Orchid Hunting Adventures, Cuballing to Beverley: Pub Crawl Day 4

Commodine NR, Dale River Reserve, Kulyaling NR, List of Orchids Found, Nature Reserves, Numerous days, Other Reserves, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

10/09/2024

After enjoying our pub breakfast with Jan and Bob, we go our separate ways and will catch up again at Hotel Beverley our next overnight stay.

Deb and I decide to have a walk around Cuballing to start the day and took some tourist snaps.

After a wonderful walk around town we drive east out of Cuballing to the Commodine Nature Reserve for our first orchid exploration of the day.

This proved a great location with many species found, starting with the good olde faithful Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava).
However, one particular specimen could be the Brookton Highway cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. ‘late red’) due to its size and colouring.
Thoughts?

The Blue china orchid (Cyanicula gemmata) was found all over the area checked.
The rest of the orchids found were not in such numbers but still a buzz to find:
Green spider / Fringed mantis orchid (Caladenia falcata),
Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata),
Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata),
Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea),
Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis setulosa),
Little pink fairy (Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans),
Small-flowered donkey orchid (Diuris porrifolia),
Little frog greenhood (Pterostylis occulta),
Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea),
Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva)
and
Un-named caladenia hybrid (Caladenia flava x reptans).

What a great location, with 12 or more species found, with 1 hybrid.

After nearly 2 hours we move back to the Great Southern Hwy, then. north to Yornaning, where we check out the dam walk trails before we have a picnic lunch.
A good number of orchid species are found as follows:
Common donkey orchid (Diuris corymbosa),
Green spider / Fringed mantis orchid,
Banded greenhood,
Cowslip orchid,
Blue china orchid,
Candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. hirta),
Jug orchid
and
Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera).

However, by far the most prolific orchids found belong to the Filamentosa complex of the Caladenia genus.
Identification of particular species within this complex always proves challenging and the finds at this location confirm this conclusion.

Possible species found are:
Chapman’s spider orchid (Caladenia chapmanii),
Joseph’s spider orchid (Caladenia polychroma),
Crimson spider orchid (Caladenia footeana),
Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia),
Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians)
and
Tenterden yellow spider orchid (Caladenia staminichila).

I have attempted to name all but one of my pics so feel free to comment on your thoughts.

Well, this was an amazing lunch spot, but all good things must come to an end, so onwards we move.
Northwards past Popanyinning and Pingelly we head then pull into Kulyaling Nature Reserve for a first-time exploration.
First up I check out the western side of the Avon River before walking over the bridge to join Debbie for an exploration of the eastern shore.
Other than some amazing orchid finds we also come across the abandoned cricket pitch as recorded in Maps.

Orchids found in no particular order, on either shore of the river are as follows:
Candy orchid,
Small-flowered donkey orchid,
Green spider / Fringed mantis orchid,
Crimson spider orchid,
Blue beard / Blue fairy orchid (Pheladenia deformis),
Cowslip orchid,
Sugar orchid
and
Blue china orchid.

Only 1 new species for the day, though we should not expect more given we are within 40kms NNW as the crow flies from our previous 2 locations.

We now head northwards past Brookton and then westwards to Dale where we checked out the historic Dale Community Hall and the Anglican church, St John in the Wilderness.
A quick search and we found more Green spider orchids and Small-flowered donkey orchids.

As it’s now past 4:30, we head toward Beverley where our hotel stay awaits. Driving along Westdale Road, we spot a sign for Dale River Reserve, so we turn onto Deep Pool Road to check it out, about 4 km in.

At first, not much is discovered, but with closer inspection, the following species are revealed:
Candy orchid,
Blue beard / Blue fairy orchid,
Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile),
Crimson spider orchid,
Green spider / Fringed mantis orchid,
and
Small-flowered donkey orchid.

Another new species for the day, which is great, but we need to head off as it is now after 5.30pm.

