Well, it has been quite a while since we went orchid hunting. A holiday to celebrate my 60th Birthday was enjoyed from mid-July to yesterday. No orchids included LOL.
So, what better place to see how the season is progressing than to pop out to Helms. We were not disappointed!!
After a restful night at the Deralinya Homestead campground, we enjoy a peaceful breakfast. We then quickly pack up camp and head off on the track to Mount Coobaninya. But, after less than 2kms we turn back due to many trees fallen on the track. It seems the strong winds we encountered on the Nullarbor hit here with impact.
Back at the Homestead we pull up at the granite rock that forms the catchment for the dam and go for an orchid exploration. Sun orchids are found with some actually open so we can record their finding. They appear to be the Granite sun orchid (Thelymitra petrophila) which is found flowering from August to November. They occur from Mullewa out to Israelite Bay which is southeast of here.
So many Sun orchids found both flowering and still in bud. The other orchid found was the Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) which are found between Shark Bay and the Great Australian Bight. These ones are not as far gone as the ones found yesterday.
We have a quick look at the homestead as the occupants had left for the morning. It was very interesting to see. The Heritage Council of WA has this recorded on it’s website : The well constructed buildings of local materials were built by a well known character of the area. George Burns Scott was a pioneer with a dam sinking plant who liked building and establishing stations and then moving on. The painter, A E Baesjou. lived there for some years as a little girl. The property was used as an outstation to Balladonia until 1936 when the roofs were removed. The last load of wool was taken out in 1920. Cattle were run there until 1936.
Moving further south we next stop at Breeboorinia Rock. The occupants from Deralinya Homestead cleared the track into here of fallen trees this same morning. This was opportune for us. Upon exploring the rock, we first come across the Granite sun orchid. Only 2 good specimens found with pics taken for recording purposes.
The Desert mignonette orchid (Microtis eremicola)was also found growing on the granite. As these orchids flower during September and October only a couple of newly flowering orchids were located. As the common name suggests, these orchids are found in a drier part of the state. Their recorded range is between Hyden and Balladonia.
Then in a bushy patch Deb comes across what appears to be very pale Cowslips. Upon closer inspection, I believe them to be the hybrid known as Dusky fairy orchid (Caladenia x erminea). This is due to the yellow/white colouring. It is also because of the hairs on the underside of the sepals. They are listed as occurring between Esperance and Perth during September through November.
One of the parents to the hybrid was also found in the thick scrub of the granite depression. The Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)was growing in an isolated group. They were very bright yellow in colour, in comparison to the hybrids.
We quickly check out the dam at the base of the rock. It is covered in wattle pollen, giving it a yellow tinge.
Breeboorinia Rock DamWattle Pollen covers the water
We make our way back to the Triton. On our way out we noticed the colour yellow in the surrounding grasses. Upon closer inspection, it is the Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera). This orchid is found flowering from Shark Bay to Israelite Bay during the months July through October.
We now head off and come to the beginning of the farms. In the middle of the farms is Clyde Hill Nature Reserve. Here we pull up and go for an exploration as this is our first visit to this reserve. Well, this proves to be a great location for orchids at this time of the season. Whilst walking along the track into the granite hill, we first come across a solitary Midget greenhood (Pterostylis mutica). A cobweb holds it prisoner.
Then another new orchid for the day is found. Pics of the various ones found in this location will be shown together to reduce the size of this post. The Short-sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura)flowers in August and September from Jerramungup to Israelite Bay.
Next up we find both the Lemon-scented sun orchid and Granite Sun orchid flowering. These 2 orchids are recorded as being the parents to an Un-named hybrid orchid ( Thelymitra antennifera x petrophila). Amazingly we find one of these in flower as well. I will post pics of all 3 orchids.
Another new orchid for the day is found. The Granite mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. effusa) flowers from August to early October between Peak Charles and Balladonia. The distinctive feature is the slightly upcurved lateral sepals. The related and possibly co-occurring Small mantis orchid has prominently upcurved lateral sepals.
Of course, we also come across the ever-faithful Cowslip orchid. These are found in most locations where orchids flower between Northampton and Israelite Bay. They can be found as early as July right through to December.
Next up is another new orchid for the day. The Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia) are found from August to December between Kalbarri to Israelite Bay. The bright pink colour stood out from the surrounding greens and browns.
