Sunday Drive

Slim Pickings on a Sunny Day: Orchid Hunting Adventures

Mount Burdett NR, Nature Reserves, Sunday Drive, Western Australian Orchids

19/05/2024

It’s past midway of May so we anticipate some other orchids are starting to show themselves. So, northeast of Esperance we head with our first stop being one of our usual haunts in Neridup1.


The only orchid found during a quick sweep of the location was the Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata).

They are a very distinctive orchid with thin upright petals that appear to be ears and a prominently fringed labellum.

Flowering: March – June
Distribution: Shark Bay to Israelite Bay

Moving on towards our planned destination we pull into a track on a whim and have a quick look around.2 Not much found here either.

First up we find the Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis), however they are finished for the season. Pics taken for recording purposes only.

Flowering: March – May
Distribution: Corrigin to Eucla

Then we come across the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) which is the most common of the greenhood orchids.

Flowering: April – September
Distribution: Perth to Israelite Bay

Then a small greenhood orchid is found that is just sprouting its first flower. From the colouring and size, I believe it will be the Mallee banded greenhood (Pterostylis arbuscula).

Flowering: June – July
Distribution: Dalwallinu to Eyre Bird Observatory

Next, we move onto our planned destination, Mount Burdett, which is also located in the Mt Burdett Nature Reserve. We enjoy a late bite to eat for lunch before starting our search.

On the granite rock we locate some bunny orchids growing. By referring to the latest book by Andrew Brown I ID them as the Eastern granite bunny orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus subsp. “eastern granites”).

Flowering: April and May
Distribution: Esperance to Balladonia

Then around the back of the rock I discover the sole Hare orchid growing. Last year there were more but not today 🙁

Well not such a productive day, however it is always wonderful to get out on a beautiful sunny winters day.

Early Season Orchid Hunting Around Esperance

Nature Reserves, Red Lake Townsite NR, Sunday Drive, Western Australian Orchids

14/04/2024

Home alone for the weekend, so of course I head out looking for some early season orchids. Heading north out of Esperance I first pull into one of our regular haunts.
To my dismay, it appears the track we used to check along is in fact a fire break. It had been re-cleared, though unfortunately a little wider this time. Thus, it cleared away the vegetation where we had previously found orchids.
I decided to expand my search in the location. I included the other side of a Salt Lake. I was excited to find some orchids over the entire search area.

The first orchid found was of the Eriochilus genus.
Due to the wavy edged leaf, I believe they are the Blunt-leaved bunny orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus subsp. brevifolius).

These orchids are listed as being found between the Murchison River and Toolinna Cove.

Flowering during the months of April, May and June.

Two specimens of the Leafless orchid (Praecoxanthus aphyllus) were found in the newly explored area past the Salt Lake.

The orchids are listed as occurring between Perth and Condingup.

Flowering during the months of March, April and May.

The common name is actually incorrect. The flowering orchids do have a leaf. However, it is minuscule (Minute bract only) when compared to the non-flowering leaf. Plus, it occurs at the very base of the flowering stem.

A farmer on a quad bike with his two dogs approached me. It appears I have been looking for orchids on his property. After discovering I was not a lost tourist, he was quite happy for me to stay.

I however decide to head back, taking one last hunt for any orchids in the old location.



Woohoo, I find one lone Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata) growing in the shrubs alongside the newly cleared fire break.

These orchids are listed as being found between Shark Bay and Israelite Bay.

Flowering during the months of March, April, May and June.

I decide to head further north to the Red Lake Townsite Nature Reserve. This is a known location for the 4th early season orchid I am chasing today.

As luck would have it after walking along the track for quite a while, I finally find the Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis).

The orchids are listed as occurring between Corrigin and Eucla.

Flowering during the months of March, April and May.

I finish the day a happy Chappy as I managed to find 4 of the early season orchids flowering.
Each species was from a different genus:
Eriochilus,
Praecoxanthus,
Leporella,
Corunastylis.

20/08/2023 ….. Southern Curly-Locks and Pink Bunny Orchid | Orchid Discovery West of Esperance

List of Orchids Found, Sunday Drive, Western Australian Orchids

Earlier this month we ventured east of Esperance, so today we have decided to try the west side of Esperance. It is a few weeks later into the orchid season in Western Australia so we are hopeful of finding many orchids in flower.
First up we check out a recently burnt section of bush near Coomalbidgup. We find so many orchids here that it is over 1hr later before we move on.

