Road Trip – Day 19 – Tutanning Nature Reserve to Harrismith

Nature Reserves, Numerous days, Road Trip, Toolibin NR, Tutanning NR

19/9/2017

After breakfast we go for a more leisurely search around our campsite for any orchids we may have missed in our late search yesterday. Ant orchid (Caladenia roei), Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata), Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) were again located as was one Fringed mantis orchid (Caladenia falcata) with a dangling labellum. Also found was a yet to open Thelymitra species.

No hint as to the type

Smooth margined labellum

Prominently tri-lobed labellum

Dangling labellum

Yellow, red marked flowers

We then hurried back to camp, packed up a headed back along the track we drove down late yesterday afternoon. First up were some Donkey orchids, which due to the location they must be Western wheatbelt donkey orchids (Diuris brachyscapa).

Short, broad dorsal sepal

Broad spreading lateral lobes to the labellum

Top down view

Further along we find more Cowslip orchids plus better specimens of the Fringed mantis orchid.

Shorter lateral sepals

Group with long lateral sepals

Colourful trio

No right way up to the photo, taken looking directly down onto the flowers

Red-tipped labellum, with long comb like fringe segments

Comb-like fringe segments to the smooth labellum

Spreading petals

Large green yellow and red flowers

Upswept, narrowly-clubbed lateral sepals

And finally after a very long spell we finally find another Pterostylis specimen, the Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva).

Looking into the Jug

The glistening flower

Showing the colour variations

Our final stop along the bush track was at a small granite outcrop, where we found some Lemon-scented sun orchids (Thelymitra antennifera) and some yet to flower Elbow orchids (Spiculaea ciliata)

Antennae like labellum appendeges

Broad, spreading petals and sepals

Getting close to flowering

Leaf is shrivelled at time of flowering

We leave Tutanning N. R. and head on down to Wickepin, where we have a yummy lunch, before heading over to visit Toolibin N. R.. On the track in we spy many Fringe mantis orchids, some with two flowers per stem.

1 – 2 reclining flowers

Red tipped labellum

Size comparison of the entire plant. Another twin header

Dorsal sepal horizontal basally, the curved upwards and forward

Size comparison to my fingers

Moderately long, indistinct clubs on the sepals

Looking top down shows how reclined the flowers are. Twins on one stem

The lateral sepals up curved to almost vertical

Twin headers were common at Toolibin Lake N.R.

We decided to take a walk alongside the track to see what other orchids may be around. We came across Cowslip orchids, Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea) and Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia).

Yellow flower with red markings

Small, squat flowers

Very broad labellum, with 4 – 6 rows of short, thick, crowded calli

Can have up to 4 flowers per plant

Horizontally spreading petals and lateral sepals

Prominently tri-lobed labellum

Stiffly spreading, petals and sepals

Up to 4 flowers per orchid

We then drove to the parking area and attempted the lake walk, however it was closed due to flooding from recent heavy rain, which had washed away some of the infrastructure. I decided to walk back along the track and Deb drove the Triton, which proved fortuitous as I found some Ant orchids and Deb found some spider orchids.

Pale yellow to yellowish-green with variable reddish stripes.

Lateral sepals tapering to thickened tips rather than a narrow tail before the clubs

Smooth-margined, greenish-yellow, red tipped labellum

This one lacks the usual red colouring but the calli give it away

Easily distinguishable due to the short, thick, rounded, glossy black calli

Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis) is the obvious specie as it has a smooth margined labellum with distinctive striping.

Cream coloured, red-striped labellum

Reddish-brown to dark brown tails to petals and sepals

Drooping petals and lateral sepals

Red-striped smooth-margined labellum

Up to 2 red and cream flowers

Final find before hitting the Wickepin-Harrismith Rd is a great Pink fairy twin.

120 – 450mm high

Twin fairy

As soon as we got on the Wickepin-Harrismith Road we took a track near Dulbining Lake, that seemed to run adjacent to the road and drove along in 1st gear with our heads hanging out the window looking. Some spider orchids are seen on the left hand side of the track, so we alight from the Triton to check them out. They appear to be Common spider orchid (Caladenia vulgata).