Well, we must keep moving so back to the Triton we go and southwards along Parmango road we head. Along the roadside we come to a spot that appears to have had a summer burn go through. We stop for an exploration. Glad we did as we did as we soon come across the Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis). Actually, we end up finding loads in this spot which was amazing. These unique orchids flower from August to November, between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay.
As we had expected we came across Red Beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) flowering. These orchids usually only flower after a summer fire the season before. But it is possible to find the odd one flowering without a fire.
Also discovered the large Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora) which flowers from mid-August to October between Bremer Bay and Cape Arid.
Another similar coloured orchid is also found. The Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea) flowers August to early-October between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay.
An inconspicuous orchid is found in the early stages of development. The Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media) is found flowering from September to January between Shark Bay and Eyre.
A surprising find was a solitary Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians) in flower. These orchids are found flowering from July to mid-October between Kalbarri and Esperance.
But the best find so far is the Custard orchid (Thelymitra villosa). This was not an expected find at all, so we were shocked in a good way. These orchids are found between Northampton and Esperance flowering over spring.
Two other orchids already found today were also found at this location. Cowslip orchid and Lemon-scented sun orchid just added to the yellow of the Custard orchid. Time to move on to the next location.
We arrive at Beaumont Nature Reserve, park up and head off exploring. Orchids that were recorded earlier today are also found at this location. They are captured in pictures below as a record of where they are found.
New orchids for the day were also found at this location. First up is the Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana) which flowers from August to early-November between Lancelin and Esperance.
Another yellow orchid is found. This time it is the Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementum). It flowers from August to early-October between Wongan Hills and Israelite Bay.
Another pink orchid is found. No not another fairy but a Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea). These orchids flower from late-June to September between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay.
Also found some very pale Pink fairies so just had to share some pics of them. Do not believe they are a hybrid or lutea/hypochromic.
The we come across some donkey orchids. Two different species it seems. Firstly, the distinctive Beautiful donkey orchid (Diuris pulchella) is found. Then a South coast donkey orchid (Diuris brockmanii) is found. The difference in colouring is the major deciding feature.
Next, we come across some of the larger white spider orchids. Based on the location only, I will name one the Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa). As the name suggests they occur both west and east of Esperance. However, the other has a very different labellum with shorter fringe segments. I feel this one is the Reclining spider orchid (Caladenia cruscula). It occurs between Salmon Gums and Mt Ragged.
We are amazed to stumble across a large number of hybrids. The parents must be the Pink fairies and Cowslips which we have found at this location. The orchid is therefore the named hybrid Spectacular spider orchid (Caladenia x spectabilis). They do vary in colour quite a bit though. Although the hybrid between Cowslips and the Little pink fairy is very similar. One of the pics below seems quite different to the others. A firm ID may be harder to pin down.
As it’s around 4pm, we decide to move on to our final location. We wish to check if the Bird orchids have flowered yet in the Condingup area. We are excited to find them in flower. The Bearded bird orchid (Pterostylis turfosa) is a southern species found from Bunbury to Israelite Bay, flowering in spring.
Time to head home to Esperance. It has been an amazing last day of our 2023 road trip. So many orchids found, which makes up for the days in the desert. So, our adventure ends. Life is wonderful when spent doing what you love.
Well, it has finally arrived. The day we head off on our 2023 road trip. This year will be a little different as we will be travelling from Laverton in the eastern goldfields to Coober Pedy in South Australia. As we will be travelling the more remote desert areas, orchids will not play a part of this adventure other than in the first few and last few days of our adventure.
Heading north from Esperance we make at stop at Bromus Dam where we check out McPherson Rock. We are amazed to find 5 different orchid species in flower on and around the rock plus an extra species on the track back to the dam.
Yellow granite donkey orchid
(Diuris hazeliae)
Hairy-stemmed snail orchid
(Pterostylis setulosa)
Cowslip orchid
(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Sugar orchid
(Ericksonella saccharata)
Western wispy spider orchid
(Caladenia microchila)
Midget greenhood
(Pterostylis mutica)
We move on further north and head west at Norseman to Disappointment Rock, where we set up our overnight camp. After we had collected firewood and started the fire, I climbed up the rock and found some orchids as the sun was setting.
Yellow granite donkey orchid
(Diuris hazeliae)
Hairy-stemmed snail orchid
(Pterostylis setulosa)
26/08/2023 ….. 2023 Road Trip Day 2
After a good night’s sleep in our Cot Tent, we enjoy breakfast before heading north. We arrive at the Victoria Rock Nature Reserve where we will have a bite to eat for lunch, then go exploring the rock for some orchids.