Esperance King Spider Orchid

(Caladenia decora)

Cowslip orchid

(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)

Blue beard

(Pheladenia deformis)

Pink bunny orchid

(Eriochilus scaber subsp. scaber)

Pink fairies

(Caladenia latifolia)

Spectacular spider orchid

(Caladenia x spectabilis)

Parents: C. flava / C. latifolia

Lort River snail orchid

(Pterostylis lortensis)

Small rosette 12-36mm across

Banded greenhood

(Pterostylis vittata)

Moving on we head west and call into an area, that had also been recently burnt, along the South Coast Hwy, near Neds Corner Road. At the first spot chosen we ventured far and wide and came across orchids in large colonies as well as isolated individuals. We found some species which were found at the Coomalbidgup location as well as some new species for the day.

Pink bunny orchid

(Eriochilus scaber subsp.scaber)

Reaching spider orchid

(Caladenia arrecta)

Red Beaks

(Pyrorchis nigricans)

Green Range donkey orchid

(Diuris littoralis)

Blue beard

(Pheladenia deformis)

Little pink fairy

(Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans)

Banded greenhood

(Pterostylis vittata)

We now move along the highway a bit further westward and pull into a firebreak track. It gets a little boggy, so we don’t venture in far by car, so again go exploring the area on foot. Similar species found with another 2 new for the day.

Little pink fairy

(Caladenia reptans subsp.reptans)

Pink bunny orchid

(Eriochilus scaber subsp. scaber)

I just had to post this picture

Blue beard

(Pheladenia deformis)

Western tiny blue orchid

(Cyanicula aperta)

Red beaks

(Pyrorchis nigricans)

Bee orchid

(Diuris laxiflora)

Reaching spider orchid

(Caladenia arrecta)

Further west we pull into Munglinup Roadhouse and whilst Deb grabs lunch I go for a wander. After eating our wonderful burgers another nearby location is checked by us both. Orchids found at both spots which is rewarding.

South coast donkey orchid

(Diuris brockmanii)

Cowslip orchid

(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)

Pink bunny orchid

(Eriochilus scaber subsp. scaber)

Stark white spider orchid

(Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens)

Leaving Munglinup we head southeast to Springdale Nature Reserve. A quick inspection of this location turns up more orchids, including a new species for the day.

South coast donkey orchid

(Diuris brockmanii)

Southern curly-locks

(Thelymitra uliginosa)

Pink bunny orchid

(Thelymitra uliginosa)

So, it turned out to be a great Sunday drive where we discovered at least 16 species of orchid. A first for us west of Esperance was the Southern curly-locks, which we have only found east of Esperance previously. Finding the small Pink bunny orchid at numerous locations was our highlight of the day.

06/08/2023 ….. Discovering a Diverse Array of Orchids in East Esperance: A Photographic Journey

Condingup Water Reserve, Other Reserves, Sunday Drive, Western Australian Orchids

After one week back at work we need to get out exploring, so as it’s Sunday we head East to Condingup to see if our Curly locks are flowering. At our townsite location we head to the location I had recorded in my Australian Geology Travel Maps app and we locate one in flower.
The Southern curly-locks (Thelymitra uliginosa) is known to occur from Busselton to Esperance, flowering during August and September. It is distinguished by its spiral leaf and the more purple-coloured flowers, rather than the pinkish colour of the other curly locks species.

Further afield we stumble across the Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea) which is a distinctive spider orchid having forward projecting lateral sepals and a very broad labellum with long fringe segments. They flower between Israelite Bay and Kalbarri during late Autumn to mid Spring.

Another spider orchid found in greater numbers was the Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians) which as the name suggests has a large range from Kalbarri to East of Esperance, similar the C. discoidea mentioned previously. It flowers over a slightly longer season, July to mid-October and as its Latin name suggests is variable in appearance over its extended range.

There was a single spider orchid that has had the tips nibbled off its sepals and petals, so I initially was leaving it out of this post, however after posting it on iNaturalist it appears it is the Cream spider orchid (Caladenia horistes) which occurs between the Fitzgerald River N.P and Balladonia, flowering from August to early-October.

Other orchids found were either at the end of their season or just starting. Those ending were the Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata) and the Scented autumn leek orchid (Prasophyllum sp. ‘early’) and the Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) was just starting. Flowering seasons are March to June, April to June and August to October respectively.

