Beard – WA Orchid Adventures

Road Trip – Day 2 – Wagin to Kwolyin

02/9/2017

After a quick breakfast and a long hot shower we make up the thermos and head off to fuel up, then make tracks for the North Wagin Nature Reserve, our first planned stop of the day. Just off the road, on the track chosen to push into the reserve, I spy a group of Jug orchids (Pterostylis recurva) which we will check out on the way back. We park the Triton and camper near a dam and head out on foot to check out this new location. First find is the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata), quickly followed by Western wheatbelt donkey orchid (Diuris sp. ‘western wheatbelt’).

Green and white banded flowers, 8 to 10 mm across

Mostly found east of the Albany Hwy. Between York, Tenterden and Ravensthorpe

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Many donkey orchids were found and mixed in with these we found some Little pink fairy orchids (Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans) distinguished by their leaf having a red coloured underside. Another common orchid found here was the Fringed mantis orchid (Caladenia falcata) which competed with the donkey orchid to be the most common orchid in this location. As planned we took pictures of the Jug orchids as we made tracks for our next location.

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Short spreading petals and sepals with a prominently tri-lobed labellum

Spreading petals, up-swept, narrowly clubbed lateral sepals

Greenish-yellow, red tipped labellum with comb-like fringe segments

Down curved lateral sepals

Looking into the jug of the aptly named orchid

Tow to three basal leaves with up to four flowers per stem

View looking down into the labellum

Piesseville was our next location and we finally found flowering orchids, after other visits turned up leaves and buds only. As with the Wagin location the Fringed mantis orchid was very common, as were the Sugar orchids (Ericksonella saccharata), however the later were restricted to a few metres in from the road. Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) was also plentiful, but further into the bush.

Size comparison with my index finger

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Short, stiffly spreading petals and sepals

The first spider orchid found is a Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia) and nearby a reddish version of the same flower.A very different spider orchid is then found. The Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea). Unlike previous specimens found this season near Esperance,this one finally looks like the ones in the books.

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Closer shot of the small labellum

Small, pale white or pale yellow, red-striped labellum

Long, fine fringe segments and dark purplish-black calli

Short, horizontally spreading petals and lateral sepals

In the northerly section of the location we find some Western wheatbelt donkey orchids and in the swampy section I find some Blue beards (Pheladenia deformis) of varying shades. I track down Deb who has crossed to the other side of the road and took her back to where the Blue beards were located.

Elongated petals, a short broad, dorsal sepal

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One (rarely two) blue or more rarely white, flowers 20 – 30 mm across

Narrow, upright labellum with short fringe segments and a dense mass of calli

On the way back to the Blue beards more spider orchids were found. Chameleon spider orchid, Crimson spider orchid (Caladenia footeana) which flowers July to early October between Cranbrook and Binnu and Chapmans spider orchid (Caladenia chapmanii) which flowers September to mid-October between Boyup Brook, Kojonup and Northam, all within a few metres of each other.

Spreading petals and lateral sepals

Contrast of colours

Yellow, cream or red-pink flowers

Lateral sepals yet to be released

Prominently red-striped labellum with serrate to dentate fringe segments

Spreading petals and lateral sepals of uniform colour

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Large, white, red-striped labellum with serrate to dentate fringe segments and two rows of white or red-tipped calli

Then an OMG moment, when Deb spies an all red spider orchid. Appears to be Blood spider orchid (Caladenia filifera) NEW FIND!!!! These are found between Tenterden and Wongan Hills and flower August to early October. Not 100% certain as it was not clumping, but single flowers. Edit: After locating Blood spider orchids at Forsyth Woodland this one appears to be a red variant of another species.

Small blood-red labellum with serrate to dentate fringe segments and tow rows of red calli

Uniformly blood red flowers

Other orchids found at this location were Jug orchids and Banded greenhoods.

We moved on and called into Narrogin to buy some supplies and an extra gas cartridge for the shower unit. We then drove north-east and stopped off at North Yilliminning Nature Reserve for lunch and checked out this new location. Not far into our search and we were bombarded with yellow from so many Cowslip orchids. Various shapes, patterns and sizes with some having very long lateral sepals.

Grouping with long sepals. Deb’s hands for size comparison

Another herd of Cowslips with redder markings

Nice family herd of Cowslips

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Next orchid found was the small Sugar orchid followed closely with some Donkey orchids. Most likely, Western wheatbelt donkey orchids. Also found were some Banded greenhoods

Up to 4 flowers

Horizontally held petals and lateral sepals.

Last two flowers for this orchid

A very unusual colour catches Deb’s eye as she has found a Hybrid orchid. A Spectacular spider orchid (Caladenia x spectabilis) which is a hybrid formed by a Cowslip and Pink fairy cross pollinating. Further colour variations were found. However to muddy the waters, the Little pink fairy orchid is found which may be a parent of the hybrids, in which case the orchid is unnamed and referred to as (Caladenia flava x C. reptans). For now I will leave the judgement open.

