2020….. Coastal tease

20/06/2020

A young friend has invited us out to Alexander Bay for an overnight fishing camp-out. After having a quick check of the shire campground we hit the beach and make our way onto the rocks where Billy and his boys are already fishing.

After eating our lunch I go on exploring with the boys as Billy and Deb move locations to try for some squid. On the way up the granite rocks I discover some nice greenhoods. Both the Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata) and the Dark banded greenhoods (Pterostylis sanguinea) grow east of Esperance and can be found growing on granite outcrops. One has brown colouring whilst the others are green, so appears both may be present in this one location.

As the boys had run ahead, my searching is more focused on the walk back to Billy and Deb. I discovered many leaves and rosettes of orchids yet to sprout buds. Then under some bushes in the sand dunes behind the granite are some Caladenia leaves which have buds forming. Also found where some thin Thelymitra leaves and a lone Bird orchid.

Back to the fishing and Billy has caught 2 squid and it’s time to move on up the beach to find our possie for tonight. We finally found what we envisaged to be a great spot on the beach and set up camp. Campfire lit, a few fish caught, more seaweed caught, dinner cooked, a few drinks consumed then bed.

21/06/2020

We awake to a very cold morning where the waves crashing on the beach seem to be causing steam to rise from the ocean. It is a beautiful sunny morning but you would not know it as it is so cold. After breakfast we slowly pack up and move back towards the Alexander Bay campground.

We pull up to a spot where we try for some sand whiting or flathead but not much is happening. A call of nature causes me to go exploring at the base of the sand dunes. Whilst walking back I check very closely under the scrub and find some rosettes. Upon closer inspection there are snail orchids starting to bud. A further tease for the season ahead it appears.

Results from the overnight fishing trip: Camping: Great, Fishing: Average, Orchids: Tease. If time permits a re-visit in a few weeks may prove worthy.

Searching between the Showers

Day Trip, Myrup

20/07/2019

Today I head east to check our how the orchid season in the southeast coast of WA is progressing. As it is winter I expect to be exploring in between rain showers.

My first stop is a bitumen dump off Wittenoom Road in Neridup. I overlooked this location on my trip out here a few weeks back, so Deb reminded me off this spot. My exploration will be restricted to the edge of the clearing as the bush is dripping wet from all the rain.

As I am in the Ford Falcon today, I park just in the southern entrance to the bitumen dump, as the bushes growing in the middle of the track are too large to drive over. I begin my search moving north along the western boundary. Underneath the bushes I find a single Dark Banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea) and very close-by some snail orchids. The snail orchids appear to be Brittle snail orchids (Pterostylis timothyi) due to the small rosette of pointed veined leaves and the tinge of fawn in the green and white flower. These little guys flower July through September in a range from Lake Cronin to Esperance.

Brown white striped flower
Standing 50 to 150mm in height
Narrow ended lateral sepals
Rosette
Fawn tinge to green white flower

Some Hare orchids (Leporella fimbriata) are found next, however are way past their best, with obvious signs of being pollinated. Hoping for something better I move onwards, when I spy some Caladenia orchids in bud. Kneeling down to grab a photo, something white catches my eye. Less than 1 metre away are some Western wispy spider orchids (Caladenia microchila) in full bloom. So exciting to find some spider orchids in flower. These guys flower July through October over a wide range from Kondinin to Madura.

Thickened ovary behind lateral sepals
Red striped labellum
Single erect, hairy leaf
Nice clumping of spiders

Continuing my search to the north of the blue metal hill, I come across a nice hood of snail orchids, then closer to the northern entrance a Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) is found.

Growing in protective foliage
Pointed rosette leaves
Distinctive green white striped flower

Moving out of the track onto the road verge, a donkey orchid in flower is finally found. Based on the location and colouring these must be Green Range donkey orchids (Diuris littoralis) which flower July to early September in a south coastal range from Denmark to Esperance.

Grow up to 300mm in height
Colourful yellow, brown and mauve flowers
Reflexed lateral sepals
Up to six flowers per orchid

Walking along the entire verge back to the southern entrance I come across further Donkey orchids, snail orchids and banded greenhoods. So after taking some further photos, which I will not post, I decide to move to another location.

Pulling into what I believe to be the old Neridup Tennis Courts, I sit up in the car and have a bite to eat and drink, whilst a rain shower passes. I then have a quick look around and only find more Caladenia orchids budding up. Nothing in flower found unfortunately.

So onwards I go via a few more possible locations before pulling into our new Coolinup road location. Walking down this so called track the first orchid found is another Brittle snail orchid. Then I find some more Hare orchids which are also past their prime. I then move into the scrub where I come across a nice hood of snail orchids.

Narrow-ended lateral sepals
Erect ear-like petals
Covered in raindrops
Small rosette of pointed leaves
Lateral sepals 12-18mm in length

Upon reaching the low granite outcrop the first finding was a Cyrtostylis orchid in bud growing at the base of a bush.

Ground hugging leaf with growing orchid bud
Orchid habitat

In the bushes off the granite to the north I find many Banded greenhoods before stumbling across some Caladenia in bud.

Little ray of sunshine
3 to 14 stem leaves
Getting ready to flower

It is past 2.30 in the afternoon so I start making my way back to the Ford, when I stumble across more Banded greenhoods and Brittle snail orchids. However I am nearly back at the car when some other greenhoods are found. From their size and colouring they may be Mallee Banded Greenhoods (Pterostylis arbuscula) which flower June to early September in an mostly inland range from Northampton to Eyre. Distinguishing features are short stature and few flowered inflorescence.

