2018 Road Trip – Holland Track and Beyond – Day 5

Numerous days, Road Trip

28/08/2018

Another beautiful morning, so what better way to start than to go orchid hunting. We all make tracks for Emu Rock as it was too dark yesterday to check it thoroughly. First find for me was a rare double-headed Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata) whilst Deb was checking out the small Hairy-stemmed snail orchids (Pterostylis setulosa) I had found yesterday. 

Siamese twins
Rare double headed flower
Size comparison

Close by I found another Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia) whilst Deb found a Blue beard (Pheladenia defromis).  

Red striped labellum with red-tipped calli
Surreal photo

Whilst taking Deb and Richard back to the Chameleon spider orchids I found yesterday other orchids were found. Mallee Banded Greenhood (Pterostylis arbuscula), Hairy-stemmed snail orchids and Sugar orchids.

Newly named species
Great family shot
Very long lateral seapls

Further shots taken of the Chameleon spiders then on the way back to the Tritons, I found another double header Sugar orchid. 

Striped labellum
Another rare double header
Great colours

Time to continue our trek along the Holland Track. We make our way north back to the Hyden – Norseman Road where we start the official Holland Track to Coolgardie. What lies ahead is unknown !!!!!

The start of the track

Hyden – Norseman Road – Our Starting point of the Track proper

 Following the trip notes our first stop will be Sheoak Rock just off the track at the 12.53km mark. However, after around 10kms we pull over as Deb has spied a Frog greenhood (Pterostylis sargentii). Whilst I was taking photos, she also finds a Sugar orchid nearby.  

Pinched dorsal sepal
Thin pointed stem leaves. Up to 10 in number

We move on to Sheoak rock which is a few hundred metres North of the track proper. It was wet and muddy however we park up and go for a wander. On the high point of the rock was a Trig Station (Triangulation/Trigonometrical) made of metal which is nice piece of history. Whilst getting some photos it started to rain so we made our way back to the Tritons for shelter. Making our way out of Sheoak Rock I cross through a patch of bush and come across some Sugar orchids. 

Standing proud
Growing near a burnt out log. Around 7 or 8 in flower closeby
View from Trig Station

Back on the track we pass a Telecom Tower (reception still) at the 15.25km point and reach Native Rocks at the 15.69km point where we park up for lunch. Whilst Deb and Richard put the kettle on and rustle up some grub I go for a scout. First off is another Sugar orchid but then I stumble across a very tall Frog greenhood growing out in the open on granite.

So far the most plentiful orchid on the Holland Track
Standing a good 200mm in height
Growing in a very exposed area on granite

After a quick bite to eat I check the other side of the track where I find spider orchids yet to open.. Oh bugger we may be too early !!!! 

Lunch stop.
Oh no !!! Are we too early ?

However, luck is on my side, and I find some flowering… Now the hard part getting a good photo then working out which species. From the looks they are possible Pendant spider orchids (Caladenia pendens subsp, pendens) due the size of the labellum and length of petals and sepals.

The sepals and petals have long, brown, drooping, thread-like tips.
Full flower shot
Red striped labellum
Broad labellum

Leaving Native Rocks we follow the trip notes for another 6.33km to our next stop of Wattle Rocks. We did get more puddles to cross on the way.

Another muddy puddle to cross

Here we go again and again and again…….. So many bog holes

Parking up at Wattle Rocks Deb immediately spots some orchids. Some very small Dwarf zebra orchids (Caladenia pachychila) are on the edge of the track, in danger of getting run over or trampled. These little beauties flower July to September in a large inland range from Nerren Nerren Station and Mt Ragged. 

Full plant shot
Prominent glandular apex to labellum

Then a few metres away there was the biggest clumping of Ant orchid (Caladenia roei) I have ever seen.  They were an amazing sight.

Ground level shot
Nice clump of ants
Smooth labellum
Not colony forming but can form clumps

Further afield we find what appears to be a Hybrid. Possible parents are Caladenia roei , Caladenia pachychila, Caladenia dimidia or Caladenia vulgata. An attractive small spider orchid.

Parents unknown
Labellum does not match any descriptions in my references

Another new orchid found; this time it appears to be a Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis) which must be getting very close to its eastern extremity. 

Drooping petals and lateral sepals with often drooping dorsal sepal.
Cream, prominently red-striped, shortly-fringed or smooth-margined labellum
two bands of red or cream calli
Great full plant shot

Other orchids found included Blue beard, Sugar orchid, Dwarf zebra orchid and the Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila) which is found between Kondinin and Madura during the months of July to early October. 

Slenderish petals and seapls
Full plant shot
Growing in moss
Three mates
Standing tall
Deep purple calli
Small labellum
Eastern from has long pendulous petals and lateral sepals
Side view

What a great spot little spot this is, but we must move on. Next stop is 1.86km further along, at a Mallee fowl nest which appears to be in current use.  

Mallee fowl nest

Large nesting mound

We had planned on getting to Mount Holland to camp but at our current travelling speed it will be dark before we get there, so we decide to look for a suitable camping spot along the way. We find a place just past a big slippery mud hole and set up camp. We light the obligatory campfire and cook some dinner. 