Hairy-stemmed snail orchid
(Pterostylis setulosa)
Ant orchid
(Caladenia roei)
Granite sun orchid
(Thelymitra petrophila)
Yellow granite donkey orchid
(Diuris hazeliae)
Sugar orchid
(Ericksonella saccharata)
Dainty blue orchid
(Cyanicula amplexans)
Now it is time to move north to catch up with Richard, Sandy and Noel, who will be our travel buddies for the next few weeks. We say goodbye to our beloved orchids until we return to WA in September.
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.
Upon leaving the Jerramungup burnt are we head east looking for somewhere to park up for the night. We make it about 35kms when we pull into the Jacup Highway Park at the Fitzgerald River crossing. This will do, so we set up the camper and I do my best to drive over a log in my Ford Falcon, not the greatest idea 🙂 I’ve had.
Now we still have the late afternoon to go orchid hunting. As per our previous visit to this location, we are not disappointed. First, we find the Green spider/Fringed mantis orchid (Caladenia falcata) flowering in isolation and in small groups over the entire area we checked out.
Calli extend to mid lobe only
Clubbed sepals
Parent and hybrid child
As can be seen in the picture above the hybrid, Wheatbelt spider orchid (Caladenia x cala) was also found. It was amazing how many were actually found, as we usually find one or two only in each location.
Attractive hybrid
Red hockey stick shaped calli
Regularly found in twins
Standing up to 400mm in height
Long fringe segments to greenish-white, red-tipped labellum
Long pendulous lateral sepals
Another parent and hybrid child
And of course, we also found the other parent for the hybrid. The Stark white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens) occurs as far east as Ravensthorpe and grows in open woodlands so seems to fit the bill.
Broad labellum
Broad bases to lateral sepals
May be found in tight groups
Bright white in colour
Labellum yet to curl under
Next, we find the very special Lazy spider orchid (Caladenia multiclavia) which is recorded as occurring between Wongan Hills, Borden and Ravensthorpe. This unusual looking orchid is known for its upright petals and sepals plus the smooth striped labellum with a dense band of bristly headed calli.
Tied up with cobwebs
All sepals and petals held upright
Horizontally held flowers.
Lazing with friends
Greenish-yellow flowers with heavy red striping and shading
Striped diamond shaped labellum
Can stand up to 250mm in height
A mobile labellum – Vertical to Horizontal
Dorsal sepal and petals almost joined.
Lazing in the late afternoon sunshine
We also come across a mixture of other orchids but not in great numbers, so I will record then with only 1 pic each. Firstly, there is the ever-reliable Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) and Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media). Both are common, widespread orchids. Then the more rarely found, without a recent summer fire, Red Beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) is discovered with a nine-flower inflorescence. Finally, a pale coloured Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea) and possibly a Ravensthorpe rufous greenhood (Pterostylis leptochila) yet to fully flower are found.
Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media)
One orchid not expected was the Common dragon orchid (Caladenia barbarossa)which is found flowering between Bindoon and Munglinup. There are only 4 species of dragon orchids, and all are endemic to WA. Only 2 specimens found but still very happy.
Column overlooks the large major callus
Standing up to 300mm in height
Spreading petals and lateral sepals
Distinctive hairy labellum
However, one final orchid is found in decent numbers. The Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis), is found flowering between Northampton and Ravensthorpe from August to October. The labellum can have smooth margins or tiny marginal teeth.
Drooping petals and lateral sepals
Dorsal sepal can be held erect.
Two distinct bands of calli
Dorsal sepal can also droop
Red striped labellum
Stand up to 350mm in height
Back to camp due to the fading light.
Small campfire lit
We awake to a beautiful sunny morning, have breakfast then decide we will take some time this morning to complete a search down to the river. Fingers crossed for something new.
First up though I will post pictures of those orchids we come across that we also found in our afternoon search yesterday.
Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis)
Wheatbelt spider orchid (Caladenia x cala)
Stark white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens)
Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media)
Lazy spider orchid (Caladenia multiclavia)
Now for the new findings of the location. The Short-sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura) is found between Jerramungup and Israelite Bay from August to October. Only one specimen found, and not the best picture, but a record non the less. Another sole specimen found was that of the Bee orchid (Diuris laxiflora) which flowers September to early November between Gingin and Esperance.