Rosette smaller than flower
Max of five flowers per orchid
Broad slightly cupped lateral sepals
Elongated, slightly cupped lateral sepals

I move on to the original Coolinup Road site of the small granite outcrop. Due to the lack of rain this season the puddle blocking access had not yet been filled, so access was much easier than this time last year. Whilst looking underneath the bushes for Mosquito orchids I was amazed to find some spider orchids, as I have never found them here before. They appear to be further Western wispy spider orchids, given the size of their labellum’s

Grow to 250mm in height
Erect hairy leaf 1 – 3 mm in width
Up to 3 white flowers
Small labellum
Often pendulous petals and lateral sepals

Upon further searching I found more greenhoods and snail orchids. Bird orchids had started but were a long way from flowering, so were the mosquito orchid, plus the larger spider orchids were also a few weeks away from flowering. Grabbed a few snaps of the Pterostylis orchids then moved on.

Numerous stem leaves
About to chomp down
Flattened lateral sepals hang
Stand up to 150mm in height
Narrow-ended lateral sepals
Rosette with veined leaves

Myrup Rd is my next destination for a quick search. Some very nice Banded greenhoods are found first followed by many emerging Caladenia orchids. Just a tad early to catch anything in flower though.

Up to 25 flowers per stem
Green and white striped flowers
Up to 14 stems leaves
Leaves and orchid covered in fine hairs
Uniform height

Another solo search has ended with a few orchids found. 7 species in fact

A time when the Pterostylis ruled the Woodlands

Day Trip, Helms Arboretum, Nature Reserves, Red Lake Townsite NR, Truslove North NR, Truslove Townsite NR

13/07/2019

Finally after what seems like ages, we head off on a drive to search for some orchids. First stop is the wonderful Helms Arboretum, (Mud Map SE35 ) at the snail orchid plot. Well in previous years it was the snail orchid plot, however we may be a little early this year.

Eventually we come across some rosettes and then a few are in flower. Appears to be the species found 30/07 last year which could not be named. Western Australian Native Orchids Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/517329235050125/ identified these as an unnamed snail orchid from the South East.

2 stem leaves

Rosette

Also found the leaves oF the spider orchids from previous years , so will be coming back later in the season to check on them. Moving along the track we find some Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata) and Dark banded greenhoods (Pterostylis sanguinea) growing on the verge. The lateral sepals are fleshier in the Dark banded greenhood, as the below pictures illustrate.

Distinctive green/white stripes

Flowers have a nodding stance

More of the same found so we decide to proceed to our next planned stop – Fleming Grove Road. Here we find lots of Hare orchids (Leporella fimbriata) in the final stages of flowering.

Playing hide n seek

Dual flowers are common

Finding protection in the bushes

Pushing through the scrub we stubble across more Banded greenhoods growing under bushes for protection from being eaten by the kangaroos.

Can have up to 25 flowers per plant

Insect like labellum flicks up when triggered by pollinator.

Then nearby we are lucky enough to find a solitary donkey orchid barely in flower. Based on location this must be a Green Range donkey orchid (Diuris littoralis) which flowers July to early September over a near coastal range from Denmark to Esperance. Then another more open flower is found closer to the greenhoods.

so far only 1 petal has appeared

Dorsal sepal yet to open up fully

Moving on again this time to Truslove Townsite Nature Reserve which unfortunately turns up orchidless. However Truslove North Nature Reserve turns up some Dark banded greenhoods.

White bands clearly visible on this specimen

Very dark brown colouring

Next stop is Red Lake Townsite Nature Reserve where we take a break for lunch. Deb finishes her lunch first and heads off up the track by foot on her search. I have a quick look around , finding more Dark banded greenhoods, and then jump in the Triton to move up to Deb as she has found something new. Dwarf shell orchids (Pterostylis brevichila) are her find, which flower July to September in a range from Hyden to Mt Ragged. Great pickup Deb!!

Fleshy lateral sepals

Less pronounced hood than other shell orchids

Stem leaves but no rosette

Appears to be yawning

Erect narrow ended lateral sepals

Next up Deb finds a Midget greenhood (Pterostylis mutica) so close to flowering. These little guys are found July to October from Wongan Hills to the SA border. Also within coo wee are some yet to fully open Frog greenhoods (Pterostylis sargentii) which flower July to October in an inland range from Northampton to Grass Patch. Better specimens are found down another track.

This little guy stood 25mm high

Lateral sepals yet to open downwards

Then some more greenhoods are found, so last minute photos taken before moving on.

White bands are clear in these flowers

Slightly cupped lateral sepals

Our final destination for today is Eldred Rd near Salmon Gums, where we check out the woodlands surrounding a clay pan lake. (see Feature Image). Only orchids found were more greenhoods, but some appear to be the newly named Mallee banded greenhood (Pterostylis arbuscula) which flowers June to September in an inland range from Northampton to Eyre. All orchids were restricted to the bases of the larger trees.

Mallee banded greenhoods — Short stature and few flowered inflorescence.

So today was a day that the Pterostylis orchids ruled. At least 7 species found.

?? Snail

Dwarf Shell

Banded Greenhoods x 3

Midget Greenhood

Frog Greenhood

The Diuris and Leporella are bonus orchids in a woodland of Pterostylis.

New Coolinup location found

Day Trip, Road Trip

22/06/2019

Have time for a quick spin out to Coolinup road (Mud Map SE 37/38 ) due to Debbie’s work roster. After a wonderful cooked breakfast we pack up the Triton for our day trip. Heading east with foreboding black clouds all around, we arrive at our usual first destination on Coolinup Road.

Looking down Coolinup Rd to Fisheries Rd intersection

I push into the scrub to find some greenhoods, as they are always here. Debbie though skirts the bushes to see what she can find. I locate a Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) which flowers April to September in a range between Perth and Balladonia. Also found are Dark banded greenhoods (Pterostylis sanguinea) which flower June to September , however range inland between Mullewa and Toolinna Cove. Only a few plants fully formed though which must be down to the dry start to our orchid season.

Bright green and white striped flowers

Fleshier flowers than the Banded greenhood

Pterostylis sanguinea

Debbie finds some greenhoods as well underneath the bushes in the granite runoff. Then she discovers the Bird orchid leaves are sprouting with greenhoods nearby.

