Swamp mignonette orchid (Microtis atrata)
Distribution & Habitat: Found between Jurien Bay and Israelite Bay, growing in sandy-clay and clay soils in seasonally wet areas. Also found in SA, Vic & Tas.
Heberle’s spider orchid (Caladenia heberleana)
Distribution & Habitat: Found between Augusta and Cape Arid, growing in sandy and sandy-clay soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.
Pink bunny orchid (Eriochilus scaber subsp. scaber)
Distribution & Habitat: Found between Jurien Bay and Cape Arid NP, growing in sandy and sandy-clay soils in seasonally wet flats and run-off areas. Flowers best in the season following a summer fire.
Spectacular spider orchid (Caladenia x spectabilis)
Distribution & Habitat: Found between Kalbarri and Esperance, growing in sandy and sandy-clay soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.
A hybrid between Cowslip orchid (C. flava) and Pink fairies (C. latifolia)
Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea)
Distribution & Habitat: Found between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay, growing in sandy soils in woodlands and shrublands.
Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)
Distribution & Habitat: Found between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay, growing in sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.
So many orchids, but as it is after 1.30pm we head off to grab a late lunch at the Esperance Bird & Animal Park .. Hamburgers n chips enjoyed ..I had a GOAT beer to celebrate a wonderful Father’s Day .
