After a fun night sharing Father’s Day with my brother in Dwellingup, we awake to a fine sunny day. Then after breakfast, we make tracks for the coastal plain. The first orchid stop for the day is at an unnamed Nature Reserve on Burnside Road in Meelon. First up we find the old faithful Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)which comes in varying shades of yellow and with varied markings. Unlike last year, this is the only orchid species found.
Slightly disappointed, we move on to Manea Park (Mud Map SW5) near Bunbury. After parking up, we immediately hit the walking trail, however, it takes a little while to find our first orchid. We spend just over and hour walking the loop path and we find many orchids. Donkey orchids are found and I believe some of them to be the Kemerton donkey orchid (Diuris cruenta)which flowers late August to October in a restricted range from Capel to Lake Clifton. A distinguishing feature listed in my reference book, is the lateral lobes to the labellum are yellow at their base and reddish at the tip. Other donkey orchids are found that may be a different species, as on a previous visit, I named 3 species found in the Bunbury area.
Broad petalsReddish brown markings
Another orchid found throughout the park was the snail orchid. From what i can tell they mostly resemble the Red sepaled snail orchid (Pterostylis erubescens) due to the colouring of the flower, the numerous stem leaves and long lateral sepals.
Red colouring to dorsal sepalSmall rosette and numerous stem leavesLong uniformly thickened lateral sepals
Then some stunning spider orchids are found. The large white spider orchid appear to be the Coastal white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. calcigena) due the location only, as the features of the subspecies are all similar in C. longicauda. However others seem to match the Sandplain white spider orchid (Caladenia speciosa) which has long messy labellum fringe segments and may also be found in this location. As per usual any input in identification would be welcomed.
As usual the good olde Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) shows up, as does the common Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva). Even though they are common orchids, it is still nice to come across some in this location.
A first for this location is also found, which is exciting. The Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) is one of two species in this Western Australian endemic genus. This particular orchid was being watched over by a local Bobtail (Tiliqua rugosa subsp. rugosa).
Petals and sepals similar in size and shapeDistinctive feature: 2 large black basal calliTiliqua rugosa subsp. rugosa
Other common orchids found along the walk include the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) and the small Mosquito orchid (Cyrtostylis robusta)which was found growing around the base of a large tree.
Possible pollinator restingCan grow to 300mm in heightBroad elongated labellum
Another small patch of snail orchids is found. From the hairy stem , to the pointed hood, it all leads to me believe they are more Red sepaled snail orchids. A very darkly marked donkey orchid is also found. Could possibly be the Purple pansy orchid (Diuris longifolia) or just a darker version of the Kemerton donkey orchid. Again, let me know your thoughts.
Pointed hoodsHairy stemsPurple pansy orchid ???
Had to grab a pic of how tall the donkey orchids were, before we leave Manea Park. We then made our way into Bunbury to the Farmers Market to have lunch and buy some supplies. On the highway welcoming people into Bunbury was a large billboard featuring the wonderful Cowslip orchids. Had to grab a pic of that as well. From here we make our way into the hills to check out the Wellington Dam mural. What an amazing sight, so of course it made it as the feature picture for this post. Finding a camping site took a while but we set ourselves up for the night and enjoyed another night under the stars in the great outdoors.
After leaving Mokine Nature Reserve we make our way south down Wambyn Road to St Ronans Nature Reserve(Mud Map E 7). We park up at the NW boundary of the park and go exploring. My first orchid found is the Little pink fairy (Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans) which is a rather common orchid flowering between Northampton and Esperance. They are always a pleasure to find though and range from pale to vivid pink in colour.
Common name apparent Short spreading petals and sepalsPale pink Vivid pink Prominent tri-lobed labellum
Also found is a lone Green spider orchid (Caladenia falcata), which is referred to as a common wheatbelt orchid, given its distribution from Wongan Hills to Jerramungup. This specimen stands a good 300mm in height and they are recorded as growing to 400mm in height.