Labellum has been triggered

Labellum not triggered

Mutiple stem leaves

Further around the rock Deb yells excitedly as she has found our first leek orchid of the season. Appears to be an Autumn leek orchid, but which one? I will be naming this specimen the Autumn leek orchid (Prasophyllum parvifolium) due to it’s colouring. Thes little guys flower June to August and are found between Eneabba and Mt Ragged.

Pink colouring sets it apart from the related Scented autumn leek orchid

Full plant stood around 100mm in height

And close by was a small double headed Banded greenhood, just to finish off this location.

Insect-like labellum

Plant stood 60mm in height

Feeling buoyed by finding the leek orchid we decide to check out the track leading into a bitumen dump. Unfortunately nothing seen whilst coasting in, however I did spy a new track that had been made into the scrub. By track I should say, 2 wheel ruts squashed into the vegetation. On the way back from the bitumen dump I convince Deb to pull over so we can have a quick check.

This proved to be a good decision, as a little way in we were finding Hare orchid leaves, Red Beak leaves and some spent White bunny orchids. Then Debbie stumbles across a Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata) still in flower. These are found between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay during the months of March to June, so we are lucky to find one still flowering, albiet already fertilised. Then a little bit further down the track another one is found.

Fertilized by the size of their ovary

Love the upright petals

Further along we come to another granite clearing, however it is at least twice the size of our first regular location. Excitedly we spread out to inspect the site. It looks like prime habitat for later orchids, so we put this one into our data base (heads) for later in the season. Debbie is again the first to find an orchid flowering. This time it is a Granite bunny orchid (Eriochilus pulchellus) which flower April and May in a range from Esperance to Balladonia. They are also found elsewhere in specific areas. Further bunnies are also found however no photos taken.

Distinctive white lateral sepals

Taller orchid would have been 150mm in height

As it is lunch time we head back to the Triton and make our way to the usual gravel pit off Lane Road, where we can eat in peace. Debbie rustles up our Tuna and Chickpea salad, then we walk around eating from our respective bowls. Many leaves are found before I uncover another Hare orchid, whilst moving in to check out some Banded greenhoods.

Double header … Common number

Also called Fringed hare orchid for obvious reasons

Green white striped flowers

Can have up to 10 flowers per orchid plant

Nodding nature and darker colouring lead to this ID

That is all we have time for today so we head off home to Esperance. It was nice to get out into the fresh air after a hectic week of work.

Orchids found today:

Hare Orchid

Autumn leek orchid

Banded greenhood

Dark banded greenhood

Granite bunny orchid

June Jaunt – Justified? – Part 2

Boolanelling NR, Malyalling NR, Nature Reserves, North Wagin NR, Numerous days, Pallarup NR, Pikaring NR, Road Trip, Toolibin NR

12/06/2019

Leaving Kwolyin by our usual 10am we head south towards Corrigin on Shepherd Road and choose to visit Pikaring Nature Reserve which is located on the Old Beverley Road. This is a new location for us so we drove slowly along until we found a place to park the Triton and camper well off the road. We then went exploring.

Woohoo, finally we find some orchids. Dark banded greenhoods (Pterostylis sanguinea) are found growing on the rock which is the main feature of this reserve. These orchids flower June to September and are found in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania as well as in WA. Here they are found from Mullewa to Toolinna Cove, but do not occur in the South west corner.

Can have up to 12 stem leaves

Broad joined lateral sepals

Flowers have a nodding appearance

Only other orchids found were some spent White bunny orchids, so after morning tea we move on, but not too far before we pull off the road into Boolanelling Nature Reserve, which is very open woodland habitat. No luck in finding any orchids in flower but we did find Redbeak, Spider and Sun orchid leaves and Pterostylis rosettes. The place was also occupied by lots of large termite mounds.

As it is already afternoon we move on. We planned to visit Talbot rock however it was in private property we had to forgoe this spot. Arriving in Yealering, we have another cuppa soup lunch, this time overlooking a somewhat dry lake, before grabbing a takaway coffee as a special treat. Now we need to decide where we are going to camp the night.

About 15kms away is Malyalling Nature Reserve, which we have visited before, so we decide to check it out again. On the old sportsground, which is not a part of the Nature Reserve we find a suitable spot to camp. It even has a shelter with an existing camp fire spot. A quick look around over the rock and through the woodlands only turned up leaves, rosettes and some yet to flower Pterostylis orchids.

Our campsite for the night

All set up for a great night under the stars

13/06/2017

After another wonderful nights sleep and a hearty breakfast we pack up and head off, as our quick search last night was enough to confirm this to be another orchidless location, for now. We make a beeline to Toolibin Nature Reserve, which contains Toolibin Lake, and have a search of the woodlands along the track leading into the picnic area. Last visit turned up lots of orchids but no such luck today.

Next location to checkout is Yilliminning Rock as we have previously driven past without stopping, usually due to time constraints on a drive home from Perth, however today we have time. Parking up in the picnic area, before enjoying lunch, we decide to check out the rock. After a good 10 mins of searching we come across some Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata) which flower April till September in locations between Perth and Balladonia. Whilst I’m getting some photos Debbie yells out in excitement as she has finally found another type of orchid. They appear to be Green-veined shell orchids (Pterostylis scabra) which flower May to August over a large range from Kalbarri to Esperance.

Found growing on granite rock

So many rosettes with only a few flowering

Petals and dorsal sepal join to form hood

Prominently protruding labellum

Shell orchids in the foreground

Nothing more found on the rock other than what appears to be Elbow orchid leaves, so after finding the striking Sea-urchin hakea (Hakea petiolaris) we make our way back to the surrounding woodlands for the trek back to the picnic area. In this woodland I find more Banded greenhoods, however some are brown in colour but do not appear to be Dark banded greenhoods, due to the lateral sepals being more elongated than broad.

