Quick check on how the sun orchids are progressing @ Helms Arboretum (Mud Map SE35) on the 22/09/2024.
Un-named hybrid sun orchid
Thelymitra antennifera x T. graminea
This was the orchid found back on the 20/09/2024. At that time the flowers had not fully opened.
Shy sun orchid
Thelymitra graminea
Many more in flower however will restrict my pics to this one.
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
Cowslip orchid
Caladenia flava subsp. flava
Flower: Jul to early Dec
Little pink fairy
Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans
Flower: Jul to early Oct
Un-named hybrid orchid
Caladenia flava x C. reptans
Parents flower: July to early Oct / Dec
Lemon-scented sun orchid
Thelymitra antennifera
Flower: Jul to Oct
?? snail orchid
Pterostlyis sp.
Unsure of ID.. Possibly the un-named species assigned to Helms Arboretum
Bee orchid
Diuris laxiflora
Flower: Sept to early Nov
Common bee orchid
Diuris decrementa
Flower: Late Aug to early Nov
Red beaks
Pyrorchis nigricans
Flower: Aug to Oct
Un-named hybrid orchid
Thelymitra antennifera x T.graminea
T. antennifera flowers: Jul to Oct
Shy sun orchid
Thelymitra graminea
Flower: Sept to mid-Nov
Esperance king spider orchid
Caladenia decora
Flower: Mid-Aug to Oct
Heberle’s spider orchid
Caladenia heberleana
Flower: Sept to Oct
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
Rattle Beaks
Lyperanthus serratus
Flower: Sept to Nov
Zebra orchid
Caladenia cairnsiana
Flower: Aug to early-Nov
Esperance white spider orchid
Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa
Flower: Aug to early-Oct
?? 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.
Esperance white spider orchid
Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa
Hypochromic variant
Common mignonette orchid
Microtis media subsp. media
Flower: Sept to Jan
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.
17/08/2024
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.
A solitary Blue beard (Pheladenia deformis) is found first.
These orchids flower from late-May to October.
In WA they occur between Murchison River to Israelite Bay.
As this area has been burnt in the last few years, we were still able to find some Redbeaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) in flower.
Redbeaks flower from August to October.
They are found from Shark Bay to Israelite Bay, which is one of the largest ranges for an orchid in WA.
Throughout the area checked we came across a few patches of the Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava).
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.
Hiding under the verge scrub we find the Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva).
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.
Due to the location, they must be the Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima).
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.
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.
One is definitely the Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila).
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.
At least 20 species found!!
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.
07/08/2024
Well, it has been quite a while since we went orchid hunting.
A holiday to celebrate my 60th Birthday was enjoyed from mid-July to yesterday. No orchids included LOL.
So, what better place to see how the season is progressing than to pop out to Helms.
We were not disappointed!!
Esperance king spider orchid
(Caladenia decora)
Flowers: mid-August to October
Distribution: Bremer Bay to Cape Arid
??snail orchid
(Pterostylis sp.)
Un-named snail orchid species found at Helm’s
Cowslip orchid
(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Flowers: July to early-December
Distribution: Northampton to Israelite Bay
Grass-leafed spider orchid
(Caladenia graminifolia)
Flowers: August to September
Distribution: Mt Manypeaks Bay to Israelite Bay
Common helmet orchid
(Corysanthes recurva)
Flowers: June to early-September
Distribution: Mandurah to Albany with many disjunct populations, although Esperance is not listed as one of these
Western tiny blue orchid
(Cyanicula aperta)
Flowers: August to early-October
Distribution: Dumbleyung to Mt Ragged
Banded greenhood
(Pterostylis vittata)
Flowers: late-April to early-September
Distribution: Perth to Israelite Bay
Jug orchid
(Pterostylis recurva)
Flowers: August to October
Distribution: Geraldton to Israelite Bay
Zebra orchid
(Caladenia cairnsiana)
Flowers: August to early-November
Distribution: Lancelin to Esperance
Esperance white spider orchid
(Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa)
Flowers: August to early-October
Distribution: Bremer Bay to Israelite Bay
10 species found with a possible hybrid between Esperance king and white spider orchids (pics below)
What to do with the grandkids on school holidays?
Go for a drive out to Helms Arboretum to let them run around and also look for tadpoles.
Plus, why not squeeze in a little orchid hunting.
LOL
Alas, no tadpoles were found. We did have fun climbing trees and finding fungi. We also enjoyed collecting pinecones and gum flowers snipped off by the Black cockatoos.
In between all the fun I did manage to take some quick snaps of two orchids. Both are common so nothing too spectacular.
Firstly, is the White bunny orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus). Flowering occurs April through June over a large range, Dirk Hartog Island to Israelite Bay.
The other orchid found was the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata). This orchid flowers April through September and it ranges from Perth to Israelite Bay.
A wonderful 3 or so hours spent in the outdoors with the grandkids.
Life is great
12/05/2024
It is Mother’s Day, so we head out to the Esperance Bird and Animal Park for breakfast. We are joined by our two son’s and their little families.
After a very enjoyable morning with family, we decide to check out Helms Arboretum. As we are in the Corolla, we will stick to the gravel tracks only. It will be interesting to see what orchids make an appearance.
As expected, the first orchids found are the bunny orchids. These little orchids flower from March in some areas all the way to June in others.
The White bunny orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus subsp. dilatatus) is the most widespread of the species. They are found between Shark Bay and Israelite Bay.
The only other orchids found were those of the Greenhood family.
The also widespread Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) is found flowering in a few isolated spots.
They flower from April till September between Perth and Israelite Bay.
Not too many orchids currently to be found out at Helms Arboretum. Rather a slow start to the season.
14/10/2023
Well time stops for no man and the orchid season is nearing its end. For Deb and I this will be our last planned orchid hunt for the season. Later flowers do bloom right though to Feb. However, we call it quits now that the snakes are active, and the orchid pickings are slim.
So, what better place to finish the season than at Helm’s Arboretum? It is a part of the 4000 ha Helms Forestry Reserve.
There is not much of a tale to tell initially. I will just post pictures of the many Sun orchids found flowering.
NOTE: Access to Florabase for info on each orchid is linked via the scientific name.
Slender sun orchid
(Thelymitra vulgaris)
Scented sun orchid
(Thelymitra macrophylla)
Shy sun orchid
(Thelymitra graminea)
Leopard orchid
(Thelymitra benthamiana)
As is normal for Helms there are other species found that are not sun orchids. I will now list these below.
Common mignonette orchid
(Microtis media subsp. media)
Elegant donkey orchid
(Diuris concinna)
Esperance spider orchid – Hybrid
(Caladenia decora x longicauda)
We check out a newer area of the arboretum where the soil is mainly white sand. This is to see if this habitat turns up anything new or more of the same.
OMG we are very excited to find our very first Flying Duck orchids. These orchids belong to their own genus: Paracaleana of which 15 species are found in WA.
4 of which are found in the Shire of Esperance.
From these 4 I feel these to be the Broad-billed duck orchid (Paracaleana triens) which flower Sept-Oct.
Broad-billed duck orchid
(Paracaleana triens)
What a way to end our 2023 Orchid season. We are adding a brand-new orchid to our list of species found.
Roll on the 2024 season!!!!!