After visiting Dempster Head yesterday another local location was chosen for a quick afternoon visit today. The lake area in Monjingup Reserve has good walk trails which we will transverse whilst looking for any orchids.
Esperance king spider orchid
Caladenia decora
Flowers mid-August to October between Bremer Bay and Cape Arid.
Caladenia decora
Caladenia decora
Green Range donkey orchid
Diuris littoralis
Flowers July to early-September between Denmark and Esperance
Diuris littoralis
Diuris littoralis
It was an enjoyable walk around the walk trails and boardwalks however the reserve has become overgrown with weeds since the bushfire a few years back, so only found two species of orchids in flower.
A local orchid hotspot is the granite headland we call Dempster Head. We also refer to it as the Rotary Lookout for a very obvious reason!! It being a beautiful, cloudless, sunny winters day, what better way to spent it than searching for the usual orchid suspects.
The first orchid found is the Mosquito orchid (Cyrtostylis robusta)which flower between June and August over a southerly range from Perth to Israelite Bay. I located my orchids flowering under overhanding bushes on the walk trail edges. The ground hugging circular leaves grow in large numbers and are what you first notice. Then on a closer inspection you discover a few flowering specimens.
Broad, elongated labellumUp to 8 flowers per plantStand up to 300mm in heightRound ,ground hugging leavesCyrtostylis robusta
Snail orchids are also found scattered around the site. The exact species is difficult to name due to both Pterostylis voigtii and P. meridionalis named as growing in this region. Both these orchids are smaller, grow in shallow soil pockets on granite outcrops, have bloated appearance, flared petals and slightly thickened lateral sepals. Either they are the Eastern granite snail orchid or the Southern thick-sepaled snail orchid. I have named as I believe them to be, however, any assistance in identifying these little guys would be appreciated.
Next up is an orchid that appears to have a restricted range in the Esperance region. The Spectacled donkey orchid (Diuris conspicillata)is listed as growing in shallow soil pockets on coastal granite outcrops in the Esperance area, which Dempster Head is an example of. They get their name from the dark markings on the inner part of the labellum lateral lobes, which gives an impression of wearing glasses. They are found scattered over Dempster Head usually in exposed areas but protected by a surrounding prickly shrub.
Another orchid with round ground hugging leaves is found, also growing underneath over hanging bushes. The Crystal helmet orchid (Corysanthes limpida) is found from Walpole to Israelite Bay growing in sandy soils in coastal woodlands and shrublands. When you come across the leaves you could mistake them for Mosquito orchids however the flowers are much shorter until they are fertilised, at which time the stem can extend up to 300mm in height. Similarly to the Mosquito orchids, many leaves may be found but usually only a handful will produce flowers.
Flower barely 10mm in heightDorsal sepal forms a hoodSide viewLarge incurved labellumRound, ground hugging leavesCorysanthes limpida
Not too bad a day with finding some orchids. Amazingly all orchids found belonged to a different genus. Pterostylis, Cyrtostylis, Diuris and Corysanthes.
Amazingly I am posting this exactly 1 year later. Today however is not a beautiful fine sunny winters day, but a cold overcast winters day, hence I have time indoors to complete this post.
It is the 20th September and I am participating in the Great Southern BioBlitz (GSB) this year. The GSB runs from the 20th to 23rd of September. The purpose of the GSB is to record as many observations in iNaturalist of any living thing or trace of such (i.e. feathers, footprints etc.). Due to its proximity to Esperance and its unusually high diversity I will be checking out Helms Arboretum (Mud Map SE35). I recorded all species I photographed on iNaturalist but will only record the orchids in this BLOG
After what seems like forever, we finally get back to check out Helms Arboretum to see what is flowering in mid-September.
As expected, we are not disappointed with many different species found.
Listed in no particular order are the orchids found grouped together for recording purposes.
Purple enamel orchid
Elythranthera brunonis
Flower: Aug to early Nov
Elythranthera brunonis
Elythranthera brunonis
Cowslip orchid
Caladenia flava subsp. flava
Flower: Jul to early Dec
Caladenia flava subsp. flava
Caladenia flava subsp. flava
Little pink fairy
Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans
Flower: Jul to early Oct
Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans
Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans
Un-named hybrid orchid
Caladenia flava x C. reptans
Parents flower: July to early Oct / Dec
Caladenia flava x C. reptans
Caladenia flava x C. reptans
Lemon-scented sun orchid
Thelymitra antennifera
Flower: Jul to Oct
Thelymitra antennifera
Thelymitra antennifera
?? snail orchid
Pterostlyis sp.
