It is 11am so we had better push on as we need to arrive home in Esperance today. One last stop is made at Kukenarup Memorial, where we enjoy a spot of lunch before one last exploration for orchids.
Three new orchids for the day are found: Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) which flowers August to early November between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay, the Common dragon orchid (Caladenia barbarossa), which flowers September to mid-November between Bindoon and Esperance and Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) which flowers August to October between Shark and Israelite Bays.
Further confusion from more blue sun orchids. The thick leafed one must be the Scented sun orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla) which flowers from August to October between Perth and Bremer Bay, however, it is listed as being found in the Ravensthorpe shire on Florabase. The others found growing together in the reeds could be the Slender sun orchid (Thelymitra vulgaris) which flowers during September and October, between Geraldton and Esperance. The thinner leaf is visible in a reddish tone in the picture below.
Not such a bad way to spend travelling back from a week away with work. This last stop just before reaching Ravensthorpe, was later in the season than when we usually visit, however it still turned up some nice orchids. Homeward bound for Esperance as it is 1pm and we still have 2hrs of driving left.