Narrowly-clubbed sepalsSingle, erect, hairy leafComb-like fringe segments to labellum
Next up a patch of yellow is seen. Getting closer it is confirmed to be a donkey orchid and appears to be a Small flowered donkey orchid (Diuris porrifolia) which can have up to 7 flowers per orchid. Florabase confirms they are located in the Northam and York shires so the location is covered. The other possibility is the common donkey orchid which is similar though larger in size. Thoughts??
Elongated petalsNarrow, sometimes crossed lateral sepalsUp to 7 flowers per orchid
Finally we come across a new orchid for the day. The bright white Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata) is found as two scattered individuals, which is light on when compared to the dozens we have found growing elsewhere in previous seasons. Ericksonella is a another monotypic genus endemic to Western Australia.
The final orchid for this location is another yellow orchid. The reliable Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) is found with markings similar to the Brookton Highway cowslip orchid, though this orchid flowers from late September and is located further south. I have read that the boundaries are quite unpredictable with the subspecies but I’m happy to call it the plain cowslip.
Red marked, yellow flowers2 – 3 pairs of marginal teeth to the labellum
We can’t spend an hour at each site, so we move onto Mount Observation in the Wandoo National Park to show Richard what we found here last year. Let’s hope they are flowering this season. On the drive in we spy a nice white spider orchid. I believe it to be the White Spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. longicauda) which is known to grow in the area and does occur in gravelly ground.
Long pendulous petals and lateral sepalsRelatively narrow bases to lateral sepalsShortish to moderately long marginal teeth
We then make our way up to the picnic area and park up, to go exploring. Not much around here but we did come across a couple of Blue beards (Pheladenia deformis) which is another monotypic genus, however this time is located along the whole of southern Australia including Tasmania. The most distinctive feature which alludes to the common name, is the dense mass of calli and short fringe segments to the upright labellum.
Mosquito visitorNarrow, upright labellumLabellum looks like a beard
Walking back to the Tritons, Deb and I come across some Green spider orchids. Then a rocky incline, above the parking area, I find some more Small flowered donkey orchids.
Reclining postureSingle, large, hairy leafUpswept labellumUp to 7 flowers per orchidCrossed lateral sepalsStand up to 350mm in height
Hidden by a log right where we parked is a couple of Jug orchids (Pterostylis recurva)which are a unique shaped orchid from the Pterostylis genus. They have also been referred to as the Recurved shell orchid, Antelope orchid and Bull orchid.
We now move on and stop at an area we have found other orchids before. The Clubbed spider orchid (Caladenia longiclavata)is again found growing on the verges. As the common names alludes both the sepals and petals are clubbed, with the former being long, thick, grooved clubs and the later small, thin clubs.
Greenish-yellow and red flowersGrow to 400mm in heightProminent clubs
However some seem to be the often co-located Big clubbed spider orchid (Caladenia magniclavata) which is distinguished by having down-swept petals and lateral sepals and the clubs to the lateral sepals being approx 50% of the length. The Clubbed spider orchids clubbing is around 30% of the length in comparison.
Latin magni (large) clavus (clubs)4 or more rows of deep red calli to labellum50% or more of sepals clubbedShort fringe segments to labellumNice 2 headerDown-swept petals and sepals
More Little pink fairies were located as were some awesome Bird orchids (Pterostylis barbata) which are the most widespread of the bird orchids, ranging from Bindoon and Albany. I am amazed at the structure of these orchids with their beak, bloated body and feather duster like labellum.
Column visible at hood openingSide profile alludes to common nameLabellum protruding from belly
Also found mixed in with the Clubbed spiders, Big clubbed spiders, Pink fairies and Bird orchids were more Blue beards and Jug orchids.
Finally we move on and close to the end of the track, near the Great Southern Highway we find some more donkey orchids and a Sugar orchid.
