Today is the day that our Pub Crawl around the Southeast of WA commences. We head off in the Triton around 8.45 am and venture over to Nulsen to pick up our travelling companions for the adventure, Bob and Jan. First stop is at the Munglinup1 Roadhouse, where I take the time to have a very quick check for orchids.
8 species are found, which is quite unbelievable. First up, the reliable Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) is found. Next is a large white spider orchid, which, given its location, I will name the Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa). Thirdly is one of the smaller spider orchids from the Filamentosa complex. It is most likely the Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians). Next is the small Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana). The 5th orchid found is the Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera). A not fully opened Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) is found next. The 7th orchid for the day is the Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea). Final and 8th orchid for this location is the Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima).
We now move on to the lookout on Ethel Daw Drive in the Ravensthorpe shire. Only 2 species were found along the roadside. First up is the Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta),followed by the Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata).
Cyanicula apertaEricksonella saccharata
Moving back to Elverdton Road, we head west and pull into a new location I will name Ravensthorpe1. Walking along this dirt track, we locate 4 species, 1 new for the day. Found again were the Small mantis orchid, Sugar orchid and Western tiny blue orchid. The new species for the day is the Common dragon orchid (Caladenia barbarossa). Terrible pictures were taken, so I will include only 2.
Passing through Ravensthorpe, will pull into Kukernup Memorial to have lunch. After having a bite to eat, we all venture out to explore the walk trail. It was a great spot, as we found 9 orchid species in flower. First up is the Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva), Next, more Dancing spider orchids and Common dragon orchids are found. Also found again were more Small mantis orchids, Lemon-scented sun orchids, Cowslip orchids and Purple enamel orchids. Other new species found for the day are the Redbeak (Pyrorchis nigricans) and the Frog greenhood (Pterostylis sargentii).
We now backtrack to the road leading to Lake King and head north. Next stop is one of our all-time favourite places. Pallarup Rocks picnic area provides loads of places to explore for orchids. We are not disappointed with the species located. First up are the Sugar orchid, Cowslip orchid, Jug orchid, Purple enamel orchid, and Lemon-scented sun orchid, which were all found earlier today at prior locations.
New species found start with the Ant orchid (Caladenia roei), quickly followed by the closely related Short-sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura)and Purple-veined spider orchid (Caladenia doutchiae).
The next new species found for the day was the Pink candy orchid(Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea) together with its hybrid – Tinged spider orchid(Caladenia x suffusa). So, now to find the other possible parent of the hybrid. Due to the location, I believe the other parent to be the Pallarup white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. ‘Pallarup’). Luckily specimens are found.
Caladenia hirta subsp. roseaCaladenia x suffusaCaladenia longicauda subsp. ‘Pallarup’
Once up on the granite rock we come across some donkey orchids. I believe them to be the Yellow granite donkey orchid (Diuris hazeliae). I have posted images of 3 orchids as they may represent another species.
Diuris hazeliaeDiuris sp.Diuris sp.
A smaller whiteish spider orchid is found in various shades, however I feel they are all the Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia).
Do you agree they are all one species?
Also found a nice bunch of what appears to be another orchid species, possibly the Central wheatbelt spider orchid (Caladenia sp. ‘central wheatbelt’) however is outside of the recorded location.
Another frog greenhood is found however on closer inspection; it is actually a Little frog greenhood (Pterostylis occulta)due to the hairy narrow horn-like labellum structures. 2 pics posted to show this aspect as clearly as possible
Pterostylis occultaPterostylis occulta
Another new orchid for the day is the Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) which is found growing in shallow soil on the granite.
Other random hybrids are found during the search, and I will post them below for record keeping. Assigning parents is always difficult for hybrids especially between the Roei and Filamentosa complexes.
Unknown hybrid??Unknown hybridCaladenia doutchiae x hortistesPrasophyllum gracilePrasophyllum gracile
Well that is our final orchid stop for the day, so it is off to our first hotel stay. Night 1 is spent at the Newdegate Hotel. Checked out the Silo Art before settling in for the night.
Newdegate SilosNewdegate Hotel
23 species found with a possible 4 hybrids, plus a possible new species but outside its usual range.