Unsure of ID.. Possibly the un-named species assigned to Helms Arboretum
Pterostylis sp.
Pterostylis sp. rosette
Bee orchid
Diuris laxiflora
Flower: Sept to early Nov
Diuris laxiflora
Common bee orchid
Diuris decrementa
Flower: Late Aug to early Nov
Diuris decrementa
Diuris decrementa
Red beaks
Pyrorchis nigricans
Flower: Aug to Oct
Pyrorchis nigricans
Pyrorchis nigricans
Un-named hybrid orchid
Thelymitra antennifera x T.graminea
T. antennifera flowers: Jul to Oct
Thelymitra antennifera x T. sp?
Thelymitra antennifera x T. sp?
Shy sun orchid
Thelymitra graminea
Flower: Sept to mid-Nov
Thelymitra graminea
Thelymitra graminea
Thelymitra graminea
Thelymitra graminea leaf
Thelymitra graminea
Esperance king spider orchid
Caladenia decora
Flower: Mid-Aug to Oct
Caladenia decora
Caladenia decora
Heberle’s spider orchid
Caladenia heberleana
Flower: Sept to Oct
Caladenia heberleana
Caladenia heberleana
Un-named hybrid spider orchid
Caladenia decora x C. longicauda
I have decided name this hybrid the Esperance spider orchid due to both parents being names Esperance King and Esperance White respectively.
Flower: Aug to Oct
Caladenia decora x C. longicauda
Caladenia decora x C. longicauda
Rattle Beaks
Lyperanthus serratus
Flower: Sept to Nov
Lyperanthus serratus
Lyperanthus serratus
Zebra orchid
Caladenia cairnsiana
Flower: Aug to early-Nov
Caladenia cairnsiana
Caladenia cairnsiana
Esperance white spider orchid
Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa
Flower: Aug to early-Oct
Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa
Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa
?? spider orchid
Caladenia sp.
Appears to be further Caladenia longicauda. However, they do not have the usual white colouring or the red labellum of a C.decora hybrid.
Caladenia sp.
Caladenia sp.
Esperance white spider orchid
Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa
Hypochromic variant
Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa
Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa
Common mignonette orchid
Microtis media subsp. media
Flower: Sept to Jan
Microtis media subsp. media
Well, it was an amazing day out in the Arboretum, with the finds including 3 different hybrids and a hypochromic variant. Species from 8 different genera were located which confirms this location to be one of the premier spots in the SE Coastal area of WA.
Unfortunately, in the summer of 2024/25 an uncontrolled bush fire destroyed large areas of the arboretum and to this day (12/06/2026 it is closed to the public.
Fingers crossed it will be open before the 2026 season is finished.
Today I decide to start the Kepwari Walk Trail from the far eastern end, which is at Lake Wheatfield. As I did not start this walk till after 4pm I plan on getting to the spot I reached from my walk on the 25/08/2025, before turning back.
Orchids were found over the entire length of the walk, however, were never found in great numbers. I will just list the orchids in groups of the same species, even if found at different stages of the walk, as my memory will not allow me to provide a more detailed record of the exact locations found.
Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians)
Esperance king spider orchid
(Caladenia decora)
Esperance white spider orchid
(Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa)
Esperance hybrid spider orchid
(Caladenia decora x longicauda)
Small mantis orchid
(Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima)
I arrived back at the carpark just prior to sunset so took the opportunity to grab some pictures of this amazing sight. A perfect way to end a relaxing afternoon walk in the fresh air.
Keeping closer to home today I decide to go and check out the Kepwari Walk Trail. This trail is located in the Woody Lakes Nature Reserve. I park up at the spot between Woody and Windabout Lakes to commence the trail.
Not far along the track I spy some king spider orchids. They appear to be the Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora). The Esperance king spider orchid comes in many shape and colour variations. Some will have clubbed petals, some will be mostly red, whilst others have minimal clubbing and may be almost completely creamy-green in colour. These variations can make a positive ID difficult especially given the related Heberle’s spider orchid (C. heberleana) is found in Esperance and looks very similar. Let alone it hybridises with the Esperance white spider orchid (C. longicauda subsp. crassa). C. longicauda and a possible hybrid were also found today. Other specimens are found further along the track especially the area between Woody and Wheatfield Lakes.