Turning south at Mundaring we travel along Mundaring Weir Road and make an on the spot decision to stop at Gungin Gully in the Beelu National Park for our last exploration of the day. We hit the bush and first orchid found is another Jug orchid quickly followed by a Bird orchid. In fact we find so many bird orchids, it is mind blowing.
Up to 5 flowers per orchidLateral sepal viewColumn visible – hood openingColumn visible – translucent hoodSplayed lateral sepalsFeather-like labellumThatched markingsBirdseye viewDorsal sepal is the beak
Another Pterostylis sp. is found amongst the flock of Bird orchids. A small snail orchid is found, however I will not endeavour to name it based on one specimen. If you have any ideas on the ID please contact me.
Rosette leaves= Crinkled??Pointed dorsal sepal Long lateral sepals
Another Small flowered donkey orchid is found together with a very finished Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata). I took photos of both just to record their location.
Diuris porrifoliaFinished for the seasonHare Orchid Leaf
The highlight of today was finding numerous Silky blue orchids (Cyanicula sericea)which is a common orchid in the western part of its distribution whilst becoming rarer in the eastern parts. Distribution is Jurien Bay to Condingup. The black spotted labellum is a distinctive feature of this orchid.
Petals and sepals are evenly sizedUp to 4 flowers per orchidUpright labellumHorizontal petals and lateral sepalsSpotted, tri-lobed labellumFlowers up to 30-40mm across
It’s 3pm so time to make our way to Sandy and Noel’s place in Bedfordale, where we will crash the night. Over the next couple days I train down to Mandurah to visit my mum and sister Maxine, then catch up with the in-laws for a Father’s Day breakfast near the Swan River, then pop up to my brothers place in Dwellingup, where we grab another bed for the night.
Another great day with at least 17 species of orchid found.
We awake to a cold morning however the sun is shining so it will be a great last day of our 2020 Road Trip. First up we check out the spider orchid we found in the fading light yesterday.
Hamersley Inlet
Western wispy spider orchid
(Caladenia microchila)
Camper packed up and time to move on. We get as far as 4 Mile Beach campground before we stop and have a scout around. We only find a few Pterostylis orchids.
4 Mile Beach
Ravensthorpe snail orchid or Coastal snail orchid
(Pterostylis grossa or P. sp. “coastal snail”)
We head into Hopetoun for a bite to eat. Our next point of call is just north of the South Coast Hwy, and is a favourite of ours. We again find a few orchids for our troubles.
Mills Road
Zebra orchid
(Caladenia cairnsiana)
??? hybrid spider orchid
(Caladenia x sp.)
Small mantis orchid
(Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima)
Cream spider orchid
(Caladenia horistes)
3 orchid species and a hybrid is not a bad haul, however we must keep moving towards home. First up though we stop at the Munglinup Roadhouse for a burger lunch. Driving in we discover some orchids on the roadside, so I jump out to get some photos and Deb heads down to order lunch.
Munglinup Townsite
Esperance white spider orchid
(Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa)
Common bee orchid
(Diuris decrementa)
Lunch purchased, we move on to Munglinup Nature Reserve to eat and explore.
Zebra orchid
(Caladenia cairnsiana)
Cowslip orchid
(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Common bee orchid
(Diuris decrementa)
Esperance white spider orchid
(Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa)
Jug orchid
(Pterostylis recurva)
Five species found, so happy we made to time to explore the area. We now move on to revisit a location we checked out on Day 1 of this road trip. Lets see if there is anything different now flowering.
Springdale Nature Reserve
??? hybrid spider orchid
(Caladenia x sp.)
Red beaks
(Pyrorchis nigricans)
?? donkey orchid
(Diuris sp.)
??? hybrid spider orchid
(Caladenia x sp.)
Reaching spider orchid
(Caladenia arrecta)
Blue beard
(Pheladenia deformis)
Common bee orchid
(Diuris decrementa)
Esperance white spider orchid
Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa)
Pink bunny orchid
(Eriochilus scaber subsp. scaber)
Esperance king spider orchid
(Caladenia decora)
Since it is after 3 pm and we still have more than 100kms to home, we decide to leave our orchid exploration at this fruitful location. The hour long drive was a great time to look back on our awesome road trip that started back on the 8th August. The Wheatbelt Way was a great loop that opened up the amazing Western Australian countryside.