Insect-like labellum

Leaves will be withered by flowering time – Oct to Jan

Bright green colour

This flower was growing on a bare branch

Light brown colour – Not usual

Insect-like labellum

Very tall specimen

Light brown coloured specimen

Sign at picnic area

After enjoying lunch we head into Narrogin to get some supplies. We visited the Dryandra Country Visitors Centre and obtained information on the local reserves. We chose to check out Foxes Lair a reserve in the town boundary. We drove through the reserve and decided to park at the Arboretum carpark and take the Granite Walk. This walk is 1.2km in length and incorporates the Arboretum. It was a pleasant walk however was not producing any orchids until we reached the section of granite boulders. Here we found some Dark banded greenhoods.

Little group growing close to granite

Insect-like labellum flicks up when triggered by pollinator

Granite habitat of Dark banded greenhoods

Growing in the Sheoak needles

Can grow up to 400mm in height

As it is now after 3pm we make a move to an area called Newman Block where there are some more marked walk trails. Due to limited time before sunset, we decided we had better find an overnight camp spot. As we slowly checked out the woodlands I spy a Banded greenhood at the side of the track. As Deb reverses back so I can grab a photo, she sees a very small White bunny orchid. Exact ID unknown.

Flowers more upright than Dark banded greenhood flowers

Exact species unknown

We find a camping spot and set up for another night around the campfire. Today proved a much more fruitful day so fell asleep quickly after a good feed and a few bevvies.

Campfire lit in cleared area.

14/06/2019

This morning after breaking camp we set off on the Sandplain Walk which skirts an incline before we climb this to the sandplain. On the incline up we finally find a Dark banded greenhood in flower.

Wonderful woodland habitat

Typical nodding nature of flower

Once on the elevated sandplain the vegetation changes and we come across many Hare orchid leaves. Then finally we come across one in flower. The Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata) flowers March to June over a large range from Kalbarri to Israelite Bay. A little further along we come across others in flower.

Location we found the Hare orchids

Striking a pose

Triple header

Size comparison to Debs hand

Nice double header.

Leaving the sandplain we head into a thicket of trees where we find some Banded greenhoods. One of which was a good 350mm in height, so took a photo alongside my lower leg for scale.

Green and white stripes. Flowers do not nod

Height comparison to my lower leg

We arrive back to the Triton and camper around 11.30am and make tracks for our next planned stop. This being near Piesseville (Mud Map SE14) which did not turn up anything other than leaves ready for later in the season. So we travel via Piesseville to the North Wagin Nature Reserve where we grab some lunch. Then time to look around. So many Banded greenhoods found, some with really crowded inflorescences.

Trio of plants

Very full inflorescence

We fill up the Triton in Wagin before moving onto a new location. Just southeast of Wagin is Puntapin Rock on Puntaping Rd. We go for a exploratory walk up the rock and only find leaves and sprouts of unknown origin.

Possible Shell or Frog greenhood.

Leaving the picnic area

So now we need to find a campsite for tonight. Passing through Dumbleyung we head east and finally pull into an old gravel pit near Tarin Rock. We light what will be our last campfire of the trip and enjoy a red wine. Cooked up a meal in the camp oven and settled in for a cold night.

Deb stoking the fire

Camp oven stew.

Checking dinner cooking on the fire

15/06/2017

Woke up to a foggy morning, so jumped out and got the fire going for some warmth. After our last breakfast on the road we pack up camp and head to a usual stop, the Lake Grace Lookout. It is still so dry here so we expect to find nothing. However under the usual bush I find the stand of greenhoods.

Lots under this one bush

Still yet to open

Stopping in Lake Grace we grab a coffee at Cafe Arjo, which was really yummo, then drive on to Newdegate. We had to grab a photo of the CBH Silos before buying last minute supplies at the general store. Then it was eastward to Lake King.

Notice the Cowslip orchids with the lizard

First up we grab lunch at the Lake King Tavern before heading off on Walk Trail No.1 which takes us from the Tavern to the General Store. Then we take Walk Trail No.3 back to the tavern on a 3.6km loop into the woodlands. There was so much rubbish in the woodlands including a caravan, 2 tractors, car bodies and so many rusted tins. Also though we did find more greenhoods and many Pygmy orchids, which of course had finished flowering for the season.

Woodlands

Yet to fully open.

All flowers now finished

Showing typical habitat

Making it back to the Triton we head off for Pallarup Nature Reserve or more exactly Pallarup Rocks, which usually bring the goods. We did find orchids but not many. Dark banded greenhoods and a solitary Hare orchid.

Dark brown lateral sepals

Best shot taken in the windy conditions

Well we pull into Raventhorpe at 4.45pm and set up the camper in the front yard of the unit our son, Tim, is renting. Was great to catch up with him, have a hot shower, play Tri-ominos and eat dinner indoors. We do however sleep in out camper so hot water bottles are again filled.

16/06/2017

Tim leaves for work before 6am, as we hear him leave but remain in our warm bed until later. After breakfast we pack and and make tracks for home. We do stop in at Mills road but no orchids found, so Esperance here we come.

So now the question posed by the title to this post – Was a Jaunt in June Justified?

YES

WAS

2018 Road Trip – Holland Track and Beyond – Day 15 – Our Last Day :(

Numerous days, Road Trip

07/09/2018

You could not ask for a better morning. Bright sunshine and beautiful blue sky. What better way to start the day than bacon and eggs on Deb’s campfire baked bread.

Breakfast of champions

Leaving camp

We head South from the campground and skirt around north of Peak Eleanora towards Dog Rock. This track provided us one last reminder of the Holland Track – Bog holes. Rather than continue to Dog Rock we turn North at the first intersection and travel up to Lake King – Norseman Road. After travelling due West north-west for a while we reach a sharp turn to the South south-west. At this turning, we stop at Ninety Mile Tank, which was once covered by a tin roof but is now in need of some tender loving care.