We now move onto our next location, Condingup Peak (Mud Map SE39) which is located in the Condingup Water Reserve. Here we find the small Fawn snail orchid (Pterostylis parva) growing in the moss on or near the granite rocks. These little orchids are found between Albany and Eyre from June to early August and are distinguished by their tiny rosette of stalked leaves, diminutive size and they become reddish with age.

The only other orchid flowering up on the peak was the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) which is found between Perth and Israelite Bay over a longer season that most other orchids, being late April through to early September.

From here we head out to our Parmango Road locations. First up we are knocked over by the number of curly locks found in flower at a patch we had not found them before. Last year we found spiral leaves so were hopeful of finding one in flower, but we found multiple. These ones included one that was pinkish in colour though it still had the usual stripes to the petals and sepals. It is possibly the Curly-locks (Thelymitra spiralis) which is also found east of Esperance during the months of August and September. The species is recorded as having pale pink petals and sepals which are unblotched.

Two others were found with blotches to the markings which may distinguish them to be the related Eastern curly-locks (Thelymitra maculata) which is also known as the Spotted curly-locks, which fits the look. They flower slightly earlier than the Southern species, however, are recorded only as far east as Ongerup, some 375km to the west of our location. Posted on iNaturalist and in the Western Australian Native Orchids FB group for assistance in identification. The responses were mixed so I will leave the ID as tentative.

Walking back to the Triton we stumble across a better Jug orchid specimen and a couple of Curly-lock pairs which may or may not be different species, due to different colouring. But the surprise find here was a good number of more Common spider orchids in flower.

Back in the Triton we move onto another location along Parmango Road where we spy more orchids. We find many orchids on the longish walk so I will group them together in species rather than chronologically. Firstly, more Southern curly-locks are found, with some showing the different shadings to the alternate petal/sepal/labellum.

Next are spider orchids from the Caladenia filamentosa complex. Telling the correct species from one another is difficult within this complex. The Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians) is the most likely to be found however the Cream spider orchid (Caladenia horistes) is another possibility as is the Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila) with all being recorded as being found this far east. You be the judge.

A change in colour is a welcome surprise. The bright yellow Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementum) is found between Wongan Hills and Israelite Bay from Aug through to October. The early flowering period is the easiest way to distinguish it from the Bee orchid (D. laxiflora) which also occurs in the same locale but does not flower until September.

A solitary Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa) is found along the track. These large orchids are found between Bremer Bay and Israelite Bay from August to October.

Another solitary orchid found appears to be a Green Range donkey orchid (Diuris littoralis) which flowers between Denmark and Esperance during July to early September. The only other possibility is the South coast donkey orchid (Diuris brockmanii) which occurs over a similar range but flowers earlier, June to early August. I will leave the positive ID to those more qualified than I.

Unsure why we are finding solo specimens, but the Bluebeard (Pheladenia deformis) is also found all by itself. This is a tiny specimen but is a nice discovery, nonetheless. This is a widespread species, ranging from Murchison River to Israelite Bay in WA, as well as being found in other states.

Leaving Parmango Road we head southwest to a granite outcrop at the Cape le Grand National Park turnoff on Merivale Road. Here we find lots of Bluebeard orchids which is nice, however it was exciting to find a new species for the day. The small Mosquito orchid (Cyrtostylis robusta) is found by searching under bushes for the distinctive round ground hugging leaf. Once you find the leaves you then take a closer look and luckily for us today, we find some in flower. These orchids flower between Perth and Israelite Bay from June to August.

Final orchid of the day is a small snail orchid. Bases on location, size and colouring I will be naming this species as the Fawn snail orchid which was found earlier today at Condingup Peak.

The east of Esperance rarely disappoints and today was no exception. At least 14 species found.

02/07/2023 ….. Sharing the Orchid Fever

Beaumont NR, Condingup Water Reserve, Sunday Drive, Western Australian Orchids

Today we plan to catch up with 2 fellow native orchid enthusiasts out at Condingup, which is 69kms or so East of Esperance. We arrive at the townsite location, park up the Triton, then head off on our search, whilst we await the others. As it turns out Kath will be arriving a bit later, so we only meet up with Varena at this location.

After exploring for a while, we finally meet Varena and compare notes from our current and previous visits to this location. We do appear to have found the same species with some possible variation.

Some early season species are found still hanging in there. The Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata) is still recognisable even though it commences flowering back in March, with June listed as its final flowering month. Another early season orchid is the Scented Autumn leek orchid (Prasophyllum sp. ‘early’) which flowers from April through to July. The final orchid found here was a Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) which flowers from late April to September. We were successful in finding some Curly locks in bud; however, we could not find any King-In-his-Carriage orchid leaves or buds. Maybe we will get a chance to revisit later in the season.