Camp ground before the storm

Getting ready to cook dinner

Luckily we chose to camp earlier as a massive thunderstorm hits and we rename our camping ground “The mud camp”, as the track is now a much muddier, wetter and more slippery than it was. Tomorrow will be interesting going.

Hard mud but slippery
Same track the next morning after our overnight thunderstorm . No longer hard dry mud, now sticky, slippery wet mud

Was a successful orchid hunting day (12 species), but not so successful in travelling the distance we had planned. Achieved less than 30kms today as the Holland Track is proving more challenging than anticipated.

2018 Road Trip – Holland Track and Beyond – Day 4

Numerous days, Road Trip

27/8/2018

Waking up to a beautiful sunny morning, we eat breakfast around our campfire, pack up the campers then go exploring Dragon Rocks.

Dragon Rocks campsite

Beautiful sunny blue skies for breakfast

Close by the camp ground we stumble across some very small Blue beards (Pheladenia deformis). Solitary ones no clumps.

Ground up view
Short spreading petals and sepals
Upright labellum
Full flower shot

Next up we find a solitary donkey orchid which due to the location it must be a Yellow granite donkey orchid (Diuris hazeliae).

Broad petals and dorsal sepal
Formally named in 2013
Diuris hazeliae

Moving north away from the granite rock I spied a patch of pink. On closer inspection a great bunch of Pink candy orchids (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea), which flower late June to September in locations between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay, were found. One of the orchids had little colour with pink calli and fringe segments to labellum and yellow tips to petals and sepals. Known as Lutea form.

Similar sized petals and lateral sepals
Upright dorsal sepal and labellum
Stand up to 250mm in height
View from orchid height
Lack of pink pigment = Lutea form

Also found nearby were Sugar orchids (Ericksonella saccharata) and some wispy spider orchids. The first orchid appears to be the Common spider orchid (Caladenia vulgata) due to its thin leaf and long fine glandular tail filaments. A wide ranging orchid from Eurardy to Israelite Bay, flowering during the months of August through October. 

Trio
Purple faced white orchid
Size comparison to index finger tip
Long fine glandular tail filiments
Leaves up to 4mm thick

However the next group of spiders is different, with shorter petals and sepals. They appear to be Chameleon spider orchids (Caladenia dimidia), which we also found yesterday. 

Dorsal sepals to attention
Index finger for size comparison
Red-striped labellum
View from orchid height

Back on the rock itself we come across some Little laughing leek orchids (Prasophyllum gracile), which flower July to October ranging from Shark Bay to Eyre. 

Shallow soil pockets on inland granite outcrops
Erect lateral sepals
Full orchid shot
Flowers are upside down
Up to 40 flowers per orchid
Single smooth, tubular leaf

Also found more Sugar orchids and spider orchids

Appears to have been nibbled at
White petals and sepals

The spider orchids were again different to the ones previously found , however I think the reddish one to be another Chameleon spider orchid.

Scrunched up appearance
Full plant shot

However the larger white spider orchid appears to be the Pendant spider orchid (Caladenia pendens subsp. pendens) due to its larger labellum and very pendulous petals and lateral sepals. This orchid flowers august to early October in a range from Wongan Hills down to Walpole and was named from specimens found NNE of Hyden. 

Broad red-striped labellum
Pendulous petals and lateral sepals

We jump back into our Tritons and make our way further along the Holland Track. At the intersection of Kulin-Holt Rock Road we stop at what was listed as a Commemorative Plaque. The large rock on a cement pad with a white chain around it was there but no plaque to be seen, which was a bit disappointing. 

Holland Track & Kulin-Holt Rock Rd intersection

Rock without it’s plaque ..

From here we head further north till we reach the Hyden – Lake King Road. If we crossed this road the Holland Track continues however we turn West for the drive into Hyden as per the trip notes. It seems the track must be impassable north of the Hyden – Lake King Road. We arrive in Hyden and make our way into the town centre where we park up and make our way to the famous bakery for lunch. 

After an awesome burger for lunch, we buy some supplies in the local store, fuel up and make our way as per the trip notes to Wave Rock. First point of call was the Visitors Centre to obtain an update on the track conditions to Coolgardie. No real updates as most travellers of the track proceed in the same direction as we are going, so no word of mouth updates from those travelling from Coolgardie. In the native growth between the buildings and the road we find some spider orchids which is promising. 

They are from the Wispy spider orchid complex however I’m not able to confidently name the species. Nearby are some more Pink candy orchids.

Not fully unfurled
Nice upright dorsal sepal

The next spider orchid found though appears to be a Common spider orchid as it’s petals and sepals are not as long and pendulous as the previously found Pendant spider orchid. Further specimens are found on the roadside as well which seem to be the Pendant spider orchid and Chameleon spider orchid. These wispy’s are very confusing.