Well, finding an orchid was an unexpected treat on the 4th day of an exploration trip with family. It was unexpected as the trip was a circuit from Esperance to Balladonia, south to Point Culver and west along the south coast to Israelite Bay, then back to Esperance along Fisheries Track/Road.
Whilst travelling slowly along the track from the beach to Israelite Bay, we spy a White bunny orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus) sticking out of the undergrowth. Unsure of the exact subspecies, as they keep changing the naming guidelines; the White bunny orchids are recorded as being found in Israelite Bay during April and May, so it all fits.
After a restful night at the Deralinya Homestead campground, we enjoy a peaceful breakfast. We then quickly pack up camp and head off on the track to Mount Coobaninya. But, after less than 2kms we turn back due to many trees fallen on the track. It seems the strong winds we encountered on the Nullarbor hit here with impact.
Back at the Homestead we pull up at the granite rock that forms the catchment for the dam and go for an orchid exploration. Sun orchids are found with some actually open so we can record their finding. They appear to be the Granite sun orchid (Thelymitra petrophila) which is found flowering from August to November. They occur from Mullewa out to Israelite Bay which is southeast of here.
So many Sun orchids found both flowering and still in bud. The other orchid found was the Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) which are found between Shark Bay and the Great Australian Bight. These ones are not as far gone as the ones found yesterday.
We have a quick look at the homestead as the occupants had left for the morning. It was very interesting to see. The Heritage Council of WA has this recorded on it’s website : The well constructed buildings of local materials were built by a well known character of the area. George Burns Scott was a pioneer with a dam sinking plant who liked building and establishing stations and then moving on. The painter, A E Baesjou. lived there for some years as a little girl. The property was used as an outstation to Balladonia until 1936 when the roofs were removed. The last load of wool was taken out in 1920. Cattle were run there until 1936.
Moving further south we next stop at Breeboorinia Rock. The occupants from Deralinya Homestead cleared the track into here of fallen trees this same morning. This was opportune for us. Upon exploring the rock, we first come across the Granite sun orchid. Only 2 good specimens found with pics taken for recording purposes.
The Desert mignonette orchid (Microtis eremicola)was also found growing on the granite. As these orchids flower during September and October only a couple of newly flowering orchids were located. As the common name suggests, these orchids are found in a drier part of the state. Their recorded range is between Hyden and Balladonia.
Then in a bushy patch Deb comes across what appears to be very pale Cowslips. Upon closer inspection, I believe them to be the hybrid known as Dusky fairy orchid (Caladenia x erminea). This is due to the yellow/white colouring. It is also because of the hairs on the underside of the sepals. They are listed as occurring between Esperance and Perth during September through November.
One of the parents to the hybrid was also found in the thick scrub of the granite depression. The Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)was growing in an isolated group. They were very bright yellow in colour, in comparison to the hybrids.
We quickly check out the dam at the base of the rock. It is covered in wattle pollen, giving it a yellow tinge.
Breeboorinia Rock DamWattle Pollen covers the water
We make our way back to the Triton. On our way out we noticed the colour yellow in the surrounding grasses. Upon closer inspection, it is the Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera). This orchid is found flowering from Shark Bay to Israelite Bay during the months July through October.
We now head off and come to the beginning of the farms. In the middle of the farms is Clyde Hill Nature Reserve. Here we pull up and go for an exploration as this is our first visit to this reserve. Well, this proves to be a great location for orchids at this time of the season. Whilst walking along the track into the granite hill, we first come across a solitary Midget greenhood (Pterostylis mutica). A cobweb holds it prisoner.
Then another new orchid for the day is found. Pics of the various ones found in this location will be shown together to reduce the size of this post. The Short-sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura)flowers in August and September from Jerramungup to Israelite Bay.
Next up we find both the Lemon-scented sun orchid and Granite Sun orchid flowering. These 2 orchids are recorded as being the parents to an Un-named hybrid orchid ( Thelymitra antennifera x petrophila). Amazingly we find one of these in flower as well. I will post pics of all 3 orchids.
Another new orchid for the day is found. The Granite mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. effusa) flowers from August to early October between Peak Charles and Balladonia. The distinctive feature is the slightly upcurved lateral sepals. The related and possibly co-occurring Small mantis orchid has prominently upcurved lateral sepals.