Short-sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura)
Bee orchid (Diuris laxiflora)
Blue sun orchids are found in good numbers closer to the river. Now identifying them is needed. As I am writing this account over 12mth later I am identifying them from pictures taken. Based on these I feel some to be Scented sun orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla) due to the broad leaf and large numerous flowers. Others though have thin leaves with fewer flowers, so are most likely the Shy sun orchid (Thelymitra graminea). Both are recorded as flowering in the Shires of Ravensthorpe and Jerramungup during the month of October.
Shy sun orchid (Thelymitra graminea)
Shy sun orchid (Thelymitra graminea)
Shy sun orchid (Thelymitra graminea)
?? sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.)
Scented sun orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla)
Scented sun orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla)
Scented sun orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla)
Scented sun orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla)
?? sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.)
Sun orchid with Green spider orchid
?? sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.)
It is 11am so we had better push on as we need to arrive home in Esperance today. One last stop is made at Kukenarup Memorial, where we enjoy a spot of lunch before one last exploration for orchids.
OK so we finally arrive at the promised land. The burnt area near Jerramungup. We spend just short of 1hr walking around the burnt-out landscape and find the Red beaks as expected in good numbers, however the other orchids were few and far between. They are recorded below as usual.
Habitat: Found between Shark and Israelite Bays, growing in sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and scrublands. With rare exceptions, plants flower only in the season following a summer fire.
Habitat: Found between Northampton and Israelite bay, growing in sandy, sandy-clay, lateritic and granitic soils in forests, woodlands and scrublands. In inland areas the subspecies is found in isolated populations on granite outcrops and rocky hills.
After not too cold a night we awake to a beautiful day in the Ongerup Gardens Caravan Park. After cereal for breakfast, we decide to go exploring the woodlands behind the caravan park. We take what we believe to be a rough track, but it peters out soon enough, so we go bush bashing in an attempt to find it again. We end up curving north and head up past the sporting complex. We cross Jaekel Steet and follow the track/s to the Yongergnow Malleefowl Centre, where we grab a coffee, for the walk back to the caravan park. The orchid count for such a good walk was a bit disappointing, however we did find some, so I will record them now.
Habitat: Growing in sandy or lateritic soils in woodlands and forests.
Season: October and November
Eight species ultimately found, however the numbers found were very low. Time to head toward Jerramungup, where we plan to check out a bush fire location, we spotted on the drive over on Monday.
Next stop on our winding drive back to Esperance is another new location. Anderson Lake Nature Reserve which is 30kms east as the crow flies from Pootenup Nature Reserve, will hopefully produce some different orchids. As we get close to the location it is apparent that it is much drier so let’s see if we actually find anything at all.
As anticipated, we struggled to find any orchids, however the ones found were indeed different. Very close to where we park, we find our first orchid. The Purple veined spider orchid (Caladenia doutchiae) flowers August through October, between Mullewa and Ravensthorpe. References checked indicate it is found growing on rises around salt lakes, which is exactly the habitat we are currently searching. Four sperate flowers were located, which portray the variable colouring to this species.
Smooth margined, variably coloured, red tipped labellum
Narrow band of labellum calli
Flowers 15 to 30mm across
Purple veins to sepals
Long, shortly clubbed lateral sepals
Short, backswept petals
It was another 15mins or so before we stumbled across another orchid. This time it was the Midget greenhood (Pterostylis mutica) that caught Debs eye. The lime green colouring stands out against the otherwise brown foliage. These small orchids flower July through October, between Wongan Hills and the SA border. They are also found in QLD, NSW, Vic, Tas and SA. Florabase mentions they are known to grow around saline lakes, again confirming we are in suitable habitat.
From the latin MUTICUS (without a point, awn less, blunt) alluding to the blunt petals and sepals.
The next orchid found was a pleasant surprise. First up we thought it was a frog greenhood, but as we settled in to take some photos it became apparent that it was another species. After getting back into the Triton we are excited to note that this is a new species for us. The Ruddy hood (Pterostylis perculta) flowers from late September to early November between Kojonup and Cape Arid National Park. It was only formally named in 2015, previously called sp. “Ongerup’ which alludes to its location. It is a small orchid growing to 150mm in height, may have up to 5 flowers per orchid and is found growing in sandy-clay and clay soils.
Almost hairless labellum
Straight to slightly upcurved lateral sepals
70-150mm in height
As alluded to earlier we had returned to the Triton as this location did not prove overly productive, however finding a new species is always amazing. We head north up to Gnowangerup, then west stopping along the roadside in Kebaringup. I believe this is only our 2nd time visiting this location so we will see what turns up this time.