Broad labellum
Twin yet to open
Possible identification
Stark white version????
Full plant shot
Shorter petals and sepals

Then finally a different orchid of the Caladenia genus is found. A lonely small Ant orchid (Caladenia roei) next to another nice Pendant spider orchid is found on the road verge so I jump out of the Triton to get some shots whilst Deb drives further along to get off the narrow busy road. 

Smooth edged labellum
Long pendulous petals/sepals as name suggests

We now make tracks for the major attraction of this area. WAVE ROCK. We park the car and I head up to buy the parking ticket, followed by Richard. Deb checks out the bush behind the toilet block and calls us over once we place our tickets on our dashboards.

Deb had found lots of Blue Beards and some Hairy-stemmed snail orchids (Pterostylis sp. ‘inland’). Some quick shots taken before heading off on the walk trail to the WAVE. 

Purplish labellum
Neighbours gossiping
Soft focus shot
Upright lateral sepals
Green and white striped flowers

On the left side of the track we find a large patch of Hairy-stemmed snail orchids and a possible Mallee Banded Greenhood (Pterostylis arbuscula) which has been recently named and is located around the Hyden-Lake King Road.

Nice size hood
Mallee greenhood – Possible common name

Closer to the WAVE we find some more Ant orchids and a solitary Glistening spider orchid (Caladenia incensa) which flowers late June to September in a range from Hyden to Nerren Nerren Station north of the Murchison River. I get stuck at these two orchids showing a bus load of Asian tourists the orchids and ensuring they take photo’s without stepping accidently on the orchids. Once they move on so do I. 

Looking relaxed, leaning back
Close to the footpath . In danger of being trampled

Finally reach the ROCK WAVE so take some usual tourist snaps then I go into the bush looking for more orchids. I find a Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) and Sugar orchids. 

Sunlit
Not speaking

Nearly 3 pm so we decide to make tracks back to the Tritons. On the way we spy a great bunch of Blue beards so I naughtily climb over the rail to get a shot. At the ticket booth I find a panel showing the Glistening spider orchid, which confirms it is found locally.

Nice quad of flowers
Confirming Glistening spider orchid is found locally

Now we move on east some 50kms to the start of the Holland Track – proper. I note in our Hema Road & 4WD Track Atlas that south along the Holland Track is a camp ground known as Emu Rock in the Bushfire Rock Nature Reserve. So rather than head north and hope we find somewhere to camp we make tracks for Emu Rock. After passing through the Rabbit Proof Fence and a couple of large puddles we find this amazing grassed camping area between the large granite rock and a salt lake. 

After setting up camp and collecting some firewood I decide to go for a walk, in the late afternoon light, down to the salt lake for a quick look.  After walking along the edge of the salt lake I finally head into the bush surrounding and find many small Blue beards and Sugar orchids. 

50mm high no more
Growing from under fallen twigs
Side profile
Size to my finger tip

Pushing through the scrub and fallen trees I finally make it to the track and immediately find some Chameleon spider orchids. 

Relatively broad labellum
Full plant shot

Then on the granite rock I locate some very small snail orchids, which seem to be more Hairy-stemmed snail orchids. Light is fading fast so make my way back to camp for another wonderful night sitting around a campfire. 

Pointy nose
Short lateral sepals
Just bigger than my index finger tip
Long lateral sepals
Growing in the moss on granite

12 species found today in our trek from Dragon Rocks to Emu Rock. 

2018 Road Trip – Holland Track and Beyond – Day 3

Dragon Rocks NR, Holland Rocks NR, Nature Reserves, Numerous days, Road Trip, Silver Wattle Hill NR

26/08/2018

Foggy morning
Waiting for the campers to dry out

Woke up to thick fog, so this delayed our departure as we waited for the campers to dry out before we packed them away. Once on our way we followed the Trip Notes from the “Explore the Holland Track and Cave Hill Woodlines” Explorer Series: Western Australia No.1 3rd Edition  booklet and made our first stop at the side of the Katanning-Nyabing Road in Ewlyamartup. All 3 of us go exploring and we discover Cowslip orchids (Caladenia flava subsp. flava), Jug orchids (Pterostylis recurva), Western wheatbelt donkey orchid (Diuris brachyscapa) and Dark Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis sanguinea) all of which have been previously found this season.

Nice family group
Extended family group
Small family group
Twin header
Up to 900mm in height
Lateral sepals look like birds
Broad spreading lateral lobes to the labellum
Hanging, often reflexed, crossed lateral sepals
Rounded to elongated petals
Up to 10 flowers per orchid
Small insect like labellum
These all appear to have been fertilised

Further along the road we stop at an old church, St Peters Church in Badgebup which was built in 1922. Toilet break in Nyabing, before heading to a Holland Track landmark, referred to as Holland Dam just off Guelfi  Road.  

Badgebup
Heritage listed

We found the government water tank and a track into the scrub which lead to a cleared area, which may have been the remains of the so called dam. We quickly walked around and found further Jug orchids, Cowslip orchids, Dark banded greenhoods and Sugar orchids (Ericksonella saccharata).