Of course, we also come across the ever-faithful Cowslip orchid. These are found in most locations where orchids flower between Northampton and Israelite Bay. They can be found as early as July right through to December.
Next up is another new orchid for the day. The Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia) are found from August to December between Kalbarri to Israelite Bay. The bright pink colour stood out from the surrounding greens and browns.
Well, we must keep moving so back to the Triton we go and southwards along Parmango road we head. Along the roadside we come to a spot that appears to have had a summer burn go through. We stop for an exploration. Glad we did as we did as we soon come across the Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis). Actually, we end up finding loads in this spot which was amazing. These unique orchids flower from August to November, between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay.
As we had expected we came across Red Beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) flowering. These orchids usually only flower after a summer fire the season before. But it is possible to find the odd one flowering without a fire.
Also discovered the large Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora) which flowers from mid-August to October between Bremer Bay and Cape Arid.
Another similar coloured orchid is also found. The Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea) flowers August to early-October between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay.
An inconspicuous orchid is found in the early stages of development. The Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media) is found flowering from September to January between Shark Bay and Eyre.
A surprising find was a solitary Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians) in flower. These orchids are found flowering from July to mid-October between Kalbarri and Esperance.
But the best find so far is the Custard orchid (Thelymitra villosa). This was not an expected find at all, so we were shocked in a good way. These orchids are found between Northampton and Esperance flowering over spring.
Two other orchids already found today were also found at this location. Cowslip orchid and Lemon-scented sun orchid just added to the yellow of the Custard orchid. Time to move on to the next location.
We arrive at Beaumont Nature Reserve, park up and head off exploring. Orchids that were recorded earlier today are also found at this location. They are captured in pictures below as a record of where they are found.
New orchids for the day were also found at this location. First up is the Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana) which flowers from August to early-November between Lancelin and Esperance.
Another yellow orchid is found. This time it is the Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementum). It flowers from August to early-October between Wongan Hills and Israelite Bay.
Another pink orchid is found. No not another fairy but a Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea). These orchids flower from late-June to September between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay.
Also found some very pale Pink fairies so just had to share some pics of them. Do not believe they are a hybrid or lutea/hypochromic.
The we come across some donkey orchids. Two different species it seems. Firstly, the distinctive Beautiful donkey orchid (Diuris pulchella) is found. Then a South coast donkey orchid (Diuris brockmanii) is found. The difference in colouring is the major deciding feature.
Next, we come across some of the larger white spider orchids. Based on the location only, I will name one the Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa). As the name suggests they occur both west and east of Esperance. However, the other has a very different labellum with shorter fringe segments. I feel this one is the Reclining spider orchid (Caladenia cruscula). It occurs between Salmon Gums and Mt Ragged.
We are amazed to stumble across a large number of hybrids. The parents must be the Pink fairies and Cowslips which we have found at this location. The orchid is therefore the named hybrid Spectacular spider orchid (Caladenia x spectabilis). They do vary in colour quite a bit though. Although the hybrid between Cowslips and the Little pink fairy is very similar. One of the pics below seems quite different to the others. A firm ID may be harder to pin down.
As it’s around 4pm, we decide to move on to our final location. We wish to check if the Bird orchids have flowered yet in the Condingup area. We are excited to find them in flower. The Bearded bird orchid (Pterostylis turfosa) is a southern species found from Bunbury to Israelite Bay, flowering in spring.
Time to head home to Esperance. It has been an amazing last day of our 2023 road trip. So many orchids found, which makes up for the days in the desert. So, our adventure ends. Life is wonderful when spent doing what you love.
Well after travelling the Anne Beadell Highway from Laverton to Coober Pedy then returning to WA via the Nullarbor Plain, we part ways with Richard, Noel and Sandy at Cocklebiddy. They are heading straight back home, whilst Deb and I wish to take our time before arriving home. We book into the motel for the night as it is blowing it’s arse off.
14/9/2023 ….. We wake up to a much better day and head west, exploring along the way. We check out Murra El Elevyn Cave, Caiguna Blowhole and drive the iconic 90-mile Straight section of the highway. We grab lunch at Balladonia Roadhouse before heading south down Balladonia Road.