Up on the high ground section which provides a great view over Woody Lake I find some classy Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia). Others are found further along as well, with a very pale pink, nearly white one being the highlight. Also found leaves and spent Mosquito orchids at base of a series of steps and in other patches.
Once down on the flats again and along the track between Woody and Wheatfield lakes the Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) appears. The yellow colouring differs between my camera and mobile phone pictures. The duller yellow I feel is closer to real life.
I did not complete the full trail before turning around as it is now lunch time and I’m starving. Orchid photos were taken on the way back to the carpark as well and are included in the pics already listed for each species. Just before making it back to the carpark I find a small orchid in bud. Pic was taken and I did plan to go back to check what it was when in flower. However, that was forgotten until way too late. Maybe next season.
So today we decide to head north of Esperance to see what the season has produced. We don’t get far before we pull into our first stop of the day. Helms Arboretum is always a favourite stop.
Starting off small the first orchid found was the Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana).
These orchids are found growing between Lancelin and Esperance. They have only recently started flowering as their season commences in August and extends to early-November.
They are recorded as growing to heights of 400mm which would be amazing to find. Our specimens are more around the 200mm range.
Next our targeted orchid the Grass-leafed spider orchid (Caladenia graminifolia) was found.
These orchids also commence their flowering in August, then until September only.
They range from Mt Manypeaks to Israelite Bay so appears restricted to the south coast.
The Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)was represented by a single specimen found nearby the aforementioned orchids.
This king spider orchid is located from Bremer Bay to Cape Arid. Its season is mid-August to October.
We don’t stay longer at Helms as we only popped in here to find a flowering Grass-leafed spider orchid.
Our next stop is near Gibson14. We walk along the tracks and every so often we venture into the surrounding scrub.
This subspecies is the most widespread and ranges between Northampton and Israelite Bay. It also has the longest flowering season; July to early-December.
There are 4 subspecies of the Cowslip orchid. The other 3 are restricted to much smaller ranges that all overlap the range of the subspecies found around Esperance.
We did make an exciting find of a hammer orchid leaf in bud. From the leaf I believe it will be the King-In-His-Carriage orchid (Drakaea glyptodon).
These orchids flower August to October over a range between Eneabba and Esperance.
However, the most prolific orchid found at this location was the Esperance king spider orchid.
It was found either as a lonely specimen or in good size groups.
If any of the flowers pictured are the similar C. heberleana, please comment on this post.
We move further north up the highway to another location in the Gibson area 15. A gate had been installed which precluded us for heading down the track. We instead checked out the verge and walked a bit into the scrub.
This unusual but common orchid is found between Geraldton and Israelite Bay.
Flowering season is only from August to October
Deb has her eye in for spying orchids as she stumbles across an exciting find for this location.
The first orchid found is so small. Refer pic with the tip of my index finger for size comparison.
The Reaching spider orchid (Caladenia arrecta) is so named due to its erect petals.
Found between Bindoon and Israelite Bay.
Flowering season from late-July to mid-October.
We now move onto a new location, further north. We turn left at Hawkey Road them immediately right into Swan Lagoon Road. Our first stop 16 along this road is down a track in some bushland. We take this slowly and regularly get out to walk along and into the surrounding scrub. It is along this track that we pull over and have lunch from the back of the Triton.
The orchid that stands out for this location is the Western Tiny Blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta). It was found in huge numbers.
They are found flowering from August to early-October between Dumbleyung and Mt Ragged.
They have horizontally held petals and lateral sepals and can grow up to 150mm in height.
Another very similar orchid is also found, however not is such great numbers.
The Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata) flowers in August and September between Paynes Find and Israelite Bay.
A small number of Midget greenhoods (Pterostylis mutica)were found along the way.
These orchids flower from July to October between Wongan Hills and the SA border.
They can grow to 200mm in height and can have up to 15 small green flowers.
A further Pterostylis orchid is found in small numbers.
The Brittle snail orchid (Pterostylis timothyi) flowers July to September between Lake Cronin and Esperance.
Some distinctive features are having a small rosette of pointed prominently veined leaves and only one or two stem leaves.
The we find one of the newest named Greenhoods. The Mallee banded greenhood (Pterostylis arbuscula) was formally named in 2018.
The flower between Dalwallinu and Eyre bird observatory during the months June and July.
