What to do with the grandkids on school holidays? Go for a drive out to Helms Arboretum to let them run around and also look for tadpoles. Plus, why not squeeze in a little orchid hunting. LOL
Alas, no tadpoles were found. We did have fun climbing trees and finding fungi. We also enjoyed collecting pinecones and gum flowers snipped off by the Black cockatoos.
In between all the fun I did manage to take some quick snaps of two orchids. Both are common so nothing too spectacular.
Firstly, is the White bunny orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus). Flowering occurs April through June over a large range, Dirk Hartog Island to Israelite Bay.
The other orchid found was the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata). This orchid flowers April through September and it ranges from Perth to Israelite Bay.
A wonderful 3 or so hours spent in the outdoors with the grandkids.
So, it feels like I was travelling this road only a few days ago. Actually, I was driving in the other direction back on the 17/6. Back to Perth for a medical appointment this time. Heading up a day early so will attempt some orchid hunts on the drive up.
First and only orchid hunt is made at our usually reliable Jelcobine8 location.
Distribution: Perth and Israelite Bay / Eneabba to Esperance
21/06/2024
So today rather than hang around the hospital I decide to go for a stroll around Kings Park. I was shocked to see how much of the bushland was dead and dying. I did not come across many orchids either, but I certainly racked up my steps. 🙂
More greenhoods found with both green and darker flowers, so possibly another 2 species.
I am unsure of the darker one because I am not familiar with Perth orchids. However, I believe the green one is the Banded greenhood.
Slipped into the Botanical Cafe for lunch. Enjoyed a bagel with a beer. Then I walked back to the car down Lovekin Drive. I found a WARREN who died in WWII honoured under one of the massive gumtrees.
Next, I moved onto Bold Park where I decided to walk the Tuart Loop Trail. Unsure if I stuck to it as I feel I ended up on the Zamia Trail. Along the trail there was views of the City of Perth. A highlight off the walk was watching Carnaby Black Cockatoos feeding in the trees before they flew off. Video below.
Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo feeding in the Banksia bushesPerth City from Bold ParkWalk tail with Perth City viewsCockatoo flock flying away
Time to head back to the hospital for patient pick-up. Arrived early so killed time by exploring the grounds. Here I found the amazing old Harvey House. This building is from the original hospital that was opened in 1916. In front of one of the other buildings is a display of the Nyoongar Calendar.
22/06/2024
Drove straight home to Esperance so no orchids to record. Let us see how long we stay put before heading up to Perth again.
I am heading up to Perth to attend a 60th birthday party. I will also catch up with Debbie as she is currently in Perth with her work. I will try and make some quick orchid stops along the way if time permits.
Well, no time to search for orchids on trip up to Perth so will try on the way back.
The birthday party on the Saturday night was held at the Ye Olde Narrogin Inne. It was a surprise for a long-time friend Sandy. To ensure I could have a good night I booked a room at the nearby Heritage Country Motel. In fact, it was walking distance. To save on costs Richard another longtime friend and I shared a room. Sunday was spent catching up with my daughter Kristie and granddaughter Bonnie. Then heading with Debbie to Fremantle to play tourist. We visited the West Australian Maritime Museum which took a few hours to check out. The exhibits were varied and interesting. After a wonderful lunch at Moore and Moore Cafe in Fremantle it was time to head to Dwellingup. I am staying the night with brother Geoff and his wife Robyn. We will catch up and I will be closer to home for the long drive tomorrow.
Woke to a cold winters’ morning. Enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and hit the road around 10am. The road was still very foggy in patches between Dwellingup and Quindanning. Finally, pulled over to a fav spot in the Piesseville7 locale to have a quick orchid hunt.
The only orchid found flowering in my quick 10min check was the Darkbanded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea).
Flowering: June to September.
Distribution: Eneabba to Israelite Bay
No further stops made as I did not wish to travel at dusk. Arrived home just after 5pm.
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.
It is Mother’s Day, so we head out to the Esperance Bird and Animal Park for breakfast. We are joined by our two son’s and their little families.
After a very enjoyable morning with family, we decide to check out Helms Arboretum. As we are in the Corolla, we will stick to the gravel tracks only. It will be interesting to see what orchids make an appearance.
As expected, the first orchids found are the bunny orchids. These little orchids flower from March in some areas all the way to June in others.
The White bunny orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus subsp. dilatatus) is the most widespread of the species. They are found between Shark Bay and Israelite Bay.
Leaf is sometimes red backed
The only other orchids found were those of the Greenhood family.
The also widespread Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) is found flowering in a few isolated spots.
They flower from April till September between Perth and Israelite Bay.
Not too many orchids currently to be found out at Helms Arboretum. Rather a slow start to the season.
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.
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.
All to soon our week away comes to an end. We leave Albany and head northeast along National Highway No. 1 to Wellstead where we make a quick stop at the TransWA bus bay. No orchids found flowering however we did find some Redbeak leaves and the beautiful Silver princess (Eucalyptus caesia) in flower. From here we continue along until we reach a pull over spot in the Pallinup Nature Reserve.
Driving into the parking bay we spy some donkey orchids in flower. A promising start however it did prove to be not so. The Green Range donkey orchid (Diuris littoralis) is the likely species of donkey orchid as they flower from July to early September over a range from Denmark to Esperance in a coastal and near coastal locations. Other than these in flower there are a couple of Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata) in flower and some Jug orchids (Pterostylis recurva) close to flowering. Nothing else found, which is disappointing.
Moving on we head toward Jerramungup, where we plan to check out the recently burnt area again to see what is now in flower. First up though we check out a location shared to us by a friend who used to live in the area. Down Carlawillup Road we go, until we reach the gully. Here we pull over and have a quick scout around. Only Banded greenhoods and other nearly in flower jug orchids were found. Will need to check this location out further into the orchid season to see what is flowering then.
Back to the burnt area near Jerry and again we are a bit disappointed as we find loads of donkey orchids and a few Banded greenhoods. The only other interesting find were some Redbeaks from last season with their charcoal black dried flowers. The Latin “pyr” (fire), “orchis” (pertaining to Orchidaceae) & “niger” (black) show how this scientific name Pyrorchis nigricans was chosen. They flower after fire and the dried flower is black in colour. The other issue is naming the donkey orchids as they do appear to differ in their appearance. So some may be the Green Range donkey orchid as noted being found earlier today, whilst others could be the South Coast donkey orchid (Diuris brockmanii). The latter orchid flowers between Ongerup and Esperance from June to early August, so they could co-occur.
We now make tracks for Newdegate, where we plan to stay in the local hotel for the night. A rustic hotel which was busy with the locals, so our wonderful meal was eaten in the company of many. Only one more day of travel before we reach home, so we try and get a good night’s sleep, however the heater kept cutting out so needed to be reset many times.
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.