Moving on to Condingup Peak (Mud Map SE39) for a quick check. Nothing found other than a very worse for wear Hare orchid. Kath pulls up just as we were leaving, so we make tracks for the Parmango Road location to have a quick bite to eat for lunch, before we take them on the trek to our Curly locks location.

Unfortunately, not a great deal was found flowering here either. More Banded greenhood and Hare orchids were found, with the only excitement being a nice patch of Robust snail orchids (Pterostylis dilatata) being found hiding in the middle of a low-lying shrub. These are large snail orchids that lack a rosette and have clubbed lateral sepals, both being distinguishing features. They flower from May through to August, so are another early season orchid, which appears to be the theme for today.

Final destination to share is our spot in the Beaumont Nature Reserve. A very quick explore which turned up some nice specimens of the Banded greenhood or are they? We still enjoyed our day showing Kath and Varena some of our local haunts. I trust they enjoyed their day as well.

02/04/2023 ….. Season opener.

Red Lake Townsite NR, Sunday Drive, Western Australian Orchids

After enjoying the Yabbie Classic at Grass Patch on Saturday afternoon and evening we awake to a beautiful Sunday morning. Saying our goodbyes to friends, Bob and Jan we decide to head north to Redlake Townsite Nature Reserve where we try our luck with the 1st orchid hunt of the 2023 season. We are not disappointed with the small Pygmy orchid found flowering.

The Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis) is the only species found in Western Australia of the 89 recognised Corunastylis species found throughout Australia. This early flowering orchid, March to May, is found between Corrigin and Eucla. The height of the orchid ranges from 50 to 200mm and each inflorescence can have up to 50 flowers of 1-2mm in size. The Pygmy orchid is similar to leek orchids (Prasophyllum) in having inverted flowers, where the labellum is above and not below the column.

  • Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis)
  • Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis)
  • Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis)
  • Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis)
  • Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis)
  • Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis)
  • Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis)
  • Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis)
  • Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis)
  • Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis)
  • Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis)
  • Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis)
  • Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis)

23/10/2022 ….. Ride out to Ridley (Mount)

Sunday Drive, Western Australian Orchids

Today is a much sunnier day than yesterday, so our drive north will be nice and warm. After around 1 hr in the Triton we arrive at Mount Ridley where we first venture up to the Rock Art. Here we show Lorraine, my sister and brother-in-law Ken the art hidden on the underside of the hollowed-out boulder. It is quite amazing.

  • Providing a size perspective
  • The unique rock art
  • Returning from viewing the art

We then go exploring the nearby boulders and other interesting rocky features. It is during this walk around that amazingly, we find an orchid growing in the very hot, dry foliage, in a shallow soil pocket on the granite. The orchid is from the Rufous complex of the Pterostylis genus. The rosette is completely dried as are three of the five flowers. Another similar specimen is found further along which also has a dried rosette and four of the seven flowers are finished. The 2nd specimen appears to match the description for the Striped rufous greenhood (Pterostylis zebrina) which is recorded as flowering in September and October over a range between Karlgarin and Mt Ridley, the latter being our current location.

  • ?? rufous greenhood – Shriveled rosette to flowering orchid.
  • ?? rufous greenhood – 5 flowers to this orchid
  • ?? rufous greenhood – Differing stripes to P. zebrina
  • ?? rufous greenhood – Translucent hood
  • P. zebrina – Typical habitat
  • P.zebrina – Long hairs to labellum
  • P. zebrina – Up-curved lateral sepals
  • P. zebrina – Uniformly striped hood

We explored a bit more, enjoying the unique rock formations of the area and unexpectedly we came across some other orchids. Orchids from the Microtis genus were found growing with the “Borya” in shallow soil on the granite, with taller ones found growing in the scrub at the base of the rocks. As they had finished flowering it is not possible to positively identify them so will just leave them assigned to their genus.

  • ?? mignonette orchid (Microtis sp.)
  • ?? mignonette orchid (Microtis sp.)

Moving back to the carpark at the base of the rock, we enjoy a bite to eat for lunch at the old well site. Back on foot we walk around to the rock wave, for some quiet contemplation, before heading home for a coldie.

  • Photo opp in a hollowed out boulder
  • Wildflowers on Mt Ridley
  • Another hollowed boulder view
  • Quiet contemplation
  • Quiet contemplation
  • Mt Ridley Rock Wave

25/09/2022 ….. Gibbo re-visited.

