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!!
Well, this has proven to be a full-on day trip looking for orchids. The last stop for the day is an East Munglinup location, though this time it’s on Jonegatup Road.
The first orchid found is the Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima),which has been a common orchid at various locations today. Flowering occurs from August to October in woodlands and shrublands between Jerramungup and Israelite Bay.
Whilst capturing a photo of the Small mantis orchid, another smaller orchid is spied. Another better example is found soon after. The Little frog greenhood (Pterostylis occulta) is found between Northampton and Ravensthorpe from late-August to October. Our location is some 80kms to the east of Ravensthorpe, so a slight extension to its range.
Further along, a couple of specimens of the Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana) are found. These small orchids occur between Lancelin and Esperance from August to early-November.
It was amazing to catch 2 species of orchids growing together. The Small mantis orchid was found under the watchful eye of the Common dragon orchid (Caladenia barbarossa). The dragon orchid is found growing between Bindoon and Esperance from September to mid-November.
Appears to be the location for Caladenia species. Next up, we find the Short-sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura). These orchids are found between Jerramungup and Israelite Bay during August and September.
5 other species were also spotted at this location. 4 were solo specimens: Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata) Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta) Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians)
Lastly was the Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera), which was found in a group, though not yet fully open.
So, our day trip finally comes to an end. We now need to drive the 112 kms home, but we do so with a sense of achievement. This final location turned up 10 different orchid species, whilst over the whole day, we discovered at least 27 orchid species and at least 1 hybrid. What a Day !!!!!
So we move onto our 7th location of the day which is just another random roadside stop on the boundary between Coomalbidgup and East Munglinup localities. All depends on which side of the road you are 🙂
The Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta) is the first orchid found at this spot. These little orchids are found between Dumbleyung and Mt Ragged from August to early-October.
Next up the Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) is spotted dotted around this location. They can be found growing between Israelite Bay and Kalbarri from August to early-November,
An orchid that is found on both sides of the road is the Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima). These are found growing between Jerramungup and Israelite Bay from August to early-October.
The wispy spider orchids from the Filamentosa complex are the next found. One specimen appears to be the Cream spider orchid (Caladenia horistes) whilst a nearly finished specimen could be the Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians). Our location is found within the recorded distribution of both species, both flower during September, plus their flowers and leaves are of similar appearance. I will leave it for you to decide if they are the same species or not.
As this area was also subject to last summer’s bushfire the next orchid found was as expected. Red Beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) flower from August to October between Shark and Israelite Bays.
Last orchid recorded for this location is an unfurling Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea), which are found flowering from August to early-October between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay.
Location 8 is another random stop along the road. Change of vegetation so we will see if anything new is found. First orchid located was a donkey orchid, however based on only 1 specimen I will not attempt to ID it at this stage. Will share to iNaturalist for assistance in this regard
The following orchids have all been found previously today and recorded in this blog so I will post 2 pics each only to record they were found in this new location. Western tiny blue orchid, Small mantis orchid, Red Beaks, Cream spider orchid, Purple enamel orchid.
Finally, a new orchid for this blog is found. Nothing special unfortunately but something new is something new. The Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) is widely distributed between Northampton and Israelite Bay flowering from July to early-December
Just as we were heading back to Fili I spied a tall yellow orchid. Woohoo it is a new orchid for today !!!!!! The Custard orchid (Thelymitra villosa) grows to 600mm in height and can have up to 20 flowers per plant. They are found between Northampton and Israelite Bay from September to November.
What a great way to finish off this location. So, over the 2 random roadside stops we found 10 species of orchids. Sometimes it pays just to pull over and look.
Off to our final destination of the day. Refer Part IV
After a wonderful morning finding 15 species of orchids over numerous locations, we pull off the road to park up and enjoy lunch, from the boot of my small Toyota Corolla (Fili). Neds Corner Rd is the border between the locations of Coomalbidgup and East Munglinup. So, our lunch is in East Munglinup8, being West of the road however our explorations take us to the East side as well, which technically is in Coomalbidgup. Not too confusing I trust. 🙂
Car boot lunch break
After lunch we hit the surrounding area for another orchid hunt. Very close by we find our first orchids for the afternoon. The Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana) is found growing between Lancelin and Esperance from August to early-November.
Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) are usually found flowering the season after a summer fire has burnt its habitat. This is the case with this location, and they are found in great numbers. Occur between Shark Bay and Israelite Bay from August to October.
Another orchid previously found today is also located at both sides of the road. The Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima) is found between Jerramungup and Israelite Bay during the period August to early-October.
A newbie for the day was next on the list. The tiny Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) occurs between Shark Bay and Eyre during the period July to November.
An orchid which we always expect to find, but on occasions we are disappointed is the Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava). Today we are not disappointed. In fact, we find hundreds growing on the banks of the Young River in the unburnt vegetation, whilst earlier we found sporadic ones growing in the bushfire zone.
In a bushfire regrowth area green with weeds and white sandy soil we find a great patch of the Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora). These orchids range from Bremer Bay to Cape Arid from mis-August to October.