Nuytsland Nature ReserveMurra El Elevyn Cave90 Mile StraightCaiguna BlowholeBalladonia Roadhouse
Balladonia Road is unsealed and is quite rough in patches, so we take it easy as we lookout for possible orchid hunting stops.
We pull into a spot signed as GALGALANGANYA : Aboriginal Cultural Heritage (ACH) Register Place 1634. This area is listed as Artefacts / Scatter; Camp; Water Source. It is here that we find some spent Little laughing leek orchids (Prasophyllum gracile), which indicates we have returned after some 20 days to our beloved orchids. Luckily after a thorough search we come across one orchid that is still in flower.
Fertilized flowersShrivelled specimenOne still hanging in there
Heading further south we cross from the Shire of Dundas into our home shire, the Shire of Esperance. A little further on we pull over to make a cuppa before continuing on to another area of granite, called Coragina Rock.
Our home shireBoiling the billyCoragina Rock
Another thorough search is made with more Little laughing leek orchids being found. Then Debbie finds a solitary Granite sun orchid (Thelymitra petrophila) growing in the twigs of a bush. This orchid has 3 barely opened flowers which fits with the recorded flowering months of September and October.
Fertilised flowewrsSingle tubular leafFinished, blooming and buds all in one plantGrowing through twigs of shrub
Finding the Sun orchid was exciting; but we must move onward so we can reach our planned destination for the night, Deralinya Homestead, before dark. We veer into Parmango Road, a shire-maintained road as Balladonia Road now becomes a 4WD track. Upon arrival at the homestead, we follow the signs to the campground down behind the dam. Here we set up and get a campfire going, before I head off on a small exploration of the surrounding scrub. The only sign of orchids were the many small sun orchids in bud. So only 2 species found in flower today but let us enjoy our last night under the stars and we will see what tomorrow brings.
Deralinya Homestead campgroundHomestead seen from campgroundOur last sunset of this tripOur last campfire of this trip
Well, it has finally arrived. The day we head off on our 2023 road trip. This year will be a little different as we will be travelling from Laverton in the eastern goldfields to Coober Pedy in South Australia. As we will be travelling the more remote desert areas, orchids will not play a part of this adventure other than in the first few and last few days of our adventure.
Heading north from Esperance we make at stop at Bromus Dam where we check out McPherson Rock. We are amazed to find 5 different orchid species in flower on and around the rock plus an extra species on the track back to the dam.
Yellow granite donkey orchid
(Diuris hazeliae)
Hairy-stemmed snail orchid
(Pterostylis setulosa)
Cowslip orchid
(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Sugar orchid
(Ericksonella saccharata)
Western wispy spider orchid
(Caladenia microchila)
Midget greenhood
(Pterostylis mutica)
We move on further north and head west at Norseman to Disappointment Rock, where we set up our overnight camp. After we had collected firewood and started the fire, I climbed up the rock and found some orchids as the sun was setting.
Yellow granite donkey orchid
(Diuris hazeliae)
Hairy-stemmed snail orchid
(Pterostylis setulosa)
26/08/2023 ….. 2023 Road Trip Day 2
After a good night’s sleep in our Cot Tent, we enjoy breakfast before heading north. We arrive at the Victoria Rock Nature Reserve where we will have a bite to eat for lunch, then go exploring the rock for some orchids.
Hairy-stemmed snail orchid
(Pterostylis setulosa)
Ant orchid
(Caladenia roei)
Granite sun orchid
(Thelymitra petrophila)
Yellow granite donkey orchid
(Diuris hazeliae)
Sugar orchid
(Ericksonella saccharata)
Dainty blue orchid
(Cyanicula amplexans)
Now it is time to move north to catch up with Richard, Sandy and Noel, who will be our travel buddies for the next few weeks. We say goodbye to our beloved orchids until we return to WA in September.
After making and eating our complimentary breakfast, we pack up the Triton on a beautiful sunny winters morning and make tracks towards home. Overall, we enjoyed our stay at the Newdegate Hotel, plus it was great value for money.