First hybrid found

3rd colour variation. Brightest of the bunch

Another variation in colour

Dorsal sepals have both been eaten.

A 2nd colour variation

Single, relatively broad, hairy leaf 40 – 80 mm long by 8 – 10 mm wide

These little beauties may be the parents of the Hybrids found nearby

Edit: 29/10/2017 – From further investigations it appears all Hybrids found were Spectacular spider orchids due to the longer lateral sepals. Blooms August to October and found from Kalbarri to Esperance

Final orchids found were a sole Hairy stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘inland’) and some further Jug orchids.

Green and white flower 10-20mm long and 3-10mm across

Hairy flower stem

Dark green, fawn and white flowers

Narrow-ended prominently recurved lateral sepals which are joined at the base

Quick toilet stop in Wickepin, which was a very neat little town with a museum for Albert Facey, who is famous for his autobiography “A Fortunate Life”. We make one final stop, before catching up with Richard, at Malyalling Nature Reserve. Along the road that dissects the N.R. I spot some Ant orchids (Caladenia roei) which flower August to October between Eurardy Station and Ravensthorpe, and when taking photos also noticed Fringed mantis orchids nearby.

Crucifix shape adopted by the petals and lateral sepals

Upswept lateral sepals

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Some Donkey orchids were also found and at the Eastern boundary of the N.R. we found a patch of Fringed mantis orchids. Too many to count.

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We made our way back to the low granite outcrop and Deb immediately finds some purple variants of the Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) which is quite rare according to my orchid book, so a great find Deb!! Also found on this rock were Lemon-scented sun orchids (Thelymitra antennifera) which flower from July to October between Shark Bay and Israelite Bay and very small donkey orchids.

A distinctive column with a yellow crested mid-lobe and reddish-brown, ear like lateral lobes

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Up to 40 yellowish-green, or, more rarely, purplish, flowers

Size comparison to my index finger

After finding 18 orchid varieties it is now time to head off for Kwolyin campground, where Richard is waiting for us. … Trio travelling begins.

Road trip to Perth

11/08/2017

An early morning start for the long haul from Esperance to Perth. First stop was at Pallarup Rock N.R. It was just after 7am and it was freezing. There was a lot of water around so I had to watch my step. First orchid found was a little Blue beard or Blue fairy orchid (Pheladenia deformis). Took a pic and then ventured across the flowing water onto the granite rock. Some more Blue beards found and then further

Pheladenia deformis

Side profile

into the scrub some yellow caught my eye. Donkey orchids. Now which type??

sorry for the average quality of this photo

Diuris sp. ‘western wheatbelt’

I believe them to be Western wheatbelt donkey orchid (Diuris sp. ‘western wheatbelt’) which occur July through September and range from York to Ravensthorpe. Walking back more Blue Beards and Donkey orchids are found as was a lone Jug orchid yet to fully develop.

Waiting for his friends to open

Getting close to opening

Showing the beard

Full length shot

Cold morning dew/frost showing on this flower

On the track back to the sealed road I spy one poor specimen of a Snail orchid

Covered in dew

My next stop for a quick orchid hunt is the Lookout at Lake Grace. As expected I found some Wispy spider orchids. Also as expected it is too hard to attempt to identify them all but I believe two types to be Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia) and Common spider orchid (Caladenia vulgata). The Chameleon is found July to September from Paynes Find to Norseman whilst the Common is found July to October from Kalbarri to Esperance.

Profile shot

Red variant

Caladenia dimidia

Full flower shot

Erect dorsal sepal and shorter stiffly held petals and lateral sepals

Caladenia vulgata

Size comparison with index finger

Also found up here were Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea), Jug orchid and another Donkey orchid.

Pterostylis sanguinea

Pterostylis recurva yet to open

Unsure of species

Group of greenhoods

Moving on, the next quick check was on the Piesseville Tarwonga Rd turn-off. There were so many Caladenia orchids in bud, but could not for the life of me find one in flower. In the ditch to the side of the road I found many snail orchids, including Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterosylis sp. ‘inland’) and whilst photographing them I also found some Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata) and Dark banded greenhoods.

Missing a lateral sepal

Full length shot

Hairy-stemmed snail orchid

Solo flower

Nice busy inflorescence

On Albany Hwy just past Williams I was stuck behind a slow moving truck, so I decided to check out the Williams Nature Reserve. It was a promising place however I was running out of time, so a few quick checks before heading off to meet up with Deb and Kirstie in Perth. Only found some great Dark banded greenhood specimens.