Another newbie and a surprise for the day is the Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea) which occurs between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay from late-June to September.
Intermixed with the Cowslips was another yellow-coloured orchid. The Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera)is found between Shark and Israelite Bays from July to October.
As would be expected orchids found earlier today will also be found at this location being only 10km or so north. So further specimens of the Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) are found as they occur between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay from August to early-November.
A single king type spider orchid is found which does not appear to be the Esperance king spider orchid. Due to the lack of red colouring and the drooping petals I will name this the Heberle’s spider orchid (Caladenia heberleana). These orchids are listed as occurring between Augusta and Cape Arid during September and October. I have posted this ID on iNaturalist and will await other opinions.
Another solitary specimen is found, this time of the Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia) which is found between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay from August to early-December.
Upon crossing the road, the first orchid found appears to be a hybrid. The parentage was hard to decipher until we found one of the parents close by. I have decided the parents are Caladenia attingens x barbarossa. Posted on iNaturalist for thoughts from others.
Just past the hybrid orchid we come across one of the parents. The Common dragon orchid (Caladenia barbarossa) is found scattered at the top of the ridge above the river flat. These orchids are found between Bindoon and Esperance from September to mid-November.
Another orchid found as two separate specimens was the Beautiful donkey orchid (Diuris pulchella) which is listed as growing between Salmon Gums and Israelite Bay from July to September. The specimens were north and south of the river. Our location is some 50km southwest of Salmon Gums but the species is recorded at this location in the Atlas of Living Australia.
As I was taking photos of orchids found Debbie is exploring further afield and she yells out excitedly. She has come across a vast warren of the Rabbit orchid (Leptoceras menziesii) which has flowered due to the previous summer bushfire that scorched this area. These orchids are found growing between Northampton and Israelite Bay from September to early-November.
Close by we also found the Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa) which occurs between Bremer and Israelite Bays from August to early-October. Some may be the related Rigid white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. rigidula)which occurs between Ravensthorpe and Israelite Bay during a similar flowering season. The differences between the 2 species are the size of the flower and the rigidness or pendulousness of the petals and sepals. Let me know your thoughts.
Crossing back over the river we come across more spider orchids that appear to be further Esperance king spider orchids. However the better find was some other species of Donkey orchid. Due to the location and date found, I will be naming these the Green Range donkey orchid (Diuris littoralis)which is recorded as occurring between Denmark and Esperance from July to early-September.
Finally made it back to Fili at around 2pm and move onto another location. 16 species found at this location. Part III to follow… Stay tuned
Today Deb and I decide to head out west of Esperance to see what we can find. Our first destination is Lake Monjinup which is located in the Lake Mortijinup Nature Reserve which is also referred to as Lake Monjingup Reserve. 3 different spellings and differing details on the size of the reserve make things rather confusing. This is only a quick check around the parking area as we have many kms to go today.
As would be expected the first orchids found were the Esperance king spider orchids (Caladenia decora). They are amazing large spider orchids that can be so dazzling in their colours.
Another dazzling orchid is found. These are the much smaller Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia) which as the name suggests are pink in colour. They do have a much larger range, occurring between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay in WA but are also found in Vic, Tas, and SA. The Esperance king spider by comparison is found only between Bremer Bay and Cape Arid in WA.
Our next stop is nearly 1 hours’ drive west in Coomalbidgup9. We park up off the road and venture into the roadside vegetation. This was just one of those “Let’s check this spot out” random choices. And guess what? It paid off this time 🙂
First up we find the Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)growing sporadically over the location searched. These orchids are found between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay.
Another orchid found throughout this location was the bright yellow Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementum). These small orchids are found from near to Perth to east of Esperance.
A 2nd species of yellow orchid is also found. The common Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) was expected but is always a surprise to find as well. This particular subspecies is the most widespread of the 4 names subspecies.
Who would have picked it, another yellow orchid is found in good numbers. The Twisted sun orchid (Thelymitra flexuosa) grows with sedges and low shrubs in moist places such as the edge of swamps. It is found between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay and is also found in southern Vic, south-eastern SA and Tas.
Also found at this location were more Esperance king spider orchids.
The discovery of the final orchid at this location was unexpected, as the area has not seen a recent burn. Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) typically flower following a summer fire however, rare specimens bloom without fire, which appears to be case in instance. Found between Shark Bay and Israelite Bay in WA and all Australian states except Qld and the NT.
Next stop is a new Coomalbidgup10 spot where the powerline gives easy access. Today, we encountered additional specimens of some previously identified orchids so I will post a picture of them to document their presence at this new location.
Red beaksPurple enamel orchidCowslipCommon bee orchid
New species for the day were also found. Firstly, came the Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa) which as the name suggests is found in a range between Bremer Bay and Cape Arid which includes Esperance.
A solitary Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta) was found. These small guys flower between Ongerup and Israelite Bay. Pics taken from different angles either highlight or diminish the blue colouring of the orchid flower.
And the final new species found at this new location was the bright Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera)which is found flowering between Shark and Israelite Bays.
