29/05/2025
Well, we are a bit late in our first orchid exploration this year, as it has been a hectic couple of months. Usually, we head out in late March or early April.
As our usual suspects are found north of Esperance, we head out on Dempster Road for a look.
We will mix it up, though, by visiting new locations, so our Scaddan 1 location is our first stop.
As with most early-season searches, the results are pretty average.
The first orchids found were specimens of the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata), which is found growing between Perth and Israelite Bay from late-April to early September.
The only other orchid found here was the Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis), which is found between Corrigin and Eucla in WA, as well as in South Australia and Victoria.
It is one of the first orchids of the season in WA, as it flowers from March through to May.
Moved onto another nearby location, Scaddan 2; however, this proved even less successful.
The sole find here was the Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata), which is found between Shark and Israelite Bays from March to June.
We leave Dempster Road and head west along Scaddan Road, where we make another impromptu stop. Scaddan 3.
A rather overgrown sand track that required me to remove fallen branches or hold back overhanging shrubs to try our best not to scratch up the Mighty Triton too much.
OMG, this was nearly a waste of time. Only found another Banded greenhood and a very spent Pygmy orchid.
Pics for recording purposes.
Moving on to our last location of the day, which is located in the Speddingup East Nature Reserve.
Here we spend around 1 hour looking around with not much luck.
This time, only further Banded greenhoods and Hare orchids were found.
Again, pics taken for recording purposes.
Driving back along the Coolgardie-Esperance Hwy, we make a quick check of our Gibson 15 location.
Here we find our Robust snail orchids, but they are only starting to sprout, so we will need to revisit if we are to catch them flowering.
Oh well, it was not such a great day out, but we did get to enjoy the fresh air and clocked up some steps, which is always good for us.
Until next time!!