Nicely balanced inflorescence

In bright sunshine

Boyatup – 1st visit of the 17/18 Season

30/7/2017

Mid morning we head off along Fisheries Road east to Boyatup. Our first point of call is a gravel pit just past where the bitumen runs out. After driving slowly in and checking the spot where we found Redbeaks last year, we come up empty, with nothing worthy found. So we head back to Boyatup Hill ( Mud Map SE 40 ) and head in on the track. First find is a Donkey Orchid which has something foreign stuck on it’s labellum, while his stem mate has his labellum nibbled off a bit. Green Range donkey orchid (Diuris sp. ‘Green Range’).

Imperfect twins

Labellum nipped

Labellum with a foreign object wedged in

Further along the track Deb spots the first Spider orchid, so we park up and have a good look around. Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila) is the only species I am certain of that is included in our finds, however they would all belong to the Filamentosa complex.

Note the very small labellum

Caladenia microchila

Size comparison to a 50c coin

Exact species ???

Profile comparison photos – Wispy spider orchids, unsure of exact species though.

Another profile for comparison

Profile shot

Whilst I am on the ground taking photos Deb yells with excitement. She has found the first King Spider orchid of this season, in full flower. Only the one, but a great find. Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)

Close-up

Caladenia decora

Many more variations of Wispy spider orchids found so had to take more snaps

Stiffer petals and sepals

Size comparison with 20c coin

Exact species????

great iPhone pic

Showing the roughness of the petals and sepals

Short petals and sepals

Species???

Only found in 3s never more

Further along the track we finally find some different orchids. Deb spots the first fully formed Jug Orchid (Pterostylis recurva). A sole snail orchid of unknown species is also found.

Pterostylis recurva

Unknown species

Then a patch of blue grabs our attention. A Blue beard (Pheladenia deformis) which appears to be double headed, however two very close stems prove this to be two individuals flowers.

Back to back flowers

appears to be double headed flower ..not so

Also known as Blue Fairy orchid

This is how we get our photos. Very close to the subject. Wind and shadows can be tricky

Shot of a Blue Beard

Blue beard

The track is getting a bit overgrown so Deb parks the Triton up and whilst waiting for me, who is walking the track, she finds some Mosquito orchids (Cyrtostylis robusta) . A bite to eat then we both set off on foot towards Boyatup Hill.

Cyrtostylis robusta

Profile showing pointed labellum

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First finding is another Jug orchid which is nearly fully opened, followed by some more Mosquito orchids and then a Robust snail orchid (Pterostylis dilatata).

Upturned labellum

Looks like a pair of storks

Triplet yet to be born

Very broad hood

Size comparison to 5c coin

Further along more Jugs, Mosquitoes growing in the median strip of the track and Blue beards in a wet mossy area.

Lighter colouring

Four flowers.. most I’ve seen this season

Darker colouring

One open , waiting for his twin

We then break out from woodlands into open health and find some more donkey orchids and a patch of snails Fawn snail orchid (Pterostylis parva) again in the median strip of the track. Also a lone Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata) and some more Spider orchids are found.

Enjoying a brief spot of sunlight

Pushing up into a branch

Well past it’s best

Little beauty

Trio compared in size to 5c coin

Alongside the track

Trio

Very broad labellum compared to others found today

Busy inflorescence

We now keep trekking along and start skirting the hill looking for a way up as the rocks look very steep from this side. Unfortunately the track runs out so we bash our way through and scramble onto the rock only to be driven back by a bees nest. So we push around the base of the rock and cross over a vegetated gully, where we find some Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata), to finally get on the rock.

Two quite large plants

Appear to have been fertilised

After looking around the rock we make our way to the side where our bush track is and Deb finds a likely way down. No orchids were found on the rock which was disappointing however the views are amazing. We made the way down the rocks on our backsides as it was very steep and slippery. Safely on the ground we now bash through the bush and find the track back to the Triton. More photos of Spiders, Snails and Blue Beard orchids taken on the walk back along the track.

View from the rock towards the track leading in

Nice front on shot

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Late afternoon sunshine

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Arrived back at the Triton and had a cuppa then decided it was time to head home as it is getting on to 4pm. We get back onto Fisheries Rd and head west, when we decide to check out the track just before the line of pine trees. This patch was shared with us by Deb Witt, a fellow orchid and nature lover. A short way in we pull over for a look but nothing grabs our attention. I decide to walk ahead whilst Deb continues her search on the opposite side of the track. Only found a few rosettes before I see a flower that looks orchid like so I check it out.. WooHoo it is a Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea).

Caladenia discoidea

Profile shot

Red n green colouring

The further along we go the more we find, however some look at little different with longer sepals and colour variations. Hybrids??? It is now getting late so we turn around and on the way back we even find some Wispy Spider orchids. Then low and behold a solitary Donkey orchid. Being 5pm the light is fading fast so last photos taken with flash.