Straight up the large white spider orchids catch our eye. The Stark white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens) is probably the species found, based solely on location. They flower August to early October between Moora and Esperance and can grow to 600mm in height.
Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile)
Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Green spider orchid (Caladenia falcata)
More Purple veined spider orchids are found in better numbers. Then another single specimen on anorchid is found. The Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media) is a widespread orchid being found flowering between Shark Bay and Eyre during the months of September through January. The final orchid found for the day was a good bunch of Jospeh’s spider orchid (Caladenia polychroma), which are found between Boyup Brook and the Fitzgerald River National Park during the months of September and October.
Purple-veined spider orchid (Caladenia doutchiae)
Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media)
Joseph’s spider orchid (Caladenia polychroma)
We decide to move on and look for somewhere to stay the night. As we have 2 vehicles and a camper trailer, we make the decision to check into the Ongerup Gardens Caravan Park for the night. It was a choose you own site sort of place, so we parked up close to the ablutions. This was a great day orchid hunting in our wonderful Western Australian outdoors.
Meeting up with Debbie in Cranbrook this morning. I drove down from Katanning, and she drove up from King River. So, the plan is to take a winding route back to Esperance over the next the next 3 days, with regular stops to search for orchids. After grabbing a cuppa from the Cranbrook store, we head up the Great Southern Highway, but only get as far as Pootenup Nature Reserve, where we pull over for our first exploration. This is a new location, so we are hopeful of finding some orchids.
First up some large Green spider orchids (Caladenia falcata), also called the Fringed mantis orchid, are found with many twins flowering. They can have up to 3 flowers per orchid, so twins are nice to find. They are a common orchid, flowering between Wongan Hills and Jerramungup, from late August to October.
We thought we found a lot of Green spider orchids, but the number of White spider orchids was unbelievable. From the location I feel the large white spider orchids to be the Stark white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens), which flowers between Moora and Esperance, during August to early October.
However, some of the white spider orchids are smaller with thinner labellum and shorter fringe segments. After checking the references these ones may be the Tangled white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. redacta) which occurs between Collie, Mount Barker and York, growing in sandy-clay soils and seasonally moist flats in forests and woodlands. I will post some pics for you to decide if I am correct in the identification. If not, please let me know.
Other orchids are also found interspersed between all the large green and white spider orchids. A lone Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) with 5 flowers in various stages of bloom is one of these. From the reference books having five flowers is somewhat rare, so this is an exciting find, for such a common orchid. Another common orchid found, though not too common at this location, is the Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementum), which is often found growing in clumps and occurs from north of Perth to east of Esperance.
Another common yellow coloured orchid is found but again not common in this location. The Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) differs wildly in its markings, as shown by the two specimens found. One has red lines and dots whilst the other is mostly dots. Where the various subspecies overlap these variations cause confusion in making a positive ID.
A hybrid orchid is found which should not have come as a surprise as the probable parents are both found in large numbers. That said, finding a hybrid is always exciting. The named hybrid, Wheatbelt spider orchid (Caladenia x cala) is a cross between the Green spider orchid (C. falcata) and a white spider orchid (C. longicauda).
Another surprise is finding the Pink enamel orchid (Elythranthera emarginata) which is found between Jurien Bay and Ravensthorpe, from October to December. This is a beautiful, bright orchid that grows in sandy, sandy-clay and clay soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.
Hiding behind the spectacular foursome of Pink enamel orchids you can see some small white orchids. These little beauties are the White fairy orchid (Caladenia marginata), which are found between Jurien and Israelite Bays over the spring months.
Now for the difficult part, trying to ID the smaller spider orchids. The location leads me to believe that the majority of them are the Joseph’s spider orchid(Caladenia polychroma), which is a variably coloured orchid found growing between Boyup Brook and Fitzgerald River National Park during the months of September and October. Listed as growing in woodlands with grassy to herb-rich ground cover, on seasonally damp clay-loam soils.
However, some of the red spider orchids could be the Crimson spider orchid (Caladenia footeana) which is listed as growing between Cranbrook and Binnu, from July through to October. EDIT: Identification via iNaturalist confirms correct ID is the Joseph’s Spider orchid (C. polychroma)
I struggle with identifying some orchids so I will post the pictures with the expectation that someone will advise me what species they believe them to be. Thank you in advance.