Well, we arrive at the Hotel Beverley before 6pm and are greeted by Jan and Bob. We check in then proceed to have a great pub meal before hitting the sack.
Around 23 species found today!!!!

Exploring Orchids in Esperance: A Solo Adventure

Esperance, Helms Arboretum, List of Orchids Found, Myrup

09/08/2024

Debbie is working this afternoon. I am now retired, so I decided to explore two locations close to Esperance solo.
Helms Arboretum and Myrup.⁹
Not much to report so I will just list the orchids found.

?? Snail orchid
(Pterostylis sp.)

Found at Helms and is un-named. Have posted numerous pics of orchid flower, full plant and the rosettes to assist identification.

Esperance king spider orchid
(Caladenia decora)

Distribution: Bremer Bay to Cape Arid

Flower: mid-August to October

These orchids vary in their appearance. This can make positive ID difficult as the co-occurring (C. heberleana), also flowers during September and October.
They also hybridise with (C. longicauda subsp. crassa) producing various coloured flowers. This also confuses identification

Banded greenhood
(Pterostylis vittata)

Dark banded greenhood
(Pterostylis sanguinea)

Both flower into September. They both have ranges that extend east to Esperance.

Grass-leafed spider orchid
(Caladenia graminifolia)

Distribution: Mt Manypeaks to Israelite Bay

Flowering: August and September

Specimen found had been nibbled and was hanging upside down. This proved interesting to photograph as it was blowing in the gusty wind.

Cowslip orchid
(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)

Distribution: Northampton to Israelite Bay

Flowering: July to early December

Common helmet orchid
(Corysanthes recurva)

Distribution: Mandurah to Albany, with numerous disjunct populations. Not recorded in Esperance though.

Flowering: June to early-September

Western tiny blue orchid
(Cyanicula aperta)

Distribution: Dumbleyung to Mt Ragged

Flowering: August to early-October

Esperance king spider orchids

Also found these at the Myrup location. No other orchids found though at this location.

Orchids found on quick trip to Perth

Kings Park, Other Reserves, Western Australian Orchids

20/06/2024

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.

The Red-veined shell orchid (Pterostylis hamiltonii) is found in good numbers.

Flowers: May to August

Distribution: Toodyay and the Stirling Range

Co-located with the shell orchids were the Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis setulosa).

Flowering: July to September

Distribution: Nerren Nerren Station to Balladonia

Some greenhood orchids are also found. Possibly 2 species but open to correction.

Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea) and Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata)

Flowering: June/April to September

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 bushes

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.

Exploring Orchids and Celebrating in Perth

Road Trip, Weekend away, Western Australian Orchids

15/06/2024 – 17/06/2024

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 Dark banded 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.

30/07/2023 ….. A week spent wandering – Part 9 – The End

Numerous days, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

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.

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.

31/07/2022 ….. Bindoon to Three Springs

Marchagee NR, Nature Reserves, Numerous days, Road Trip, Udumung NR, Western Australian Orchids

This year on our road trip we are heading to Mt Augustus which will take us out of orchid territory, so the days spent orchid hunting will be limited. I will only be posting about the days spent orchid hunting with the rest of the trip summarised at the beginning of the next orchid post.

6.30pm on the 29/07/2022, we head off for our next road trip adventure. We arrive a Geoff and Robyn’s place in Dwellingup around 2.30am for our overnight stay. Next day after a leisurely breakfast we head down to Mandurah to catchup with Sheena, a friend who is over from Scotland. Our old Murray Districts Rural Youth group used this event as a reunion of sorts, so we caught up with old friends and relatives from our younger days, which was awesome. After a wonderful lunch we said our goodbyes and headed up to Perth. We caught up with our daughter and got to cuddle our beautiful granddaughter again. We then moved on to the in-laws where we had dinner and stayed the night.

Sunday and it’s time to head north with our travelling companion Richard. After fuelling up we pull over at our first orchid stop for the day, Bindoon Hill TruckBay/Bus Stop. (Mud Map N 46) This was a previous stop that we camped overnight at, which looking around now, that seemed an interesting choice. We had a quick scout around the area on both sides of the highway and we actually found orchids.