Over the 3 weeks on the road we discovered many new locations as well as re-visiting favourite spots. So many orchid species were located along with numerous hybrids which was a pleasant surprise.
A much earlier start to the day as we did not need to wait for the camper to dry out. We arrive at our first location by 8.30am and explore widely this time, as we have had quick visits on other occasions.
Chirelillup Nature Reserve
Green spider orchid
(Caladenia falcata)
Frog greenhood
(Pterostylis sargentii)
Western wheatbelt donkey orchid
(Diuris brachyscapa)
Jug orchid
(Pterostylis recurva)
??? greenhood
(Pterostylis sp.)
Sugar orchid
(Ericksonella saccharata)
Small mantis orchid
(Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima)
Joseph’s spider orchid
(Caladenia polychroma)
Cowslip orchid
(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Slender spider orchid
(Caladenia pulchra)
Well after our extensive search of the reserve we decide it is time to move on. We don’t get far before we pull over at a patch of scrub, due to seeing a large colony of donkey orchids whilst driving past.
Gnowangerup-Jerramungup Rd
Western wheatbelt donkey orchid or Small flowered donkey orchid.
(Diuris brachyscapa or D. porrifolia)
Stark white spider orchid
(Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens)
Wheatbelt spider orchid
(Caladenia x cala)
Cowslip orchid
(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Jug orchid
(Pterostylis recurva)
Short-sepaled spider orchid
(Caladenia brevisura)
Banded greenhood
(Pterostylis vittata)
Purple-veined spider orchid
(Caladenia doutchiae)
??? Hybrid
(Caladenia x sp.)
Western wheatbelt donkey orchid or Small flowered donkey orchid.
(Diuris brachyscapa or D. porrifolia)
Green spider orchid
(Caladenia falcata)
Wowsers! what an awesome random roadside stop that was. Hybrids plus numerous species found. We do though have to move on, so onwards to Ongerup we go.
Ongerup
Cowslip orchids
(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Western wheatbelt donkey orchid
(Diuris brachyscapa)
Green spider orchid
(Caladenia falcata)
Sugar orchid
(Ericksonella saccharata)
Drooping spider orchid
(Caladenia radialis)
Frog greenhood
(Pterostylis sargentii)
Blue china orchid
(Cyanicula gemmata)
Time for lunch so we head for the nearby Yongergnow Australian Malleefowl Centre, where we have enjoyed a nice meal on previous visits. This visit was no exception. With a full belly we move on towards the Fitzgerald River National Park.
Calyerup Rocks
Western tiny blue orchid
(Cyanicula aperta)
Sugar orchids
(Ericksonella saccharata)
Jug orchid
(Pterostylis recurva)
Cowslip orchid
(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Common bee orchid
(Diuris decrementa)
Whoops, we somehow drove into the Park Rangers residence, and were chastised for this. Oh well we know better next time. As we plan to camp at Hamersley Inlet we move further along the South Coast Hwy until we reach West River Road. Due to failing light we stop only at the lookout, before pulling into our overnight campground. After setting up we go for a quick walk and of course look out for any orchids that catch our eye. The inlet is very dry compared to when we last visited a few years back.
Hamersley Inlet
Western wispy spider orchid
(Caladenia microchila)
Sunset over the inlet
After enjoying the beautiful sunset over the inlet we head back to the camper to rustle up some dinner. We then enjoyed a game of Tri-ominos before hitting the sack. Random stops today proved very successful with many orchids found, so we don’t always have to plan everything upfront.
We awake to a cool morning, so I take Deb around exploring the area whilst the camper dries out. We discover other orchids as well as the ones I found yesterday afternoon, so the wander around was worth the effort.