We head further north up Neds Corner Road and make a random roadside stop at some low granite. On the West side of the road, it was covered in water but on the East side it was mainly dry. We found orchids on both sides of the road, though mostly the same as previously found today. Common bee orchids, Lemon-scented sun orchids and Cowslip orchids listed for recording purposes.
Common bee orchidCowslip orchidLemon-scented sun orchid
New species for today is found on the East side of the road. The Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima) is found flowering between Jerramungup and Israelite Bay.
A spent Jug orchid (Pterosylis recurva) was found as were some orchids yet to flower. Thelymitra, Microtis and possibly Prasophyllum orchids in bud and some leaves to tempt us. We move on but not too far of course 🙂
Microtis sp. in budThelymitra sp. in budJug orchidPrasophyllum sp. in bud ???Orchid leaves
Only a little way up the road will pull over at another random spot due to a change in vegetation cover. First up hiding underneath a shrub a compact clump of Western tiny blue orchids is found.
An exciting find here was a small patch of the Dwarf shell orchid (Pterostylis brevichila). These orchids are found flowering between Hyden and Mount Arid.
Another new orchid for today is found, from the Caladenia genus, which is always exciting. The Short-sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura)is another easterly located orchid, as it grows between Ravensthorpe and Israelite Bay.
The next orchids found are the small Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana) and the Frog greenhood (Pterostylis sargentii) which are found from Watheroo to Esperance and Mullewa to Grass Patch respectively.
Then some further Esperance white spider orchids and Small mantis orchids are found. As usual I will post a pic of each for recording purposes.
As we proceed, we take a moment to reflect on the discovery of 15 distinct species of orchids. With additional locations yet to be explored, this promises to be a highly successful orchid hunting expedition. As I compose these blog posts several months after the actual date, I am dividing this day into three reports. Stay tuned for Part II and III.
I have an RDO, and the grandkids are enjoying the last few days of school holidays, so why not give mum a break and spend the day with Grandad and Nana. So, we take them off on an afternoon orchid hunt of sorts. First up it’s time to play on the blue metal mounds in our first location, a bit north up the Coolgardie-Esperance Highway.
No orchids seen on the drive into and out of this location, so we move on to Mount Burdett where we take the kids on a mountain climb. Well calling this casual bush bash and granite rock ramble a mountain climb is a bit of a stretch, but it was a good workout, nonetheless. Plus, the bonus was finding some orchids.
Actually, the first orchid blew my mind, as it was a bunny orchid with 16 flowers in its inflorescence. For this location, the White bunny orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus subsp. dilatatus) or the Granite bunny orchid (Eriochilus pulchellus) are the most likely species to be encountered. Neither are listed with 16 flowers; however, the Granite bunny is listed as having up to 10, whilst the White bunny has up to 7 and in rare cases 10. I have posted pics onto iNaturalist Australia site for assistance in identifying the probable species.
At and near the summit of the hill we come across some other bunny orchids in flower. These orchids are growing on the granite, have fewer flowers and a thick stem, which leads me to name these one’s the Granite bunny orchid.
Before leaving the rock, we grab a couple of pics then head back down to the Triton where we have afternoon tea before for the drive home. On a roadside stop we find another bunny orchid, which I will not attempt to ID as I did not grab a photo of its leaf.
What better way to spend my RDO than in the company of my beautiful partner in crime Debbie and 2 of our gorgeous grandchildren, exploring for early season orchids. The amazing warm, sunny weather was the icing on the cake.
Well, I am writing this post more than 12mths after the actual event, so the details of each location are patchy at best however the photos of the orchids found are the true record, so not all is lost.
SPRINGDALE NATURE RESERVE
Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)
Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
White spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda)
Hybrid sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera x ?)
Wheatbelt spider orchid (Caladenia x cala)
Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementa)
Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera)
MUNGLINUP NATURE RESERVE
Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana)
Shy sun orchid (Thelymitra graminea)
Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava sp.)
Stark white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens)
Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)
Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementa)
Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)
EAST NAERNUP NATURE RESERVE
Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta)
Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)
Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima)
White spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda)
KUKENARUP MEMORIAL
Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea)
Common dragon orchid (Caladenia barbarossa)
Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)
?? Spider orchid (Caladenia sp.)
Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans)
Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera)
Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
White spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda)
Frog greenhood (Pterostylis sargentii)
Hybrid spider orchid (Caladenia x)
KUNDIP NATURE RESERVE
Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta)
Frog greenhood (Pterostylis sargentii)
Dwarf bird orchid (Pterostylis galgula)
JERDACUTTUP ROAD (NR WA43060)
Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta)
Dwarf bird orchid (Pterostylis galgula)
Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea)
JERDACUTTUP
Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana)
Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)
Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea)
Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima)
Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans)
Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media)
Well seems it was a very productive day, given the number of photos I had to choose from. It has also dawned on me that we actually went West to visit the Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show. The visit to the show was completed between the East Naernup Nature Reserve and Kukenarup Memorial locations.