Inverted hood becomes the jug
Twisted lateral seapls
Dark insect like labellum ready to strike
Lateral lobes on labellum curve up appearing to protect the column

Quick bite to eat before making tracks to the Holland Rocks Nature Reserve. Here we park up at the Water tank and search the south side of the road. First up I find more Dark banded greenhoods then excitedly the first wispy spider orchid is found. On the way over to see my orchid Deb also stumbles across some spider orchids.  I believe these to be Chameleon spider orchids (Caladenia dimidia) which range from Paynes Find to Scaddan and flower August to October. The upswept to horizontal petals, incurved dorsal sepal and dark tail filaments lead me to this classification. 

Nice clump
Dark brownish tail filaments
Size comparison to Deb’s fingers
Form tight clumps
Incurved dorsal sepal
Petals backswept, elevated to horizontal

Very close by we also find Sugar orchids, then further afield Deb finds lots of them and Donkey orchids. From our location the donkey orchids must be Yellow granite donkey orchid (Diuris hazeliae) which is a common inland orchid flowering August to September in a range from Paynes Find to Salmon Gums

2 to 3 basal leaves
Broad dorsal sepal
Lateral sepals usually crossed
Huge numbers
Size comparison to my index finger

On the way back to the Triton we find other specimens of the Chameleon spider orchid. There is even a solitary pink-red variation.

Dark tipped petals and sepals
Attention
The pink-red variation
Fairly slender petals and sepals

 We keep following the Trip notes and make our way NE to Silver Wattle Hill Nature Reserve. We jump out and find the track leading to what we hoped was a spot where the original Holland Track had carved wheel ruts into the granite. No luck in finding the wheel ruts however we were lucky enough to find some orchids. On the walk we found Sugar orchids, Wispy spider orchids (unknown species) and a Cowslip orchid and Jug orchid.

Standing proud
Sorry not the best photo
Species unknown??
Close-up of calli
Solid red lines rather than dots or thin lines

So a bit disheartened that we did not find the old wheel ruts we also check south of the spot we had parked up. Lucky we did as I found a Blue beard (Pheladenia deformis) on the edge of the granite rock, a Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis) which flower August to early October in a range from Northampton to Jerramungup, growing in the Resurrection Plant. Deb found another Wispy spider orchid also growing in a Resurrection Plant. Unable to confidently name the species though. 

Dense calli on labellum
Top down view
Upright purplish-blue labellum

Often drooping dorsal sepal
Red striped, smooth margined labellum
Side aspect
Drooping petals and lateral sepals

Species unknown
Species unknown

Leaving Silver Wattle Hill N.R. we again follow the Trip notes and make our way through Lake Biddy (abandoned townsite)  into Dragon Rocks Nature Reserve from the south. We actually have to drive through a farmers property which felt a bit intrusive, but we then passed through a gate into the Nature Reserve. Less than 3km into the reserve we find the rock and set about setting up camp, lighting a fire, cooking dinner, having a few drinks, talking some BS and then hitting the sack. It has been a great day following the Trip Notes and finding at least 9 different orchid species, with a couple of unknown Wispy spiders thrown in.  

Camp fire
Clearing skies

2018 Road Trip – Holland Track and Beyond – Day 2

Western Australian Orchids

25/08/2018

The previous afternoon in the fading light we checked out the area around the camper where we found little but rubbish. Deb and I split up for the walk back to the camper and I was lucky enough to stumble across a shell orchid in a runoff. No camera or phone so returned this morning to grab a snap. They appear to be the Dwarf shell orchid (Pterostylis brevichila) as they do not have a protruding labellum.  They flower July through September in a range between Hyden and Mt Ragged. Found a few more so grabbed some pics before heading off to Broomehill, where we are meeting up with Richard.

Size comparison of the first found orchid
Short, straight labellum, not visible in the set position
Brown-striped and white flowers
Large colonies of leaves with very few flowering plants.
Four to five stem leaves, 10 – 25mm long and 4 to 5mm wide.
Size comparison to index finger
Appears to be laughing

We make our way back to the South Coast Hwy and head west to Kukenarup memorial, another favourite haunt. Straight up we find a Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea) which flower August to early October in a range from Israelite Bay to Kalbarri.   

Four or more rows of purplish black calli
Single erect hairy leaf 80 to 180mm long
Horizontally spreading petals and lateral sepals

Many more donkey orchids were found which appear to be the South coast donkey orchid (Diuris sp. ‘south coast’) due to the recurved lateral sepals. The Green range donkey orchid occupies the same range however is recorded as having reflexed lateral sepals.  Also located was a great specimen of the Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) which flower August to October from Geraldton to Israelite Bay. 

Up to 10 flowers
Broad petals and dorsal sepal
Growing in the good olde prickly Resurrection Plant
Prominently recurved lateral sepals, joined at the base
Up to 5 flowers

Time to move on, so we make tracks for Jerramungup, where we stop for toilets and also purchased some forgotten items. Next stop is just past Ongerup, in Jaekel St,  where we find more donkey orchids. This time though they appear to be Green Range donkey orchids (Diuris littoralis) which flower July to September from Denmark to Esperance. Nearby though are some pale yellow donkey orchids which could be Western wheatbelt donkey orchids (Diuris brachyscapa) which flower July to September in a range bordered by York, Tenterden and Ravensthorpe. Then back on the Gnowangerup-Jerramungup Road  we find the Green range donkey orchid in large numbers.  