The first orchids found for the trip, are the always reliable Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata) which flower from April through to September. Also found growing in the weeds were brightly coloured donkey orchids. Identification is difficult with 2 species that are known to occur in the Shire of Chittering being contenders. So, they are either the Winter donkey orchid (Diuris brumalis) or the Common donkey orchid (Diuris corymbosa). I’ll let you be the judge.

Moving on further north, I use Google Maps to spy a possible new location. We miss the turnoff so do a U-turn to pull off the road. We venture into Udumung Nature Reserve for our first every search. We are not disappointed. First up are some more donkey orchids. This time I am more certain of the species due to the reflexed lateral sepals. The Common donkey orchid is noted as sometimes having reflexed and often crossed lateral sepals.

Next up in close succession three different Pterostylis species are found. First up the Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) is found, followed by the Banded greenhood and lastly the Broad-petaled snail orchid (Pterostylis platypetala). This is my first time recording this snail orchid which occurs between Kalbarri and Brookton. It flowers during the months, June through August, in woodland and on the margins of seasonally wet flats and streams.

Moving into the bush further we come across further Pterostylis orchids. First up are bird orchids then another greenhood. Using Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) as reference, the bird orchid will be listed as the Dwarf bird orchid (Pterostylis galgula), which is listed as flowering in August/September between Northampton and Munglinup. The greenhood looks like a Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea) and is listed on the ALA site as occurring here, however in Florabase within the Shire of Chittering a similar looking species, the Coastal banded greenhood (Pterostylis orbiculata) is listed. What are your thoughts on the ID as both flower during the months of July and August.

It is now after 1.30pm, so we decide to move on. A little further north we turn right and head into Mogumber. Not much to be seen here, so we head north up the Bindoon-Moora Road. The planned stop at the nature reserve is abandoned as it does not extend to the road, so we pull over at the intersection of Gillingarra Road, as there was some scrubland that may present a possible orchid habitat. I crossed the railway line on the north side of the road whilst Deb ventured down a track on the southside, parallel to the railway line. I only discovered orchid leaves so headed back to see how Deb faired. By the time I found her, Richard was with her, and she was successful in finding our first spider orchid of the trip. The Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians) is a white to creamy-white orchid, which flowers from July to October over a vast area, Kalbarri to Esperance.

Along with the many spiders were a few Cowslip orchids (Caladenia flava subsp. flava), Common donkey orchids and another uncertain type of banded greenhood. It’s now nearly 2.30pm, so off we head further north.

We drive through Moora and head up towards Coorow. Just south of Coorow we pull over at Marchagee Nature Reserve for a very quick check, as we are now needing to work out where we will stay the night. Only found another unknown banded greenhood orchid. A storm appears to be building, so I start checking google for somewhere to stay. I telephone up the Three Springs Motel, who luckily have room for the 3 of us. It is only donga accommodation but they serve up some mean food and it was BYO, so I enjoyed my Bundy.

09/07/2022 ….. Afternoon wander Northeast of Esperance

Day Trip, Mount Burdett NR, Mount Ridley NR, Nature Reserves, Western Australian Orchids

Solo again as Deb is still in Perth with Ollie visiting relatives and having a ball. So, after enjoying a sleep in, I have breakfast, do some washing, then pack up and head off for an exploration northeast of Esperance. First stop is on Wittenoom Road at our usual spot (Neridup¹). I immediately check out where the spider orchids flower and was shocked to see the area had been pushed up to increase the space. There was only one small Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila) Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians) in flower, with no others found, not even leaves. (ID was altered after posting on iNaturalist)

Then I wander around the site, plus also across the road and not too much is flowering. I find some very small donkey orchids which I am not confident to name. Then of course I find the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) and Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea) growing under the scrub.

