19/05/2024
It’s past midway of May so we anticipate some other orchids are starting to show themselves. So, northeast of Esperance we head with our first stop being one of our usual haunts in Neridup1.
The only orchid found during a quick sweep of the location was the Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata).
They are a very distinctive orchid with thin upright petals that appear to be ears and a prominently fringed labellum.
Flowering: March – June
Distribution: Shark Bay to Israelite Bay
Moving on towards our planned destination we pull into a track on a whim and have a quick look around.2 Not much found here either.
First up we find the Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis), however they are finished for the season. Pics taken for recording purposes only.
Flowering: March – May
Distribution: Corrigin to Eucla
Then we come across the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) which is the most common of the greenhood orchids.
Flowering: April – September
Distribution: Perth to Israelite Bay
Then a small greenhood orchid is found that is just sprouting its first flower. From the colouring and size, I believe it will be the Mallee banded greenhood (Pterostylis arbuscula).
Flowering: June – July
Distribution: Dalwallinu to Eyre Bird Observatory
Next, we move onto our planned destination, Mount Burdett, which is also located in the Mt Burdett Nature Reserve. We enjoy a late bite to eat for lunch before starting our search.
On the granite rock we locate some bunny orchids growing. By referring to the latest book by Andrew Brown I ID them as the Eastern granite bunny orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus subsp. “eastern granites”).
Flowering: April and May
Distribution: Esperance to Balladonia
Then around the back of the rock I discover the sole Hare orchid growing. Last year there were more but not today 🙁
Well not such a productive day, however it is always wonderful to get out on a beautiful sunny winters day.