Index finger a bottom of photo for size comparison

Red striped labellum

Narrow, usually pendulous petals and lateral sepals

Moving slowly along this track we find many other orchids, starting with Cowslip orchids, Fringed mantis orchid and Pink candy orchids (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea).

Erect flowers

Deformed lateral sepal on both flowers

Bright yellow variation

3 flowers in close proximity

Size comparison to index finger

Up to 2 green, yellow and red flowers

Location gives up name not the colouring

Pale pink colouring

Short, spreading petals and lateral sepals

Labellum with short fringe segments and four or more rows of calli

Twin flowers

Deep pink colouring

Brighter pink colouring

Then we find what we initially thought were more Ant orchids. However on closer inspection we have found Purple-veined spider orchid (Caladenia doutchiae) which flowers August to October between Mullewa and Ravensthorpe. In the middle of all these is a lone Ant orchid.

Down-swept petals

Smooth-margined, greenish-yellow, rep tipped labellum

Long, shortly-clubbed lateral sepals

Greenish to greenish-yellow and red flowers

Short petals and long lateral sepals

Greener version

Joined by spider web between the dorsal sepals

Appear to be dancing

Possible pollinator

Lack clubbing of sepals

short red calli

A common wheatbelt spider orchid

Final orchids found before getting back on the sealed road were what appeared at first to be Common spider orchids. However the flowers had much broader labellum’s and if they were fully unfurled, long petals and sepals. I am going to name these Pendant spider orchid (Caladenia pendens subsp. pendens) which flower August to early October in a range from Wongan Hills to Walpole.

Once fully unfurled the petals and sepals will be long and pendulous

2 rows of white, sometimes pale-red-tipped calli

Nearly fully unfurled

Relatively broad, red-striped labellum with serrate to dentate fringe segemnts

Broad labellum

Up to 3 flowers per stem

Travelling west we arrive at Harrismith and as the weather was looking like rain we decide to book a room rather than risk getting our canvas camper wet. Rather than a room we take the donger which has its own shower and toilet. Was really cheap and rough but was sufficient for 1 night. After unpacking into the bedroom we decide to take a drive around the self drive wildflower tour. Our first orchids were more Fringed mantis orchids. (Mud Map SE 10)

Common wheatbelt orchid

Greenish-yellow, red tipped labellum

Lateral sepals are narrowly clubbed

Prominently up-swept lateral sepals

Spreading petals

Also found were Western wheatbelt donkey orchids, Sugar orchid and Jug orchids.

Short, broad dorsal sepal

Spreading petals and sepals

Dark green, fawn and white flowers

Back just before sunset, so we have a shower and get changed into fresh clothes, then make our way over to the Oasis Hotel for a meal, game of pool and a few drinks to celebrate finding 15 different orchids.

Road Trip – Day 2 – Wagin to Kwolyin

Western Australian Orchids

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

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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.

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Nice family herd of Cowslips

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

Another herd of Cowslips with redder markings

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

Last two flowers for this orchid

Horizontally held petals and lateral sepals.

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.

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Upswept lateral sepals

Crucifix shape adopted by the petals and lateral sepals

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.

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

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

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.

Triton and camper . Richard with Red Triton and tent.

Gibson to Myrup

Western Australian Orchids

19/8/2017 On a tip from our friend Deb Witt we are heading north of Gibson to check out what lies within 50km of home. However first we have our standard fully cooked breakfast at the Esperance Bird & Animal Park and then our obligatory check of Helms Arboretum. Just past the large green log sign at the entrance we find some Esperance King spider orchids (Caladenia decora) of various colours.

Twins

Colour variants

Close-up shot

We also checked out our Curly Locks but it still has a way to go before flowering. Fingers crossed it is still there when we return from our September holidays.

Turning east from the Coolgardie-Esperance Hwy we park opposite a patch of scrub with a small lake. Just off the road where we parked Deb spots the first orchid of the day. Donkey orchids are found everywhere on the North roadside verge. Unable to verify exact species as the location does not match any in the books. Possible two different types found as one is duller yellow with hanging sepals and the other is brighter yellow with re-curved and crossed sepals.