Peak Charles Road

Ninety Mile Tank

You would not have known we were on a gazetted road as the state of it was atrocious. Well in the Shire of Esperance it was very poor but upon crossing the shire boundary into Shire of Ravensthorpe it improved greatly. Onwards through Frank Hann National Park to Lake King. We called into the tavern for a counter meal. After a feed and a beer it was time to say goodbye to Richard who is heading home to Port Kennedy.

We however have one last orchid patch to visit before we head home. Pallarup Nature Reserve is one of our favourite spots. Just like Helms Arboretum it rarely disappoints. Turning off the Newdegate-Ravensthorpe Road into Pallarup Rocks, Debbie immediately spots a Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) which we haven’t seen since day 4 of this Road Trip. Close by a double-headed Frog greenhood (Pterostylis sargentii) was found.

Jug orchid

Frog greenhood

Since I am out of the Triton I decide to walk the rest of the way to the parking area whilst Deb slowly drives in. I am busy taking a photo of a Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata) when Deb heads off into the bush, south of the track. She has seen many orchids in an area we have never checked out before. She is not wrong. Only a short way in I find a trio of Cream spider orchids (Caladenia horistes) which flowers August to early October in a range from Fitzgerald River National Park to Balladonia. The spreading petals and lateral sepals and relatively large labellum are tell-tale signs, even though the sepals are light cream in colour.

Sugar orchid

Cream spider orchid

However what Deb had found was many Pink candy orchids (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea). I stumble across a light pink version and a Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea), the first in a while as well.

Pink candy orchid

Dark banded greenhood

Then some other spider orchids comes into view. These are much more yellow in colour and confirm this as a location of Cream spider orchids.

Cream spider orchids

Cream spider orchid

Finally get to where Debbie has discovered her bright pink candy orchids. They are beautiful.

Pink candy orchid

Pink candy orchids

Very close by were some Blue beards (Pheladenia deformis). So many different colours found so far – Green, white, cream, pink, blue and brown.

Blue beards

Blue beard

Blue beards

As we are searching new ground we decide to take the track up to the water tank and come back to the parking area via the rock. We normally make a bee-line for the rock from the parking area via the information gazebo.

Making our way to the tank track we stumble across a great little patch of Western wispy spider orchids (Caladenia microchila) which are distinguished by their stiffly held petals and sepals. The petals backswept and elevated with the tails sometimes drooping.

Western wispy spider orchids

Western wispy spider orchid

First orchids found on the track to the tank were some donkey orchids. Location leads me to name these Yellow granite donkey orchids (Diuris hazeliae) however they could be Green Range donkey orchids as we are less than 100kms or so from the coast.

Yellow granite donkey orchid

Another spider orchid comes into view. This double-headed beauty appears to be the Common spider orchid (Caladenia vulgata) due to the long fine glandular tail filaments and backswept, slightly elevated petals. These are the most widely spread of the wispy spider orchids being found between Kalbarri and Esperance. Also a long flowering period from July to mid-October.

Common spider orchid

The a completely different spider orchid is found, which I am unable to identify. It is a Caladenia hybrid, however the parentage alludes me. One parent must come from the Roei complex whilst the other is likely from the Filamentosa complex. Refer the post “Caladenia” for details of these complexes.

Erect dorsal sepal and short lateral sepals

Lateral sepals and petals very C. Roei shaped

Labellum is very C.roei looking as well

Wide labellum with serrated fringe segments

Clumping habit

Then nearby I stumble across a Hypochromic colour form of a spider orchid. This colour form can also be referred to as Lutea. This is a genetic mutation which blocks the stronger colours like reds, blues and purples thus allowing the underlying pigments to show through. These are the whites, greens and paler yellows. Exact species not known. However the lack of colours provides a very unique looking orchid.

Pure white labellum

Long wispy petals and lateral sepals. Upright dorsal sepal

Pale yellow and white colouring only

At the base of a tree we found another couple of Western wispy spider orchids, with one double-header and one that did not mature. The backdrop of the trees bark made for a great photo.

One double-header

Debbie then calls out as she has found a different spider orchid. This one is not from the Wispy spider orchid complex. It is all by itself but appears to be a Stark-white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens) which is said to be of clumping habit. The location and size of the labellum and fringe segments allude to this classification. These beautiful orchids flower August to early October in an area from Moora to Esperance. Close by more specimens were found including a clump of 5 plants .

Broad labellum with moderately long marginal teeth

Grows up to 60cm in height

Side angle

Clump of 5 plants

It’s now 3pm so we move further along the track towards the rock. Leaning over in plain sight is a large triple-headed Jug orchid. Then we reach the rock and I quickly check in the mossy undergrowth to see what is there. I find more Pink candy orchids and Sugar orchids.

Triple-header

Growing in the moss

Size comparison – Index finger tip

Also found were some small green orchids from the Roei complex. One was yet to open however, so I have to try to classify from the one in flower. It has small clubbed lateral sepals so must be a Short-sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura) which are found from Ravensthorpe to Israelite Bay during the months of August and September. It was not immediately recognised due to the lack of reddish colouring to sepals and labellum.

Small clubbed lateral sepals

Narrow band of calli

Yet to fully open

So now time to venture onto the rock itself. Hang on, check out that great clumping of spider orchids. Appears to be a group of Common spider orchids.

Nice clump of orchids

Dark filaments to the petals and sepals

Finally moved on the rock proper and first orchids found were some small donkey orchids. From appearances it appears we have found two different species. The bright yellow ones with dark markings would be the Yellow granite donkey orchid whilst the pale yellow with brownish markings appear to be the Western wheatbelt donkey orchid (Diuris brachyscapa). The western wheatbelt donkeys are described as generally short habit with smallish pale yellow, brown marked flowers. They flower July thru September in an area bounded by York , Tenterden and Ravensthorpe.