Nunijup Lake
Tangled white spider orchid
(Caladenia longicauda subsp. redacta)
Small flowered donkey orchid
(Diuris porrifolia)
Jug orchid
(Pterostylis recurva)
Tenterden yellow spider orchid
(Caladenia straminichila)
Common spider orchid
(Caladenia varians)
Banded greenhood
(Pterostylis vittata)
Little pink fairies
(Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans)
Leaping spider orchid
(Caladenia macrostylis)
Well our next planned location is the amazing Stirling Range National Park, which is quite a distance, so we pack up the camper. We spy more orchids as we slowly leave our campsite, so grab some photos. Finally on the road, with high expectations for the day.
Stirling Range National Park
Cowslip orchid
(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Dancing spider orchid
(Caladenia discoidea)
Hare orchid
(Leporella fimbriata)
Western wheatbelt donkey orchid
(Diuris brachyscapa)
Pink bunny orchid
(Eriochilus scaber subsp. scaber)
Little pink fairies
(Caladenia reptans subsp, reptans)
Silky blue orchid
(Cyanicula sericea)
Sugar orchid
(Ericksonella saccharata)
Jug orchid
(Pterostylis recurva)
Blood spider orchid
(Caladenia filifera)
Joseph’s spider orchid
(Caladenia polychroma)
Blue beard
(Pheladenia deformis)
Lemon-scented sun orchid
(Thelymitra antennifera)
Banded greenhood
(Pterostylis vittata)
Rabbit orchid
(Leptoceras menziesii)
Red beaks
(Pyrorchis nigricans)
Common bee orchid
(Diuris decrementa)
??? spider orchid
(Caladenia sp.)
Zebra orchid
(Caladenia cairnsiana)
Ravensthorpe snail orchid
(Pterostylis sp. ‘Ravensthorpe’)
Mosquito orchid
(Cyrtostylis robusta)
Frog greenhood
(Pterostylis sargentii)
Yawning leek orchid
(Prasophyllum hians)
Well we were not disappointed. At least 22 orchid species found which blows our minds. The bush fire caused devastation, however the regrowth of the Australian bush is amazing. It’s now 4pm so we had better move on and find our overnight camp.
Kingia in flower following the bush fire
We struggled to find a camping location so made the decision to book into one of the Gnowangerup Hotel units for the night. We enjoyed a wonderful bar meal and bevy.
Well we have decided to make a weekend of our orchid hunting and will camp overnight in our trusty Ezytrail camper trailer. Planned overnight camp is at Lilian Stokes Rock in the Frank Hann National Park. So we head north up the Coolgardie-Esperance Hwy to get our trip started.
Pulled over for the first exploration of the weekend.
First stop is the side of Boydell Road, a left turn off the highway. This is the first visit to this location for Deb and she finds the first orchids. Typical!! Seems to be Crinkle-leafed bunny Orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus subsp. undulatus) growing in the gravely verge. I change my direction to check them out and stumble across some as well. Whilst I’m busy taking photos Deb moves on.
Pale colouring to this specimen
Up to 3 flowers per orchid
Can grow to 250mm in height
Narrow dull green petals
Grows in a variety of habitats
Undulate-margined leaf
I’m still getting shots of the bunnies when Deb calls out, as she has found a HareOrchid (Leporella fimbriata). Excitedly I make my way over to get a photo.
Up to 3 flowers (rarely 4) per orchid
Green and purple flowers
Erect, ear-like petals
fimbriata (Latin) alluding to the fringed labellum
A few more bunnies are found only, so we move to the north side of the road. Here we find some Banded Greenhood (Pterostylis vittata). Most were yet to fully open, however luckily we find one plant with 2 open flowers.
vittatus (Latin – longitudinally striped)
Making our way back to the Triton we collect discarded bottles from the verge. Doing our little bit to clean up the countryside, plus we now get 10c per bottle. I direct a turn north up Hillermans Road so we get to check out Speddingup Nature Reserve. Here we find some Banded Greenhoods in flower.