As we are now in August this could explain why we only found two still in flower.
Amazingly we find a Grass-leafed spider orchid in this new location. So that makes a third spot we have found this orchid. Helms and Stokes NP are the other locations.
Another orchid of the Pterostylis genus is found. Only one specimen found, so was very lucky to have spotted it.
This time it is the Dwarf shell orchid (Pterostylis brevichila) which flowers from July to September.
It has an inland southeastern range, occurring from Hyden to Mt Ragged.
The Jug orchid is found at numerous spots in this location.
Pictures taken for registration purposes.
Just before we decide to have a break for lunch, we finally find a donkey orchid.
There are 2 possible ID’s for these orchids. They could be the South Coast donkey orchid (Diuris brockmanii)or the Yellow granite donkey orchid (Diuris hazeliae).
Flowering is June to early August and Aug to September respectively. So, the ones that already have finished flowers could very well be the former.
As both are recorded for the Grass Patch area any assistance in positive ID would be appreciated.
Note the brightness of the yellow is greatest with the mobile phone pics.
Whilst eating lunch we still explore nearby. It is here we find some different orchids than found previously today.
These orchids flower from August to early-October between Jerramungup and Israelite Bay.
The flowers are green, yellow and red in colour and can grow up to 350mm in height.
The prominently upcurved lateral sepals are distinctive to most mantis orchids.
Back on Swan Lagoon Road we travel further north and pull into another track which is much shorter, so we walk it. 17
Blown away by the numbers of Western tiny blue orchids found.
I have posted a video below to show how many occur in say 1 square metre.
So many Western tiny blue orchids
Another previously found orchid is also found in greater numbers.
The Midget greenhood rears it lime green coloured head again.
Also found was another Mallee banded greenhood.
Moving further north again we make a final stop in the Swan Lagoon Nature Reserve. Initially we turn up nothing in the lagoon area however further afield our luck changes.
Seems a regular occurrence today. Blue beards are also found in greater numbers than earlier today.
Well, we finally start finding the small spider orchids in flower. Actually, we find loads of them, and they may possibly be 2 species.
This orchid is a common southeastern inland species. It is found between Kondinin and Madura.
Flowers occur July through to early-October.
If another species is apparent from the pictures supplied, can you please enlighten me. I am swaying to C. dimidia or C. horistes
Intermixed with the wispy style spider orchids we also find the Short sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura)standing proud.
These orchids flower between Jerramungup and Israelite Bay during August and September.
The common name refers to the shortened sepal tips, when compared to the similar C. doutchiae.
Larger spider orchids appear as we progress with our exploration of this Nature Reserve.
Due to the shorter length of the petals and sepals, plus the dull white colouring I believe they are the Reclining spider orchid (Caladenia cruscula).
These orchids are found between Salmon Gums and Mt Ragged / Israelite Bay.
Flowering during August and September.
More donkey orchids are found near the large spider orchids.
Positive ID again not attempted. Could be D. hazeliae or D. brockmanii. Thoughts??
Midget and Mallee greenhood orchids were also found at this location. Pics for recording purposes.
Our final orchid of the day was the small Sigmoid spider orchid (Caladenia sigmoidea) which was very exciting.
The name “Sigmoid” refers to the ‘S’ shaped labellum tip.
These orchids grow between Mt Jackson and Mt Ragged.
Flowering during the months of July, August and September.
They are very small, ranging from 50 to 150mm in height. Their colouring blends into their surroundings. This makes finding them difficult.
We were blown away by the numbers found. Previously, we have only found them solo or as spread-out isolated specimens.
Well, this hunt was a great success. So many orchids found, with some in huge numbers. The highlights were the patches of Western tiny blue orchids and the large number of Sigmoid spider orchids found.
Today we have finally decided to tackle the Great Ocean Trail. It is a walk/cycle trail from Pink Lake to Twilight Beach, being around 4.7 kms in length one-way.
As we did not start until after 2pm we only achieved the approximate halfway point before turning back. We plan to walk from the other end another day to enable us to record this trail as completed.
Signage at an intersection
The trail wound around the stabilized sand dunes, so was hilly in patches. It was also very weedy in certain sections which impacted the number of orchids found. I will list the orchids found below, with details of their recorded range and flowering season.
Numerous snail orchids were found along the way. The appearance of the flowers and rosettes varies greatly so positive ID is difficult. Please share your thoughts on possible IDs.