Up to seven flowers per orchid

Reflexed, often crossed lateral sepals

Size comparison to index finger tip

Elongated petals

Short, broad dorsal sepal

On reaching the fence that borders the northern boundary of the rock we come across some more Bluebeards and then the one and only Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) is found. further down the rock we also discover another double-headed Sugar orchid.

Full orchid photo

Unopened neighbour

Then finally in the scrub leading from the rock to the gazebo we find another orchid. This time it is the Ant orchid (Caladenia roei) with its distinctive smooth green labellum with dark apex. One orchid was found intermingled with another Pink candy orchid.

Down swept petals

Dense, central band of deep=purple calli

Lateral sepals lack clubs.

Pink candy and Ant orchids in very close proximity

We still have over 2hrs of driving to get home, so it is time to leave our Orchid hunting, but what a day it has been. 15 species found, plus 1 hybrid caladenia and 1 hypochromic caladenia. As previously mentioned, Pallarup Rock rarely disappoints and today was exceptional.

It was an epic effort by Debbie and Richard who drove the entire Holland Track from Broomehill Village to Coolgardie. Then to visit our favourite granite outcrop,Peak Charles plus a new granite outcrop of Cave Hill, just put the icing on the cake.

I can’t wait to see where 2019 we take us looking for orchids, so BRING IT ON!!

2018 Road Trip – Holland Track and Beyond – Day 3

Dragon Rocks NR, Holland Rocks NR, Nature Reserves, Numerous days, Road Trip, Silver Wattle Hill NR

26/08/2018

Foggy morning — Waiting for the campers to dry out

Woke up to thick fog, so this delayed our departure as we waited for the campers to dry out before we packed them away. Once on our way we followed the Trip Notes from the “Explore the Holland Track and Cave Hill Woodlines” Explorer Series: Western Australia No.1 3rd Edition booklet and made our first stop at the side of the Katanning-Nyabing Road in Ewlyamartup. All 3 of us go exploring and we discover Cowslip orchids (Caladenia flava subsp. flava), Jug orchids (Pterostylis recurva), Western wheatbelt donkey orchid (Diuris brachyscapa) and Dark Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis sanguinea) all of which have been previously found this season.

Nice family group

Extended family group

Small family group

Twin header

Up to 900mm in height

Lateral sepals look like birds

Broad spreading lateral lobes to the labellum

Hanging, often reflexed, crossed lateral sepals

Rounded to elongated petals

Up to 10 flowers per orchid

Small insect like labellum

These all appear to have been fertilised

Further along the road we stop at an old church, St Peters Church in Badgebup which was built in 1922. Toilet break in Nyabing, before heading to a Holland Track landmark, referred to as Holland Dam just off Guelfi Road.

Badgebup

Heritage listed

We found the government water tank and a track into the scrub which lead to a cleared area, which may have been the remains of the so called dam. We quickly walked around and found further Jug orchids, Cowslip orchids, Dark banded greenhoods and Sugar orchids (Ericksonella saccharata).

Inverted hood becomes the jug

Twisted lateral seapls

Dark insect like labellum ready to strike

Lateral lobes on labellum curve up appearing to protect the column

Quick bite to eat before making tracks to the Holland Rocks Nature Reserve. Here we park up at the Water tank and search the south side of the road. First up I find more Dark banded greenhoods then excitedly the first wispy spider orchid is found. On the way over to see my orchid Deb also stumbles across some spider orchids. I believe these to be Chameleon spider orchids (Caladenia dimidia) which range from Paynes Find to Scaddan and flower August to October. The upswept to horizontal petals, incurved dorsal sepal and dark tail filaments lead me to this classification.

Dark brownish tail filaments

Form tight clumps

Size comparison to Deb’s fingers

Nice clump

Incurved dorsal sepal

Petals backswept, elevated to horizontal

Very close by we also find Sugar orchids, then further afield Deb finds lots of them and Donkey orchids. From our location the donkey orchids must be Yellow granite donkey orchid (Diuris hazeliae) which is a common inland orchid flowering August to September in a range from Paynes Find to Salmon Gums

2 to 3 basal leaves

Huge numbers

Size comparison to my index finger

Broad dorsal sepal

Lateral sepals usually crossed

On the way back to the Triton we find other specimens of the Chameleon spider orchid. There is even a solitary pink-red variation.

Dark tipped petals and sepals

Attention

The pink-red variation

Fairly slender petals and sepals

We keep following the Trip notes and make our way NE to Silver Wattle Hill Nature Reserve. We jump out and find the track leading to what we hoped was a spot where the original Holland Track had carved wheel ruts into the granite. No luck in finding the wheel ruts however we were lucky enough to find some orchids. On the walk we found Sugar orchids, Wispy spider orchids (unknown species) and a Cowslip orchid and Jug orchid.

Standing proud

Sorry not the best photo

Species unknown??

Close-up of calli

Solid red lines rather than dots or thin lines

So a bit disheartened that we did not find the old wheel ruts we also check south of the spot we had parked up. Lucky we did as I found a Blue beard (Pheladenia deformis) on the edge of the granite rock, a Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis) which flower August to early October in a range from Northampton to Jerramungup, growing in the Resurrection Plant. Deb found another Wispy spider orchid also growing in a Resurrection Plant. Unable to confidently name the species though.

Dense calli on labellum

Top down view

Upright purplish-blue labellum

Often drooping dorsal sepal

Red striped, smooth margined labellum

Side aspect

Drooping petals and lateral sepals

Species unknown

Leaving Silver Wattle Hill N.R. we again follow the Trip notes and make our way through Lake Biddy (abandoned townsite) into Dragon Rocks Nature Reserve from the south. We actually have to drive through a farmers property which felt a bit intrusive, but we then passed through a gate into the Nature Reserve. Less than 3km into the reserve we find the rock and set about setting up camp, lighting a fire, cooking dinner, having a few drinks, talking some BS and then hitting the sack. It has been a great day following the Trip Notes and finding at least 9 different orchid species, with a couple of unknown Wispy spiders thrown in.