Twins

Straight hanging sepals

Re-curved sepals

Crossed sepals

Duller yellow

Front on shot . Large petals and crossed sepals

Slight profile shot

We cross the road to the lake side and start looking around when Deb calls me over as she has found a Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata). This distraction nearly had me walking into a huge Golden orb spider (Nephila edulis). The poor old Hare orchid was well and truly finished for the season.

Triple header way past it’s prime

Nephila edulis

More searching and we turn up more Donkey orchids and the first Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) sprouting from the many leaves spotted. In fact there were so many Red beak and Hare orchid leaves around you sometimes could not help stepping on them.

Could be a reflection in a mirror

Pyrorchis nigricans

Flower just poking through

Bright sunshine

Full orchid shot

Flower squeezing itself out

The first Pterostylis orchids of the day were also found. Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) and Jug orchid , plus of course some more Donkey orchids.

Only 1 flower head still green

Still yet to fully open, looking like a stork or bird

Beautiful big petals and this crossed lateral sepals

Growing near the rushes

Quite a tall specimen

Looking under a tallish shrub I notice a patch of Banded greenhoods so make my way under to get a photo. Telling Deb of my find I glance down and there is this very small white coloured orchid. It happened to be a small Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata) which was partially opened. I grabbed some photos and then moved over to take some Banded greenhood photos whilst Deb took some of the Sugar orchid. This little orchid actually fully opened over a period of a few minutes so my next shots were of it fully open.

Just opening up

Ericksonella saccharata

Deb taking a photo on her iPhone. Great size comparison

Fully opened over 4 minutes

Pic below is of the Banded Greenwood I mentioned above that lead me to the sugar orchid.

Still looking fresh unlike his nearby friends

We then made our way back to the Triton and moved further West and turned North along the railway line. We parked up and had a bite to eat before venturing out for another hunt. Deb spied another Sugar orchid and I took a photo of the habitat it was found in and what we get up to taking these photos.

Deb down n dirty getting a photo

Full flower shot showing thin leaf

Another flower out in the open this time

Another Red beak sprouting, lone Snail orchid and Dancing spider (Caladenia discoidea) are found in this area, before we head over the railway line.

Another hybrid ???

Possibly a Brittle snail orchid.. Very small rosette

Twins emerging

Immediately we find what we thought was another sugar orchid, however on returning home and checking the photos on our computer we notice it is in fact a Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta). These are found August to early October from Dumbleyung to Mount Ragged. We now laugh that we were so blinded to the fact they were two very different orchids, just both so small, so just appeared to be variants in colour only.

Cyanicula aperta

Full length shot

This side of the railway line proved very fruitful with many orchids found. Brittle snail orchids (Pterostylis timothyi), more Western tiny blue orchids, more Redbeaks emerging, further Dancing orchids and even more Donkey orchids.

Western tiny blue orchid and Brittle Snail orchid

Much paler hence confusing it with a Sugar orchid

Standing tall n strong . Not so his neighbour

Stalked pointed leaves to the rosette

Nice full length shot , growing at edge of road

Showing the thick calli

Full flower shot

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Time to head south so we make tracks west until a road heading south is found. At a place where the road had been straightened we take the old track and stop for lunch. Deb spies two Dancing spider orchids and finally a Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) fully opened. I locate some more Donkey orchids then on the other side of this small triangular piece of bush I find some beautiful Esperance king spider orchids. More Donkey orchids found then onward further south.

Very stiffly held petals and sepals

Little tuck under with the lateral sepals

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Profile shot

Second flower juts out from the main stem

Profile shot

Looking into the jug

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We stop as the track turns east to a farmers paddock and check around as we can see more Donkey orchids from the Triton. After looking around only Donkeys found here.

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The track itself does head straight ahead it just reduces in size and standard. Very weedy now so we cross over the creek at a granite ford. A little further along a small patch opens up to the right, so we decide to check it out. A little patch of yellow catches Deb’s eye and she calls me over as she has found a season first Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementa) which flowers from August to November and is found from North of Perth to East of Esperance.

Diuris decrementa

We finally make it back to the road and head south stopping a few more times but only finding a single Cowslip orchid.

Texture shot

Lonely fellow

At the intersection we make a final stop and cross the road to have on more search for anything. Deb calls me over as she finds some Esperance King spider orchids. Now the word some is a little bit understated … There are so many it is impossible to count them.