List of Orchids Found, Sunday Drive, Western Australian Orchids

Earlier this season (June) we checked out the burnt area north of Gibson and found greenhoods but nothing else. Now that we are at the other end of the season, we pop out there again to record what is now flowering. After nearly 3hrs searching the area, we were pleased to find so many orchids flowering. I hope you enjoy the photos below, that record what species we found.

Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media)

Season: Sept to Jan

Distribution: Shark Bay to Eyre

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media)
Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans)

Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans)

Season: Aug to Oct

Distribution: Shark Bay to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands. Usually only flower the season following a summer fire.

Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)

Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)

Season: Aug to early Nov

Distribution: Kalbarri to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana)

Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana)

Season: Aug to early Nov

Distribution: Lancelin to Esperance

Habitat: Sandy and sandy-clay soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Little pink fairy (Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans)

Little pink fairy (Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans)

Season: July to early Oct

Distribution: Northampton to Esperance

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)

Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)

Season: July to early Dec

Distribution: Northampton to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay, lateritic and granitic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Little pink fan orchid (Caladenia nana subsp. nana)

Little pink fan orchid (Caladenia nana subsp. nana)

Season: Late Sept to Oct

Distribution: Perth to Bremer Bay. ( 250kms to the West )

Habitat: Sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests and woodlands. Best in the season following a summer fire.

White fairy orchid (Caladenia marginata)

White fairy orchid (Caladenia marginata)

Season: Late Sept to Nov

Distribution: Jurien Bay to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy and sandy-clay soils in seasonally wet flats and runoff areas on granite outcrops. Flowers best in season following a summer fire.

Blue china orchid (Cyanicula gemmata)

Blue china orchid (Cyanicula gemmata)

Season: Aug to early Nov

Distribution: Kalbarri to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay, lateritic and granitic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Granite china orchid (Cyanicula nikulinskyae)

Granite china orchid (Cyanicula nikulinskyae)

Season: Sept to early Nov

Distribution: Fitzgerald River National Park and Israelite Bay

Habitat: Shallow soil pockets on granite outcrops. The recently integrated Condingup china orchid (C. sp ‘Esperance”) was listed as growing in shrublands and woodlands.

Heberle’s spider orchid (Caladenia heberleana)

Heberle’s spider orchid (Caladenia heberleana)

Season: Sept to Oct

Distribution: Augusta to Cape Arid

Habitat: Sandy and sandy-clay soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)

Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)

Season: Mid Aug to Oct

Distribution: Bremer Bay to Cape Arid

Habitat: Sandy-clay and clay soils in woodlands and shrublands.

Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima)

Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima)

Season: Aug to early Oct

Distribution: Jerramungup to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy and sandy-clay soils in woodlands and shrublands.

Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea)

Season: Aug to early Oct

Distribution: Kalbarri to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy soils in woodlands and shrublands.

Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea)
White mignonette orchid (Microtis alba)

White mignonette orchid (Microtis alba)

Season: Oct to Jan

Distribution: Dongara to Esperance

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and seasonally wet flats. Most common in the season following a summer fire.

Bee orchid (Diuris laxiflora)

Bee orchid (Diuris laxiflora)

Season: Sept to early Nov

Distribution: Gingin to Esperance

Habitat: Sandy-clay and clay soils in seasonally wet areas.

Twisted sun orchid (Thelymitra flexuosa)

Twisted sun orchid (Thelymitra flexuosa)

Season: Sept to Oct

Distribution: Kalbarri and Israelite Bay

Habitat: Seasonally-wet flats and shallow soil pockets on granite outcrops.

Swamp mignonette orchid (Microtis atrata)

Swamp mignonette orchid (Microtis atrata)

Season: Sept – Nov

Distribution: Jurien Bay to Israelite Bay. Also found in SA, Vic and Tas.

Habitat: Sandy-clay and clay soils in seasonally-wet flats.

Hybrid orchid (Caladenia x sp.)

Hybrid orchid (Caladenia flava x reptans)

Season: July to early Dec

Distribution: Northampton to Esperance

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay, lateritic and granitic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

18 species and 1 hybrid found in just over 2 and a half hours of searching in the 1 location. A SUPER SUNDAY!!!!!

11/09/2022 ….. Sunny Sunday

Sunday Drive, Western Australian Orchids

What better way to spend a beautiful sunny spring September day that to go exploring for orchids. A decision needs to be made on which direction: North, East, West or maybe a combination.