15hr Sunday Drive

Detours, Road Trip

12/08/2018

Saying our goodbyes to Kirstie and Hamish we set off for a leisurely trip home to Esperance. Usually a 7 to 8 hr drive over 725km, we however take 15hrs, as we make numerous stops to hunt for orchids. Our first destination is Mount Dale in the Helena National Park. The wind is very chilly, however we brave this on our search for some orchid colour. We are not disappointed. First colour spotted is “yellow”. A Donkey orchid is found, but which one?? I’m making the call for the Winter donkey orchid (Diuris brumalis) which flower late June to August in a range from Jurien Bay to Collie. They prefer lateritic or granitic soils and up here in the hills that is the soil types encountered. Other specimens were found throughout our search of this area.

Up to 15 flowers

Hanging lateral sepals

Short, erect, very broad dorsal sepal

Yet to fully open

Tri-lobed labellum

Broad, elongated petals

Close to our first donkey the next colour found is “pink”. Little pink fairy orchid (Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans) is found growing in the shelter of a granite boulder. These little beauties flower July to early October in a range from Northampton to Esperance. Singles, pairs and groupings are found in our extended search.

Often clumping habit

Deb then finds the colour “green”. A small patch of snail orchids hidden in a bush so only one visible for a photo. Could not see the rosette however based on location, pointed hood with brownish tones and medium sized lateral sepals, I will be naming it as Slender snail orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘crinkled leaf”). These flower late June to September in a large range from Perth down to Albany. Another patch yet to fully flower was found and the rosettes appear to confirm my classification.

Often pointed hood

Pushing up through thick scrubbery

Crinkled leaf rossette

Another species of “mixed” colour is found by Deb. Once again hidden or protected near a granite boulder. It appears to be an Autumn leek orchid (Prasophyllum parvifolium) which has been fertilised.

Pinkish tones belies the species

Possible pollinator on one of the flowers

Next is a similarly “mixed” coloured orchid, which I found after pushing into the scrub for a few metres. Firstly I found a large patch of leaves and then with a slower look some orchids flowering were discovered. The genus of Cyrtostylis is known, but which species is it? By the smaller , duller flowers they must be the Midge orchid (Cyrtostylis huegelli) which is found from Kalbarri to east of Esperance during July and September.

Many leaves, only a few flowering so far

Forward facing labellum, sepals and petals.

Dull red, green, fawn flowers

Narrower labellum than the related Mosquito orchid

Well Mount Dale proved a good hunting ground with 5 species flowering, plus Jug and Bird orchids yet to flower found. Already 2.5 hrs (65kms) into our drive home, so we better move on, or we will break our 12 hr record for the drive home. Next stop planned is Williams Road (Mud Map SE6) however we detour into Westdale Road (Mud Map SE5) to see if we can find some of the species listed in the guide. First off we find the Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) which flowers August to October in a range from Geraldton and Israelite Bay.

One flower in 3 stages of bloom

Triple header

Deb is off exploring further whilst I slowly finish taking phone and camera pics of the Jug orchid. Only 2 mtrs away I find the Blood spider orchid (Caladenia filifera) and call Deb back to see. On the way back she also finds other specimens less than a metre off her original walk track. They are so hard to see until you find them , then they stick out more easily as we continue searching.

Clumping habit

Side profile

Blood red in colour

Glistening in the sun

Uniformly blood red flowers

Long pendulous petals and lateral sepals

Disbursed around the area are Common donkey orchids (Diuris corymbosa) which flower August to October in a range from Gingin to Bunbury and inland to near Brookton, our actual location funnily enough.

Up to eight flowers per plant

Often crossed lateral sepals

Broad erect dorsal sepal

Another new find for the season is the Blue beard (Phelandenia deformis) which flower late May to October in a range from Murchison River to Israelite Bay. Only 3 small flowers found but still it is a new one for this season.

Blue-bearded labellum

Twins

Short spreading petals and sepals

It is now 4 hrs since we left and we have only covered 90kms of the distance home. Better get a move on. 20kms later we arrive at Williams Road (Mud Map SE6) where we had planned to explore for at least an hour as Deb had quickly checked this out on Tuesday when she drove to Perth, when she found at least 4 species flowering. First up we locate some more Common donkey orchids before Deb calls me over to a patch of at least 3 species in close proximity.

Broad elongated petals

Short, labellum mid lobe

First up are Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata) and Hairy-stemmed snail orchids (Pterostylis sp. ‘inland’).

Up to 14 stem leaves and 25 flowers per plant

Standing guard

Then as previously found in this location, there are Shell orchids everywhere. Many are finished as they flower from May to August. Mud Map records both Red and Brown veined shell orchids here in July so we have missed the peak flowering period it seems. From the flowering plants I believe them to be Red-veined shell orchids (Pterostylis hamiltonii) as they are darker coloured and most have the labellum protruding from the hood formed by the dorsal sepal and petals. These flower in a range from Toodyay to the Stirling Range in woodlands and Rock Sheoak thickets.

Pointed hood

Prominently protruding, long, narrow, curved labellum

Up to 6 stem leaves

Deep “V” formed by lateral sepals

Reddish-brown and white flwers

Also located close-by are some Little pink fairy orchids. So 4 species all within a 3 square metres area. Great find Deb.

Leaf tinged purple on the underside

Squat petals and lateral sepals

Labellum – Gives the common name away

Clumping habit

Shell neighbours

Other species found during our search were Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea) and Jug orchid. Also found was a meeting of Banded greenhood and Shells plus a Banded greenhood with a huge inflorescence.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Large inflorescence

It’s now after 1.15pm and we have only travelled 110km of the 725km trip. Back to the Triton and a huge patch of spent shells is found plus the very first Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) for the season. These flower from north of Geraldton to Israelite Bay during July to December.

