After breakfast with Richard at his house sit on Rockingham beach we make tracks for Dwellingup via lunch in Mandurah with sister Maxine. We detour along Scarp road for a quick explore as we will catch up with brother Geoff after he finishes work. We touch the boundary of Lane Pool Reserve, so unsure if our locations are in the reserve or not but will record them as so.
Orchids are found which is exciting. First up is the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) which is a green and white striped orchid which is found between Perth and Israelite Bay. They range in height from 100 to 450mm and can have between 1 and 25 flowers per plant. In fact, one of the orchids found measured over 530mm in height. Pic with tape measure taken as proof.
Also discovered were some Slender snail orchids (Pterostylis crispula) which are found between Perth and Albany growing in sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands. They flower from July through to early October and can grow to 250mm in height. The petals and dorsal sepal are joined and form a hood with the dorsal sepal forming a short point.
The Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) was also found; however, it was not fully open as yet, which fits with the recorded flowering period being August to October. We then continued on to Dwellingup, however Geoff was still at work so whilst Deb had a relax, I went for a quick walk into the surrounding bush and came across the rosettes of some Bird orchids (Pterostylis sp.) which are also listed as flowering from July/August so just a tad early it seems. Pics taken of both for recording purposes.
Geoff arrives home and takes us for a drive out to the river to show us the Dwaarlindjirraap Bridge over the river constructed for bicycles and pedestrians only. It was an amazing site and a great way to end the day before having a wonderful night at Geoff and Robyn’s place.
WA Orchid Adventures 