And the final orchid found at this location was the small Brittle snail orchid (Pterostylis timothyi) which was hard to photograph due to the wind. So I will post a video of it instead.

Time to move on, but only as far as Scaddan Road, where I pull into a section of reclaimed scrub to see if there is anything flowering. Only found a single greenhood growing as well as some more snail orchids. Both named previously.

Past lunch time, so I head off to Mount Burdett, which is located in the aptly named Mount Burdett Nature Reserve. I parked up halfway as the track is badly washed out, however the view was still great whilst eating my nuts and drinking my coffee. I then walk up the last of the track and first up come across some more snail orchids, but this time they are growing in lush green moss.

Then I hit the usual rock edge where we find most of the orchids on the previous visits. This time however all I find are the faithful Banded greenhoods. This is looking poor, however I push further along the base and come across what appears to be a great patch of non-flowering Pink bunny orchid leaves. Could not see anything flowering though. Just as I was about to head up the hill, I stumble across a small patch of Robust snail orchids (Pterostylis dilatata) which is one of the larger snail orchids and it does not have a rosette, which is quite unique.

Climbing up I come across the Dark banded greenhood again plus a patch of Caladenia leaves. Then found some Hare orchids (Leporella fimbriata) which were in a reasonable state given the listed flowering period is March to June.

Further towards to summit I reach the access track which is very rough and would be a test for your 4WD. At the first turnaround area I discover some further Brittle snail orchids. Then finally at the summit clearing I find a few Green-veined shell orchids (Pterostylis scabra), with only one fully formed. These are a widespread orchid, being found from Kalbarri to Esperance. After taking some pics, I have a quick search for any donkey orchids in flower, but alas none were found. So, it’s back down I head.

Nothing more really comes to my attention before making it back to the Triton. So back to Norwood Road, where I turn right. On the left side of the road, it had been burnt out, so I pull alongside the road, park up, then venture into the blackened scrub. After walking around for about 15 mins, with not an orchid in sight, I despondently jump back into the Triton and head toward Dempster Road. Just before the intersection of the roads, I pull into a layby, which is actually the boundary of the Mount Ridley Nature Reserve. Mount Ridley though is actually some 20kms to the north and is not included in a reserve, which I find bizarre. I decided to check out the reserve bush first, but didn’t get very far in, as it was fairly thick. I did however find some small greenhoods, one of which may be the Midget greenhood (Pterostylis mutica), which commences it’s flowering in July. The I checked out the other side of the road but again, no orchids found. Then just before I reach the Triton, I notice some very spent Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis), so had to grab a pic for recording purposes.

Moving on, I turn left onto Dempster Road and head south toward Fisheries Road. This part of the road is another boundary of the Nature Reserve, so when another layby catches my eye, I do a U-turn and park up for my final exploration of the day. It is getting dark pretty quickly, but I notice some Dark banded greenhoods and grab some pics, then come across some small rosettes with 3 little buds growing from the bare earth in between. Due to this they are going to be some Shell orchids. I take a pic for record purposes, then make a beeline for the Triton.

Then out of nowhere, hiding under a small bush, a large patch of Dwarf shell orchids (Pterostylis brevichila) catches my eye. Now this is an awesome last find for the day. These wonderful orchids are found from Hyden to Mt Ragged, growing in eucalyptus woodlands. The rosette is listed as being compact with rounded leaves, which confirms the buds found earlier will be more of these.

Time to head home as the light is fading fast, however I pull over to grab a shot of the sunset over one of the many clay pans in the area. Amazing day with 2 species of Shell orchids being found together with other Pterostylis species, A sole Wispy spider orchid represents the Caladenia genus and spent Pygmy and Hare orchids close out the list. Winter is moving on slowly, so we can look forward to more orchids flowering in the weeks to come.

Dempster Road – Sunset over clay pan lake

02/07/2022 ….. Solo visit to Neridup & Condingup locations

Condinup Reserve, Day Trip, Other Reserves, Western Australian Orchids

Well, the 2nd month of winter rolls around and I am home alone for the weekend. I only have the Ford so have to stick to decent roads and tracks on my orchid hunting adventures. I decide to head out East to see if anything new has started to bloom.