Up to 10 flowers
Reflexed lateral seapls
Nice group shot
Broad petals and dorsal sepal
So many plants

Labellum – Broad spreading lateral lobes and a broad, flattened to convex mid lobe
Pale yellow brown marked flowers

Also located in these areas were a few scattered Sugar orchids (Ericksonella saccharata), which are found over a huge range from Paynes Find to Israelite Bay, flowering during August and September.  Plus a nice bright yellow Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava), which flowers July to early December in a range from Geraldton to Israelite Bay.

Common inland orchid
White horizontal petals and lateral sepals
Yellow , red marker flowers

Arriving in Broomehill half an hour late, we find Richard and his matching Red Triton and camper parked outside the hotel. We make our way on foot to the Henry Jones Winery & Café for a coffee and one of the best BLT in Turkish bread ever. A leisurely walk back to the Tritons through the village of Broomehill, then we head out to an old historic bridge for a look. At the Wadjekanup Bridge we put the Tritons through a river crossing which they pass with flying colours. If only the water was this clear on the Holland Track !!!!. 

Waiting on the BLT’s
Having lunch in Broomehill

Now the adventure really begins. We head north out of Broomehill, before turning right over the railway line and onto a single lane track. Welcome to the “Holland Track”. Looks great so far, as we drive down between green farming fields, before turning west into a patch of bush. Here we chose to camp the night, at a nice early time of 4.15pm. After making camp, I decide to check out the location for any orchids. Deb and Richard are collecting wood and lighting our camp fire, when I stumble across some large bright Cowslip orchids and a large hood of Hairy-stemmed snail orchids (Pterostylis sp. ‘inland’) 

Double header
Minimal red markings on this specimen

Hood of snails – pale members
Nice hood
Hairs on stem clearly visible

Debbie and Richard now join the hunt. Many more Cowslips and Snail orchids were found. Debbie also finds some great Blue beards (Pheladenia deformis) which flower late May to October between Murchison River and Israelite Bay in WA, plus they are also found in NSW, VIC, TAS and SA. 

The so called beard is much darker than the rest of the orchid
Petals held back
Uniformly coloured petals and sepals
Upright labellum

Getting late and with fading light we head back to the camp fire for a relaxing night after such a great day finding 10 orchid species.

2018 Road Trip – Holland Track and Beyond – Day 1

Western Australian Orchids

24/08/2018

After a morning at work, my 1/2 RDO arrives, so I race home to catch a bite to eat with Tim before we make our final pack of the Triton and camper. Off to Puma for diesel, then back home as we forgot the porta loo. Finally on the road by 2.30pm with our first planned stop being Overshot Hill rest area north of Ravensthorpe. However Debbie has other ideas. At 4.30pm she pulls over to our spot on Mills Road, just past Munglinup. I jump out of the Triton and immediately spy a small clump of spider orchids. They appear to be the Cream spider orchid (Caladenia horistes), which flower August to early October in a range from Fitzgerald River National Park to Balladonia.

Nice clumping of orchids
Creamy-white, red-striped labellum
Spreading to pendulous petals and lateral sepals
Up to 2 cream to creamy-yellow flowers
Relatively large labellum

Close by are our first South coast donkey orchids (Diuris sp. ‘south coast’) of the season. These are found between Denmark and Munglinup during the period, late June to August.

Up to 10 flowers per plant
Tri-lobed labellum with broad, spreading lateral lobes and a broad, flattened to convex mid lobe.

Recurved lateral sepals
Broad petals and dorsal sepal

Also found were some Western tiny blue orchids (Cyanicula aperta), which flower August to early October in a range from Dumbleyung to Mt Ragged. 

Reddish-mauve prominently tri-lobed labellum
Short horizontal petals and lateral sepals

A few metres away Debbie finds some Hairy-stemmed snail orchids (Pterostylis sp. ‘inland’) and other spider orchids.

Erect lateral seapls
Stem view
Common inland, extremely variable snail orchid

We then nearly step on some Zebra orchids (Caladenia cairnsiana) which flower August to early November in a range from Esperance to Lancelin. These were intermixed with more spider orchids. 

Glandular apex to labellum
Short hanging petals and lateral sepals
Red striped labellum with dense central band of calli

Nearly 5pm so we make our way to our planned overnight stay at Overshot Hill rest area in the Nature Reserve of the same name. Unsure if the other spider orchids are also Cream spider orchids or other species from the Wispy complex. Feel free to comment as to the species name for the images below. 

Standing tall in a field of moss
Dorsal sepal weighed down by water droplets
White, red-striped labellum with white calli
Quite large labellum
Spreading petals and lateral sepals
Back to back

Diuris – Donkey orchids, bee orchids, nanny goat orchids and pansy orchids.