About 15kms into our drive we make our first stop and check out the verge vegetation which is quite wide at the section of the road. As has proven common over this last week or so the first orchids found are the greenhoods. However, this time they appear to be another species due to the brown colouring. I feel they are all the Mallee banded greenhood (Pterostylis arbuscula)which is listed as having either brown and white or green and white flowers, is of short stature and has no more that 5 flowers per plant. The location is within their listed range, and they flower during June and July.
Orchids from the Pterostylis genus are the only other orchids found at this location. First up is an almost open Jug orchid (P. recurva) followed by an almost open Frog greenhood (P. sargentii). Then a sole Robust snail orchid (Pterostylis dilatata) is found flowering. These orchids are widespread from Northampton to Toolinna. The lack of a rosette on flowering plants is a distinctive feature.
Nothing more, other than Red Beak leaves and some Caladenia leaves, so we move further along the road before making another roadside stop.
The next stop is also just another patch of pterostylis orchids. The greenhoods this time appear to be the Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea) which are consistently brown and white in colour, have more flowers per plant and are taller in stature than P. arbuscula. However, on closer inspection of my photos I think some of them may be P. arbuscula as they have green/brown and white flowers and 10 or less cauline leaves. What are your thoughts?
More Frog greenhoods (Pterostylis sargentii) are also found however excitedly some of these ones a fully formed. These are the earlier flowering of the 2 species, and I was able to get some good pics of the fleshy, glabrous horn-like structures on the labellum, which are distinctive features.
Only thing else found was a nice patch of Sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.) leaves and a single red backed Pink fairy leaf? So onward we go to Lake King where we make a toilet stop, before heading out to Frank Hahn National Park. Here we visit Lillian Rock where we eat lunch before exploring the rock area. Only sign of orchids here were also a patch of leaves, identification of which I will not attempt. Disappointedly we leave here and move south down Cascade Road then right onto West Point Road and left onto Melaleuca Road. Past River Road intersection we make a roadside stop and still no orchids. A 2nd roadside stop at different looking habitat still turns up nothing, so we make a beeline for a known orchid location.
?? sun orchid leavesLittle Pink fairy leaf??Lake King pit stopFrank Hahn N.P.?? Caladenia sp. leaves
We arrive at one of our favourite and reliable locations on Mills Road. Here we immediately spy the bright yellow donkey orchids. They are found over the entire area we walk around which is quite amazing. Identifying them is difficult as 2 very similar species are listed as occurring in the Ravensthorpe shire and this location is only 20km from the coast. The possible species are the Green Range donkey orchid (Diuris littoralis) and the South coast donkey orchid (Diuris brockmanii). Heights range from 180/150mm to 300mm and flowering season – Jul/Jun to Sep/Aug respectively, which adds to ID confusion. Seems size of the flower may assist with ID so I may need to take photos with tape measure in view to assist with this next time.
Only other orchids found here were further greenhoods and snails. The greenhoods are darker in colour so again may be either P. sanguinea or P. arbuscula. Please assist in the ID if you can. The snails though appear to be the Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis setulosa) a common inland species, which is extremely variable in appearance.
From here we head into Munglinup townsite where I check out a vacant block while Deb fills up the Triton with diesel. More donkey orchids are found, plus some Caladenia sp. leaves with one in bud. However, the exciting find was a small orchid I nearly stepped on whilst walking over to Deb, who had driven down to pick me up. A lone tiny Pink bunny orchid (Eriochilus scaber subsp. scaber) was found. This was surprising as this spot had not been recently burnt and over previous visits they had not been found. These small orchids only grow to a maximum height of 150mm; however, this specimen would have been only 30mm. Nearby a patch of 5 in flower was found with one in particular being a much stronger pink in colour. It would have been great to explore a bit more, but it is nearly 4pm so onwards we go.
From Munglinup we travel east to Coomalbidgup where we check out a burnt-out area. We are knocked over by the patches of Pink bunny orchids found. However other than these the only other flowering orchid found was a poor but recognisable Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata), as well as Red beaks in bud and Caladenia sp. leaves.