Green and white banded flowers
Crossing a watercourse/lake/saltpan we surprise 4 emus who run off. At this point we rise up to what appears to be a Gimlet woodland. As this is very different habitat to the sandy plain we had just driven through, we pull over to have a look. No orchids in flower located, however we did find Pygmy orchids that had finished their season and many small Pterostylis rosettes. Within these many rosettes where some stems popping up. These baby orchids had no rosette so I believe they will be a Shell orchid when they finally bloom. We will need to come back in a few weeks to check on the progress. After crossing 3 such water courses we come to one that is too boggy, so we had to turn around and head back to Speddingup Road West.
We chicken out !!!
From here we head toward Fields Nature Reserve where we plan to have lunch. However there is nowhere to pull off the road, so we continue until we reach the intersection of Neds Corner Road. Here we pull over at a great tractor sculpture and Deb knocks up a sandwich.
Food on the go
Put your hands up!!!!
We then continue on Griffiths Road to Griffiths Nature Reserve and turn south down Edwards Road to get back on track. Cascades Road reached and we make tracks for our planned destination, Frank Hann National Park, more specifically Lilian Stokes Rock. We were shocked to see the destruction of the park due to a bush fire.
Camp set-up . Time to explore
After setting up the camper trailer we explore the rock. Deb finds the only orchid in flower. A fertilised Crinkle-leafed bunny orchid. Other leaves found of an unknown species. We then collect wood that someone had kindly sawn up. Campfire lit, drinks poured and dinner cooked. We sit back and enjoy the serenity.
After our departure from Perth late yesterday afternoon, we awake to a beautiful morning in Wandoo National Park. After enjoying breakfast we go exploring the surrounding woodland for orchids, whilst allowing the camper to dry out from a damp evening.
Wandoo National Park
Common donkey orchid
(Diuris corymbosa)
Blue beard, blue fairy orchid
(Pheladenia deformis)
Little pink fairy, dwarf pink fairy
(Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans)
Primrose spider orchid
(Caladenia xantha)
Sugar orchid
(Ericksonella saccharata)
Murdoch snail orchid
(Pterostylis ectypha)
Clubbed snail orchid
(Pterostylis glebosa)
Cowslip orchid
(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Jug orchid
(Pterostylis recurva)
Banded greenhood
(Pterostylis vittata)
We then pack up our dry camper and move back to the highway to travel east. We don’t get far before another location to check out appears on the right. We take the track in and first stop along the drive in, then park up at the picnic area, before stopping along the track back to the highway. This proved a great spur of the moment stop.
Mount Observation
Little pink fairy
(Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans)
Frog greenhood
(Pterostylis sargentii)
Jug orchid
(Pterostylis recurva)
Small flowered donkey orchid
(Diuris porrifolia)
Blue beard
(Pheladenia deformis)
Common spider orchid
(Caladenia varians)
Clubbed spider orchid. Long-clubbed spider orchid
(Caladenia longiclavata)
Big clubbed spider orchid
(caladenia magniclavata)
Bird Orchid
(Pterostylis barbata)
Silky blue orchid
(Cyanicula sericea)
It is now past 1pm so we make tracks to York. Here we have a wonderful pub lunch before heading south. Just before reaching Beverley we check out St Paul’s church at Edwards Crossing. A beautiful old church in the middle of nowhere it seems. Next we pass through Beverley without stopping and turn east a Mount Kokeby. Another amazing historic build is found in Bally Bally. The old town hall was an impressive sight.We had chosen Quajabin Peak as a possible overnight stay. Not much on offer but we set up camp anyway, before I climb the Peak for a birds eye view of the surrounding farmland. Unfortunatley the peak is ravaged by erosion. At the top of the peak I found a Rufous greenhood type orchid in bud. Nothing else located.
It was a great day checking out the Wandoo National park. Finding 17 orchid species was a bonus.