List of Orchids Found

Diuris corymbosa complex (Donkey orchids)

Flowering – June to early December

There are 26 Western Australian species

  • Colony forming habit
  • Broad, often prominently reflexed dorsal sepal
  • Narrow, hanging or reflexed lateral sepals
  • Mostly winter-spring flowering

Western wheatbelt donkey orchid (Diuris brachyscapa) 29/07/2015

South coast donkey orchid (Diuris brockmanii) 01/08/2015

Winter donkey orchid (Diuris brumalis) 12/08/2018

Spectacled donkey orchid (Diuris conspicillata) 24/9/2018 – Dempster Head N.R.

Common donkey orchid (Diuris corymbosa) 13/08/2017

Yellow granite donkey orchid (Diuris hazeliae) 07/09/2017

Dunsborough donkey orchid (Diuris jonesii)

Green Range donkey orchid (Diuris littoralis) 25/07/2015

Purple pansy orchid (Diuris longiflora) 27/08/2020

Pale donkey orchid (Diuris pallescens) 03/09/2019

Small flowered donkey orchid (Diuris porrifolia) 13/08/2017

Beautiful donkey orchid (Diuris pulchella) 25/6/2017

Dainty donkey orchid (Diuris refracta) 03/09/2019

Sandplain donkey orchid (Diuris tinctoria)

Diuris laxiflora complex (Bee orchids)

Flowering – August to January

There are 18 Western Australian species

  • Long, terete leaves. Circular in cross-section
  • Erect, tapering dorsal sepal
  • Forward projecting lateral sepals
  • Labellum usually longer than lateral lobes

Elegant donkey orchid (Diuris concinna) 30/09/2018 – Lane Road

Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementa) 30/09/2018 – Coolinup Road

Bee orchid (Diuris laxiflora) 20/09/2020 Boydell Road

Diuris laevis complex (Nanny goat orchids)

Flowering – September to November

There are 2 Western Australian species

  • Flowering stimulated by summer fire
  • Laterally splayed petals and a small dorsal sepal
  • Flattened labellum mid lobe

Pansy orchids are included in the Corymbosa complex.

Helm’s Arboretum in August

Esperance, Helms Arboretum

19/08/2018

We are busy organising ourselves for our 2 week road trip, so given this is our final weekend, we take a few hours break and head out to Helm’s Arboretum (Mud Map SE35) to see what is flowering now. We make our way to the plot we usually find many snail orchids, however the first orchid found is the small Western Tiny Blue Orchid (Cyanicula aperta). These little beauties are found August to early October in a range from Dumbleyung and Mt Ragged.

Blue-mauve flowers
50 – 150mm tall

Short horizontal spreading petals and lateral sepals
Two rows of bright yellow calli

Then we stumble across the snail orchids we had come to see. Still unable to name this species due to it not matching up with any of my reference books on location and or description.  Variation in rosettes may infer they are actually 2 species. 

Short variant
Sparse rosette of long stemmed leaves
Not a slender snail
Standing tall with a shorter version
Narrowly clubbed sepals
Rosette shot

Next I find the usual Esperance king spider orchids (Caladenia decora) in flower.

Size of flower compared to my hand
White red-tipped labellum
Spreading petals and lateral sepals

Whilst I take photos of the spider orchids Deb gets chatting to a fellow orchid enthusiast who shares with us her location of some Southern curly locks (Thelymitra uliginosa) within Helm’s Arboretum. We make our way to the said location and after around 15 mins of searching we find these small orchids flowering in the beautiful sunshine. The flowers themselves are only a 10c piece in size. These flower August and September in a range from Northcliffe and Mt Manypeaks with disjunct populations in Esperance and Perth.

2 erect ear like lateral lobes
Distinctive column with mid lobe and two erect ear like lobes
Up to 2, rarely 3, flowers per stem
Distinctive striped flowers
Opens in bright sunshine
Typical sun orchid- facing the sun

Spiral leaf – Narrow up to 90mm in length
Flowers 20 – 30 mm accross
100 to 300mm in height

Forward projecting mid lobe to column
Deep blue-mauve striped flowers
Distinctive column

So happy to have found some Southern curly-locks as the one and only previously found plant we could not be located this year.

15hr Sunday Drive

Detours, Road Trip

12/08/2018

Saying our goodbyes to Kirstie and Hamish we set off for a leisurely trip home to Esperance. Usually a 7 to 8 hr drive over 725km, we however take 15hrs, as we make numerous stops to hunt for orchids.  Our first destination is Mount Dale in the Helena National Park. The wind is very chilly, however we brave this on our search for some orchid colour. We are not disappointed. First colour spotted is “yellow”. A Donkey orchid is found, but which one?? I’m making the call for the Winter donkey orchid (Diuris brumalis) which flower late June to August in a range from Jurien Bay to Collie. They prefer lateritic or granitic soils and up here in the hills that is the soil types encountered. Other specimens were found throughout our search of this area. 