East wins the day, so off we head directly to Condingup townsite, as we wanted to see if the Drakaea leaves had produced orchids. We were in luck, as the King-in-his-carriage (Drakaea glyptodon) was in flower. These interesting looking orchids are found flowering from Eneabba to Esperance during the months of Aug, Sept and Oct. Condingup is in the Shire of Esperance and approx 70kms east of the Esperance townsite.

More orchids from different genera are found in this location as well. Caladenia is represented by 3 different species. Firstly, the Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa) is found. As the name suggests this orchid ranges from Bremer Bay to Israelite Bay, so includes a vast area of the Esperance shire. Then the equally large Heberle’s spider orchid (Caladenia heberleana) which ranges between Augusta and Cape Arid, is found scattered around. A single specimen of the Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila) with a wonky labellum is the last species found. These smaller spider orchids are found over a much wider range, from Kondinin and Madura.

Next, we found various orchids, each representing their genus. First up the Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) which ranges from Kalbarri and Israelite Bay. Then the Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) which ranges from Shark Bay to Israelite Bay and finally the Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementa) which ranges from Perth to east of Esperance.

Next location checked is one our spots along Parmango Road, a few clicks east of Condingup. Parking up the Triton, we go for a quick look and find some Common bee orchids and a few Heberle’s spider orchid, which were both located back in Condingup previously.

Not a hugely fruitful location, so we move up a few hundred metres to another favoured location and immediately encounter many more orchids. First up are more Common bee orchids, in good numbers here and further along the track.

Luckily some new species for the day are encountered as well. First up is the Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) which is a widespread orchid, being found from Geraldton to Israelite Bay. Then the much smaller Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana) is found, with these orchids being found between Lancelin and Esperance. Another new species for the day is the ever popular and spectacular Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) which is one of the most, if not the most widespread orchid in WA. Including the 4 subspecies, it is found south of the line Shark Bay to Israelite Bay. Then a very local new species is found, the Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora). These orchids are found between Bremer Bay and Cape Arid.  

Other new species for the day include the Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea) and the Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera) which both range from north of Geraldton to Israelite Bay. Then some others found previously today are found again, including Red beaks, the Purple enamel orchid and the Western wispy spider orchid.

This was a much better location, with 10 species found, however we need to keep moving. So off to a new location, along Fisheries Road in Howick. We drive slowly down the track and occasionally spy an orchid, at which time we have a scout around for more orchids, before moving on again. This location proves rather fruitful with 8 species found, including 2 new ones for the day. First up I will mention new species found; Beautiful donkey orchid (Diuris pulchella) which is an easterly occurring orchid, found between Salmon Gums, Esperance and Balladonia. The smaller Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta) is also found over a larger easterly range, Dumbleyung to Mt Ragged.

The other orchids found at this location were the Cowslip orchid, Western wispy spider orchid, Esperance king spider orchid, Lemon-scented sun orchid, Jug orchid and Esperance white spider orchid.

Now our final location for the day, is one of our favourite spots. The area around Boyatup Hill never disappoints. I will start with the new species for the day, then confirm the findings of those previously found earlier today, as also being located this far east of Esperance.

The Custard orchid (Theymitra villosa) is a nice yellow coloured sun orchid which is found flowering between Northampton and Israelite Bay. Then we have the equally brightly coloured Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea) which flowers slightly further north in Kalbarri then south to Israelite Bay.

Another 2 new species for the day include the Rabbit orchid (Leptoceras menziesii) which is another orchid that ranges from Israelite Bay, but only to Geraldton this time and the Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians) which is listed between Kalbarri and Esperance. The maps do show occurrences east of Esperance; however, I have posted images on iNaturalist asking fellow Citizen Scientists to assist me in identification.

Now to list the orchids previously found at earlier locations, that were also found around Boyatup hill. Purple enamel orchid, Lemon-scented sun orchid, Esperance king spider orchid, Heberle’s spider orchid, Cowslip orchid, Dancing spider orchid, Beautiful donkey orchid, Common bee orchid and a lone fertilised Jug orchid. EDIT: Fellow citizen scientists from my iNaturalist post have advised the Bee orchid (Diuris laxiflora) is the correct ID, so it is not the Common bee, which makes this another species found for the day.

Now you can see why this location is a favourite of ours. With at least 13 species found with a white variant of the Pink candy orchid being a special find. Well, it has been a long day, and we have an hour or so drive home. Time to reflect on the 17 EDIT: 18 species found today, making east of Esperance a special spot for orchids.