09/08/2024
Debbie is working this afternoon. I am now retired, so I decided to explore two locations close to Esperance solo.
Helms Arboretum and Myrup.9
Not much to report so I will just list the orchids found.
?? Snail orchid
(Pterostylis sp.)
Found at Helms and is un-named. Have posted numerous pics of orchid flower, full plant and the rosettes to assist identification.
Esperance king spider orchid
(Caladenia decora)
Distribution: Bremer Bay to Cape Arid
Flower: mid-August to October
These orchids vary in their appearance. This can make positive ID difficult as the co-occurring (C. heberleana), also flowers during September and October.
They also hybridise with (C. longicauda subsp. crassa) producing various coloured flowers. This also confuses identification
Banded greenhood
(Pterostylis vittata)
Dark banded greenhood
(Pterostylis sanguinea)
Both flower into September. They both have ranges that extend east to Esperance.
Grass-leafed spider orchid
(Caladenia graminifolia)
Distribution: Mt Manypeaks to Israelite Bay
Flowering: August and September
Specimen found had been nibbled and was hanging upside down. This proved interesting to photograph as it was blowing in the gusty wind.
Cowslip orchid
(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Distribution: Northampton to Israelite Bay
Flowering: July to early December
Common helmet orchid
(Corysanthes recurva)
Distribution: Mandurah to Albany, with numerous disjunct populations. Not recorded in Esperance though.
Flowering: June to early-September
Western tiny blue orchid
(Cyanicula aperta)
Distribution: Dumbleyung to Mt Ragged
Flowering: August to early-October
Esperance king spider orchids
Also found these at the Myrup location. No other orchids found though at this location.