Broad, elongated petals
Yet to fully open
Up to 15 flowers
Tri-lobed labellum
Hanging lateral sepals
Short, erect, very broad dorsal sepal

Close to our first donkey the next colour found is “pink”. Little pink fairy orchid  (Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans) is found growing in the shelter of a granite boulder. These little beauties flower July to early October in a range from Northampton to Esperance. Singles, pairs and groupings are found in our extended search.  

Little pink fairy orchid

Often clumping habit

Deb then finds the colour “green”. A small patch of snail orchids hidden in a bush so only one visible for a  photo. Could not see the rosette however based on location, pointed hood with brownish tones and medium sized lateral sepals, I  will be naming it as Slender snail orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘crinkled leaf”). These flower late June to September in a large range from Perth down to Albany. Another patch yet to fully flower was found and the rosettes appear to confirm my classification. 

Often pointed hood
Pushing up through thick scrubbery
Crinkled leaf rossette

Another species of “mixed” colour is found by Deb. Once again hidden or protected near a granite boulder. It appears to be an Autumn leek orchid (Prasophyllum parvifolium) which has been fertilised.

Pinkish tones belies the species
Possible pollinator on one of the flowers

Next is a similarly “mixed” coloured orchid, which I found after pushing into the scrub for a few metres. Firstly I found a large patch of leaves and then with a slower look some orchids flowering were discovered. The genus of Cyrtostylis is known, but which species is it? By the smaller , duller flowers they must be the Midge orchid (Cyrtostylis huegelli) which is found from Kalbarri to east of Esperance during July and September. 

Many leaves, only a few flowering so far
Forward facing labellum, sepals and petals.
Dull red, green, fawn flowers
Narrower labellum than the related Mosquito orchid

Well Mount Dale proved a good hunting ground with 5 species flowering, plus Jug and Bird orchids yet to flower found. Already 2.5 hrs (65kms) into our drive home, so we better move on, or we will break our 12 hr record for the drive home. Next stop planned is Williams Road (Mud Map SE6) however we detour into Westdale Road (Mud Map SE5) to see if we can find some of the species listed in the guide. First off we find the Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) which flowers August to October in a range from Geraldton and Israelite Bay.

One flower in 3 stages of bloom
Triple header

Deb is off exploring further whilst I slowly finish taking phone and camera pics of the Jug orchid. Only 2 mtrs away I find the Blood spider orchid (Caladenia filifera) and call Deb back to see. On the way back she also finds other specimens less than a metre off her original walk track. They are so hard to see until you find them , then they stick out more easily as we continue searching.

Clumping habit
Side profile

Glistening in the sun
Uniformly blood red flowers
Blood red in colour
Long pendulous petals and lateral sepals

Disbursed around the area are Common donkey orchids (Diuris corymbosa) which flower August to October in a range from Gingin to Bunbury and inland to near Brookton, our actual location funnily enough.

Up to eight flowers per plant
Often crossed lateral sepals
Broad erect dorsal sepal

Another new find for the season is the Blue beard (Phelandenia deformis) which flower late May to October in a range from Murchison River to Israelite Bay. Only 3 small flowers found but still it is a new one for this season. 

Short spreading petals and sepals
Twins
Blue-bearded labellum

It is now 4 hrs since we left and we have only covered 90kms of the distance home. Better get a move on. 20kms later we arrive at Williams Road (Mud Map SE6) where we had planned to explore for at least an hour as Deb had quickly checked this out on Tuesday when she drove to Perth, when she found at least 4 species flowering. First up we locate some more Common donkey orchids before Deb calls me over to a patch of at least 3 species in close proximity.

Broad elongated petals
Short, labellum mid lobe

First up are Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata) and Hairy-stemmed snail orchids (Pterostylis sp. ‘inland’).

Up to 14 stem leaves and 25 flowers per plant
Standing guard

 Then as previously found in this location, there are Shell orchids everywhere. Many are finished as they flower from May to August. Mud Map records both Red and Brown veined shell orchids here in July so we have missed the peak flowering period it seems. From the flowering plants I believe them to be Red-veined shell orchids (Pterostylis hamiltonii) as they are darker coloured and most have the labellum protruding from the hood formed by the dorsal sepal and petals. These flower in a range from Toodyay to the Stirling Range in woodlands and Rock Sheoak thickets. 

Pointed hood
Prominently protruding, long, narrow, curved labellum

Reddish-brown and white flwers
Deep “V” formed by lateral sepals
Up to 6 stem leaves

Also located close-by are some Little pink fairy orchids. So 4 species all within a 3 square metres area. Great find Deb. 

Leaf tinged purple on the underside
Squat petals and lateral sepals
Labellum – Gives the common name away
Clumping habit
Shell neighbours

Other species found during our search were Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea) and Jug orchid. Also found was a meeting of Banded greenhood and Shells plus a Banded greenhood with a huge inflorescence. 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Large inflorescence

It’s now after 1.15pm and we have only travelled 110km of the 725km trip. Back to the Triton and a huge patch of spent shells is found plus the very first Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) for the season. These flower from north of Geraldton to Israelite Bay during July to December. 