Carpets of shell orchids

Such bright yellow

Onwards to Brookton where we grabbed a Parmi Wrap for lunch. (Parma for Farmer – raising funds for drought relief in NSW/QLD). Eating whilst driving to catch up some time our next planned stop is the Corrigin Wildflower Trail which goes around the airport and is part of the Corrigin Nature Reserve. Taking the road in from the Dog Cemetery our first find are some more Little pink fairies

Nothing else found so onwards we go at a slow pace, then I jump out to walk and find some Frog greenhoods (Pterostylis sargentii) which flower between July and October in a range from Northampton to Grasspatch. They are very small and growing underneath bushes, making photo taking a lay down on the job task. Further Frog greenhoods are found along the trail.

Cupped lateral sepals

Green to dark-brown, white banded flowers

Bright green colouring in the sunshine

Up to 6 flowers per plant

Glistening in the sunshine

Up to 10 stem leaves

Fleshy, tri-lobed, frog-like labellum

Further along the track whilst walking I spy some nice snail orchids. They are the Robust snail orchid (Pterostylis dilatata). Another grouping was found further along by Deb whilst driving slowly along.

Standing up to 150mm in height

Erect, clubbed lateral sepals

3 to 5 stem leaves

Nice group shot

A sole Jug orchid was also found just yawning like a Pelican and further along what appears to be Pterostylis arbuscular which is a Mallee form of banded greenhood. No common name yet.

Slowly opening – Pelican yawning!!

Not yet opened

Finally a donkey orchid was found. Based on location alone this must be the Western wheatbelt donkey orchid (Diuris brachyscapa) which flowers July to September between York, Tenterden and Ravensthorpe. Corrigin is slightly east of the line York to Ravensthorpe.

Pale yellow, brown marked flowers

Tri-lobed labellum

Up to four flowers per palnt

Short, broad dorsal sepal

Narrow, hanging, often reflexed, crossed lateral sepals

Nearly 4pm, or 8hrs into our trip home and we have only completed 220km of the 725km required. Best move on to our next planned stop, Macrocarpa Trail near Kulin. Just before 5pm Deb finds our first orchid of this trail. Appears to be Hairy-stemmed snail orchids.

Extremely variable species

Lateral sepals up to 35mm in length

Time for a chat

Side n rear views

up to 3 stem leaves

Sentry

Smaller specimen

Standing up to 150mm in height

Also found further Frog greenhoods, Robust snail orchids, Dark banded greenhoods and another possible Pterostlyis arbuscular.

Nice double header

Fleshy appearance

Variable coloured greenhood ..Possible common name

Then as the light is fading fast we venture into the bush and finally there they are.. Spider orchids in flower. We now rush to get as many photos as possible .. They are so small and with the fading light our photos are not the best but we need to record the find. From the location and size I believe we found the Common spider orchid (Caladenia vulgata) and the Pendant spider orchid (Caladenia pendens subsp. pendens) which both flower during August. The former July to October and the latter August to early October. The Common spider orchid ranges from Kalbarri to Esperance whilst the Pendant spider orchid ranges from Wongan Hills and Walpole. The Length of the petals and lateral sepals are a distinguishing feature.

Size comparison

Found in a variety of habitats

Creamy-white flower

Tangle of petals and sepals

Possible pollinators

creamy-white red striped labellum

Slightly less pendulous that the Common spider orchid

Standing 150 to 300mm high

Latin, vulgaris means common, ordinary

Size comparison

Long pendulous petals and lateral sepals

Relatively broad red-striped labellum

The sun finally sets on our orchid hunting so we make tracks via Lake Grace for Steak Burger / Fish n chips dinner. Then after 15hrs we arrive home at 11pm. Long day however very happy at finding 20 species of orchid.

Spiders awaken

Western Australian Orchids

28/07/2018

After another wonderful brunch at the Esperance Bird and Animal Park we make our way to Helms Arboretum (Mud Map SE35 ) to see if anything has flowered since we last visited a fortnight ago.

First stop was just off the highway where we decided to jump out and check closer, even though we could see nothing from looking out the Triton windows. Deb found the first orchids of the day. The Hairy-stemmed snail orchids (Pterostylis sp. ‘inland’) were in hoods, spread over the entire area. Also found close-by were some Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata).

Watch out behind you!!

Variable height, 50 to 150mm

Small hood of snails

Erect, narrow-ended lateral sepals

Elongated, slightly cupped lateral sepals

Side profile

Snail and greenhood meet

Further into the arboretum we find our first spider orchids of the season. Only two individual plants were found flowering and both are the Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora). These flower August to October in a range from Bremer Bay to Cape Arid.

Long lateral sepals on this one

4 or more rows of pale to deep red calli

White, red-tipped labellum

Clubbed sepals

Single, erect, hairy leaf 90 – 120mm long. Small friend nearby

Side profile

Other snail orchids are found which appear to be a different species, as they lack the hairy stem. Checking with my esteemed colleague Margaret P. it appears to be an unnamed species currently termed Pterostylis sp. ‘Helms Arboretum’

Rosette 10-15mm across, 2 stem leaves

Beautifully formed snail orchid

Short, thickened lateral sepals

I also found a new patch of what appears to be Western tiny blue orchids (Cyanicula aperta) getting ready to bloom.

Group of 6 or more ready to flower

Last orchid found for the day was a nice specimen of a Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea)

Nodding their heads in respect

Multiple stem leaves – Up to 12

insect-like labellum

As usual Helms Arboretum delivers.

WA Orchid Adventures

Come with me on my Orchid Adventures in Southern Western Austalia

Dark

20 – 21/06/2020….. Coastal tease

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June Jaunt – Justified? – Part 2

2018 Road Trip – Holland Track and Beyond – Day 15 – Our Last Day :(

2018 Road Trip – Holland Track and Beyond – Day 3

15hr Sunday Drive

Spiders awaken