Well, we have finally reached the end of our time away and make tracks back to Esperance. Unfortunately, we did not find the elusive Queen of Sheba orchid in flower but may have found it in bud, which is exciting. It will take another trip in another season to locate a flowering specimen. The masses of Pink bunny orchids though were a definite orchid highlight of the trip. Whilst the Lights in Kings Park, revisiting The Gap in Albany and just spending a relaxing time away with my beautiful wife were the non-orchid highlights.
Today we go on our planned quest to find the elusive Queen of Sheba orchid which has been recorded from Gull Rock National Park by many people in the Western Australian Native Orchids Facebook group. We may be too early however as the one around Albany is recorded as flowering from August, so fingers crossed. First off, we head down Ledge Beach Rd and check out the beach. From here we walk around the parking area, and it is here we find our first orchids for the day. Just for a change, NOT, our first orchid found is the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata).
Ledge BeachBanded greenhood
Then some other Pterostylis orchids are found. These small snail orchids could be the Coastal short-eared snail orchid (Pterostylis actites) given the short backswept lateral sepals. They are recorded as occurring from Capel to Duke of Orleans Bay and flower from July to September. The rosette has 4 to 7 leaves, and they stand up to 100mm in height.
Another exciting find here was a further patch of the Common helmet orchid (Corysanthes recurva) hiding under an overhanging shrub. Harder to get a clear shot but tried my best. These orchids are found between Mandurah and Albany and flower from June to September.
We now decide to head off on the Mount Martin walk trail which starts from the Ledge beach carpark which is in the National Park however the majority of the walk trail is in the Mount Martin Botanical Reserve. We do not do the entire trail, so I have attached a snip showing approximately where we walked. Arrows show direction and X marks turnaround spots. First orchids found on the walk were further Banded greenhoodstogether with Slipper orchid leaves and a Redbeak leaf.
Then we nearly step on those things we have come to find. We find very small spiral leaved orchids in bud. A few patches found however none were in flower. Oh well they may be the Queens or possibly just some Curly Locks. We now know to come early August for a better chance of finding them in bloom. Pics taken as proof of the find.
Orchids may be few and far between however the coastal views and other wildflowers make up for it.
We are heading down toward Coal Basket Bay when at a patch of granite, we find some Autumn Leek orchids (Prasophyllum parvifolium)in flower. These orchids flower over the winter months, so the common name seems a bit off.
It is here we turn around as the track is getting rather steep and as orchids are so rare we decide we need to get back to check out other areas of the National Park. At another granite location possibly called Mount Eileen Lookout we find more Banded greenhoods and a nice patch of spent Mosquito orchids.
At the next little patch of granite crossed we are excited to find the Pink bunny orchid (Eriochilus scaber subsp. scaber) flowering. These small orchids are found during the months of July to September and are usually found the season after a summer bushfire. Without a summer fire they are flowering much more rarely.
Upon arriving back at the carpark, we make tracks for Ledge Point Road and checked out Gull Rock Beach carpark. Seemed more peppermint trees around with no picnic table so we again had a tailgate lunch. A quick check whilst eating turned up some snail orchids. These ones however have long thin lateral sepals so are a different species to those found earlier today. Possible ID – Brittle snail orchid (Pterostylis timothyi) or Slender snail orchid (Pterostylis crispula). Both have long lateral sepals, flared petals and flower from July. P.timothyi though is not recorded as being found in the Albany shire, however it is the shorter of the two and has fewer cauline leaves, so I am confused. Any help in the ID would be appreciated.
Now to check out some other spots in the National Park. We pull over at a gate off of Gull Rock Road and go for a hike up the track. The track goes through some differing habitats but unfortunately, we only find a few Banded greenhoods flowering.
Further along the road we get excited to actually find a common orchid but one we had not seen so far today. The Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) is recorded as flowering from August, so we were lucky to find an early twin. Another single specimen was found together with another beautiful Scarlet banksia surrounded by blue flowers.
It was at this sole Jug orchid where we took a very overgrown track into the bush as it provided a much easier pathway off the road. We arrived at a sort of clearing with quite large boulders and pushed up mounds of dirt. It is around this disturbance that we find a few Autumn leek orchids in flower.
Well, that is the last of our orchid finds for today! Back in Albany we have the hard task of where to go for dinner. We decide to try out Little Italy in York Street and enjoy some beautiful pasta.