Carpets of shell orchids
Such bright yellow

Onwards to Brookton where we grabbed a Parmi Wrap for lunch. (Parma for Farmer – raising funds for drought relief in NSW/QLD). Eating whilst driving to catch up some time our next planned stop is the Corrigin Wildflower Trail which goes around the airport  and is part of the Corrigin Nature Reserve. Taking the road in from the Dog Cemetery our first find are some more Little pink fairies  

Little pink fairy

Nothing else found so onwards we go at a slow pace, then I jump out to walk and find some Frog greenhoods (Pterostylis sargentii) which flower between July and October in a range from Northampton to Grasspatch.  They are very small and growing underneath bushes, making photo taking a lay down on the job task. Further Frog greenhoods are found along the trail.

Cupped lateral sepals
Green to dark-brown, white banded flowers
Bright green colouring in the sunshine
Up to 6 flowers per plant
Glistening in the sunshine
Up to 10 stem leaves
Fleshy, tri-lobed, frog-like labellum

Further along the track whilst walking I spy some nice snail orchids. They are the Robust snail orchid (Pterostylis dilatata). Another grouping was found further along by Deb whilst driving slowly along. 

Standing up to 150mm in height
Erect, clubbed lateral sepals
3 to 5 stem leaves
Nice group shot

A sole Jug orchid was also found just yawning like a Pelican  and further along what appears to be Pterostylis arbuscular which is a Mallee form of banded greenhood. No common name yet.

Slowly opening – Pelican yawning!!
Not yet opened

Finally a donkey orchid was found. Based on location alone this must be the Western wheatbelt donkey orchid (Diuris brachyscapa) which flowers July to September between York, Tenterden and Ravensthorpe. Corrigin is slightly east of the line York to Ravensthorpe. 

Pale yellow, brown marked flowers
Tri-lobed labellum
Up to four flowers per palnt
Short, broad dorsal sepal
Narrow, hanging, often reflexed, crossed lateral sepals

Nearly 4pm, or 8hrs into our trip home and we have only completed 220km of the 725km required. Best move on to our next planned stop, Macrocarpa Trail near Kulin. Just before 5pm Deb finds our first orchid of this trail. Appears to be Hairy-stemmed snail orchids. 

Side n rear views
Lateral sepals up to 35mm in length
Extremely variable species
Sentry
Smaller specimen
Standing up to 150mm in height
up to 3 stem leaves
Time for a chat

Also found further Frog greenhoods, Robust snail orchids, Dark banded greenhoods and another possible Pterostlyis arbuscular.

Nice double header

Fleshy appearance
Variable coloured greenhood ..Possible common name

Then as the light is fading fast we venture into the bush and finally there they are.. Spider orchids in flower. We now rush to get as many photos as possible .. They are so small and with the fading light our photos are not the best but we need to record the find. From the location and size I believe we found the Common spider orchid (Caladenia vulgata) and the Pendant spider orchid (Caladenia pendens subsp. pendens) which both flower during August. The former July to October and the latter August to early October. The Common spider orchid ranges from Kalbarri to Esperance whilst the Pendant spider orchid ranges from Wongan Hills and Walpole. The Length of the petals and lateral sepals are a distinguishing feature. 

Found in a variety of habitats
Creamy-white flower
Tangle of petals and sepals
Size comparison
Possible pollinators

Standing 150 to 300mm high
Slightly less pendulous that the Common spider orchid
creamy-white red striped labellum
Latin, vulgaris means common, ordinary

Long pendulous petals and lateral sepals
Relatively broad red-striped labellum
Size comparison

The sun finally sets on our orchid hunting so we make tracks via Lake Grace for Steak Burger / Fish n chips dinner. Then after 15hrs we arrive home at 11pm. Long day however very happy at finding 20 species of orchid.

Yangebup Lake

Western Australian Orchids

10/08/2018

Went for a quick walk around the lake at dusk, with my daughter Kirstie and we found lots of leaves for Caladenia sp. but no orchids in bloom found. As it was getting cold and late ,we gave up and went back to her home. 

11/08/2018

Beautiful sunny morning so Kirstie, Hamish, Deb and I went to check out a couple of garage sales. On the way back Deb and I pop back into the bush around Yangebup Lake and we visit the patch of leaves Kirstie and I found late yesterday afternoon. Further in the scrub Deb locates some snail orchids in flower. No phone or camera in my possession so I plan on coming back later this morning to grab some photos. After playing Mario Racing on the Nintendo Switch, I quickly pop back and grab some photos. On checking the Field Guide I believe the snail orchid to be the Murdoch snail orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘cauline leaves’) due to location, numerous stem leaves and short lateral sepals. These orchids range from Perth and Walpole and flower August to September. 

Murdoch snail orchid

Short to mid-length lateral sepals

80 – 250mm in height
4 – 10 stem leaves

Murdoch snail orchid

Robust stem and large fleshy rosette

This is the first orchid recorded from the Perth metropolitan area in my BLOG. Was hoping to find more but one is a start.