1st stop: Track off Old Smokey Road – Had to walk the track as it was not decent enough to tackle in the Ford. Firstly, I will mention the orchids found that had finished their season and the ones found yet to bloom. White bunny orchid (Eriochilus sp.) had finished, whilst the Mignonette orchid (Microtis sp.) was a remanent from last season. Next up Sun orchids (Thelymitra sp.) with leaves only currently growing are found.

The first orchids found flowering were the greenhoods. Possibly both the Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea) and Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) were found, however with both having varying colours it is hard to distinguish. Some P. sanguinea are all green/white whilst rarely some P. vittata are found fawn coloured. The other orchid found was the Fawn snail orchid (Pterostylis parva) which also has fawn toning plus pointed leaves to its rosette.

2nd stop: Coolinup Road – More greenhoods are found flowering, possibly a mixture of P. sanguinea, P. vittata and Mallee banded greenhood (Pterostylis arbuscula). Another snail orchid is also found flowering, however this time they appear to be the Brittle snail orchid (Pterostylis timothyi) due to it’s thinner, taller stature.

Also found were some Caladenia sp. leaves, Bird orchid rosettes and Mosquito orchids in bud, tempting another visit, later in the season.

3rd stop: Track off Fisheries Rd before Parmango Rd – This is a new location and not too much is found this time. I am lucky to stumble across a Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila) in flower. A lot of dumped rubbish in the area, which is terrible, however I did locate 3 old Cottees bottles, to add to our collection. I wandered into the dried-up lake area, which was almost devoid of any growth, just a bed of leaf litter. On the slow drive back along the track to Fisheries Road I did find some spent Hare orchids (Leporella fimbriata) still distinguishable.

4th stop: Under powerlines off Parmango Road – I revisit one of our newer locations and walk up to the gravelly area to see how the spiral leaf orchids are faring. Along the track and at the targeted patch I did stumble across some spent Hare orchids, Caladenia sp. leaves and the spiral leaves of a Thelymitra sp. A highlight of this patch was the couple of small Scented Autumn leek orchids (Prasophyllum sp. ‘Early’) found in flower.

Well, this certainly turned into a day of being too early for some orchids, late for others and only a few in flower. As the season progresses so will the numbers of orchids in flower increase. I look forward to a re-visit later on with Debbie in tow.

26/06/2022 ….. Gibson locations checked

Sunday Drive, Western Australian Orchids

As has become our ritual, we enjoy breakfast at the Esperance Bird and Animal Park before checking out some orchid locations.

1st stop – Walker Street Bushland – Gibson, where we check out the burnt-out scrub. Along the edge of the north/south track we locate some greenhoods. The bright green ones must be the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) whilst the brownish coloured ones may either be the Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea) or the Mallee banded greenhood (Pterostylis arbuscula). All 3 species are recorded as being found this far east, however the references state the sp.vittata is found in soil pockets on granite this far east, which does not match the habitat these ones were found in.

2nd stop – Bush block opposite Stafford Road, further north on the Esperance-Coolgardie Highway. More Banded greenhoods found as well as a good patch of Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata) leaves. The surprise find though was a large hood of Robust snail orchids (Pterostylis dilatata) growing under the protection of the shrubs. These orchids flower May to August between Northampton and Toolinna.

3rd stop – Boydell Road, even further north along the Highway. Nothing found other than more Hare orchid leaves so our final and 4th stop is our usual location on Fleming Grove Road. Further Banded greenhoods found, plus some Hare orchids still in flower. Past their best but easily recognisable.

Average day for orchids, however it was wonderful to get out under a beautiful blue winters sky. Nothing better than a Sunday drive with orchids as an added bonus.

WA Orchid Adventures

Come with me on my Orchid Adventures in Southern Western Austalia

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