Today we have decided to head up to The Porongurups to see if we could find the Helmet orchids that we found on a previous visit a few years back. So, we head up Chester Pass Road but as usual we make a stop in a possible orchid location. Napier Hall is surrounded by bush, so we pull up to the gate and make our way on foot to explore the bush surrounding the cleared area that the hall is located on. Unbelievably we only find a solitary Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) in flower.
No need to hang around here so we quickly check out the Yoorlarup Napier Creek parking area but decide we stand a better chance finding orchids in the National Park, so we continue along. We finally make it to the Porongurup National Park and make our way to Castle Rock parking area. First up we decide to walk along the smaller Walitj Meil Walk Trail which is only 1km in length. We find some kangaroos resting but alas no orchids. So back to the Triton where we grab out our lunch. We find a picnic table to have a restful lunch, before the bigger walk to Castle Rock.
OK so now for the longer trek up to Castle Rock where the Granite Skywalk is located. It was along this track we first found the Common helmet orchid, a few years back. We were not to be so lucky this time round unfortunately. All we found were leaves of orchids yet to flower. Oh well back we go to the Triton and move on to the next location.
We leave the National Park and head out to the Twin Creeks Conservation Reserve to try our luck. Well, we were not expecting the place to be so flooded. We were unable to walk along any of the trails so we just had a look around where we could. Only one species was found flowering. The Banded greenhood was found all over with only Redbeak and Slipper orchid leaves breaking up the monopoly.
We leave a bit disappointed however notice a sign at the gate which mentions a Gondwana Link Sculpture is close by, so we make a beeline to check it out. It was an amazing piece of art, just placed in the middle of a paddock.
Pics taken we make our way back to Albany. Tonight, we go out for dinner to Rustlers Steakhouse & Grill on Stirling Terrace. This was another enjoyable way to end a great day out in the great outdoors. Orchids not so great but you get that this early into the season.
We enjoy a leisurely breakfast with brother Geoff and Robyn before heading down to Dwellingup Cemetery to pay our respects to our dearly departed family. In the parking area alongside the cemetery, we find some banded greenhoods. Appears to be two species. The very tall specimen appears to be the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata), whilst the dark brown coloured one is likely the Cupped banded greenhood (Pterostylis concava). The cupped lateral sepals I feel assist with this identification.
Moving on towards Quindanning we pull into the Quindanning Forest on the Pinjarra-Williams Road and have a quick look in the bush. As we are still within the Jarrah Forest, albeit the eastern boundary, we find the same two species of greenhoods. Some of the brown coloured may be another species but I will leave the positive ID to another day. Posting on iNaturalist for assistance.
Again, we move on, but we decide not to go as far as Williams. Instead, we turn south down the Williams-Darkan road and make our next stop at Culbin Nature Reserve. This reserve appears to contain the original Culbin school reserve which is recorded as being 5 acres. A plaque has been erected confirming the previous existence of the school. We decide to check out the reserve in the fairly cleared areas and find more Banded greenhoods (P. vittata). We were just about to resign ourselves to the fact that greenhoods will be all we find today, when we stumble across some recognisable Hare orchids (Leporella fimbriata) still in flower. Small mercies!!
Further along the Willams-Darkan Road we pull over at a gravelly area with large gum trees in the hope this change in habitat will provide something different for the day. Not to be, only a sole specimen was found of the Cupped banded greenhood. Pics taken for recording purposes.
We make it to Darkan and have a quick look around. Nothing much here so onwards we go. South of Darkan we pull into Towerringing Lake which has an amazing private campground/caravan park on the lakes edge. Maybe for another time. We grab a snack from our supplies as we plan on getting lunch at the Kojonup Country Kitchen. We enjoy a toasted sandwich each before the final leg of today’s drive, to Albany. Here we check into our accommodation and decide to have dinner at restaurant recommended by our B&B host. The Chanya Thai is a nice hidden gem down at the harbour below Stirling Terrace. Here Deb enjoyed a beautiful Prawn dish, and I had a nice Thai curry. A great way to end a long but enjoyable day.
Towerringing Lake day use area Beautiful prawn dish
