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West of Esperance

Western Australian Orchids

17/06/2018

Headed straight out to Munglinup Beach camping area (Mud Map SE 33) to see if we could find some shell orchids as we did last season. There were so many rosettes however after searching high and low we only found one that was close to opening. We move location to the other area and it looked like we would be unsuccessful again with flowers yet to open found. Whilst taking photos of these I moved a branch to get a better shot and guess what? I found one opened. Yeah so happy.

Currently has a green colouring
Curled labellum is evident

Appears to be Curled-tongue shell orchid (Pterostylis rogersii) which are found from Binningup to Esperance flowering June to August. Quite content we now make tracks down to the Oldfield River for a spot of lunch. Nothing caught our eye on the slow drive in, so upon finishing lunch we made tracks for Skippy Rock. No orchids found here either !! The views over the beach though are magnificent.

Beach west of Skippy Rock
View from area orchids found prior season

Our last stop will be the main visitors area of Stokes National Park. We park up at the Day Use area and head up the steps that begin the Stokes Inlet Heritage Walk Trail. We only plan on walking half of it today as it is already after 3pm. Very small Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata) are spotted with many, many rosettes.

 

Double-header
Size comparison

More prolific though were different types of fungi. 

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As it is now past 4.30pm we make a move for home with a detour to the camping ground. Driving slowly around Deb yells with glee as she spots some large darker greenhoods. Out we jump to grab some photos in the dying daylight. As the lateral sepals have opened it appears these are Dark banded greenhoods (Pterostylis sanguinea) which flower June to September in a range from Mullewa and Toolinna Cove. They are also found in Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. 

Insect like labellum
Flattened lateral sepals
Dark reddish-brown to green flowers
Up to 10 fleshy flowers

Only the Pterostylis genus found today, however it was an awesome day out, getting some fresh air and sunshine. 

Road Trip 2017 – Delay

Western Australian Orchids

31/8/2017

We had planned to leave tonight and camp up at Mt Madden, however as I drove the Triton home from work the ENGINE light remained on, then as the sun set we noticed the headlights were not working. Called Dave our mechanic, who came around and after 2hrs he had replaced our globes, ballasts and exchange. So now we have lights and the ENGINE light is no longer on. We slowly pack the Triton and camper trailer and then go to bed with plans to leave early in the morning.

1/9/2017

Woke up around 5am, showered, last minute packing and then off to Puma to fill up the Triton. Around 6am we are finally on our way. First stop is the Ravensthorpe lookout which was the very first place ever that we found Jug orchids. Guess what is the first orchid found is ? …. Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva), what a great coincidence. As towing our camper at slow speed up a gravel hill is proving a challenge, we drive to the top and slowly make our way down. 2nd orchid found is Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta). A few scattered plants only, then a great group is found by Deb at the side of the road.

Recurva relates to the curved backwards of the lateral sepals
Horizontally spread petals and lateral sepals
Bluish-mauve flower
Size comparison with my index finger tip
Nice group shot

Nothing further found, other than more Jugs and Tiny Blues, so we make our way back to the track on level ground and closer to the Hwy we find some more Pterostylis orchids. We have now added another location for the Midget greenhood (Pterostylis mutica). Also found were some good old Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata). Next stop is Ravensthorpe for a toilet break.

United petals and dorsal sepal forming hood
Light green, white banded flowers
Up to 15 pale green flowers
Blunt petals and sepals
100-200mm heigh

Lake King Nature Reserve on the Old Newdegate Rd is checked out with only Western tiny blue orchids found. Further along the road at the Dunn Rock Nature Reserve we find a spent Frog greenhood (Pterostylis sargentii) and a yet to flower Red beak (Pyrorchis nigricans).

Reddish-mauve prominently tri-lobed labellum
Closed up and fertilised
Large fleshy pale green leaf

North of Newdegate we pull into a gravel pit for lunch, which is in the Rockview Nature Reserve. Here we find another Jug orchid. Our planned destination of Dragon Rocks Nature Reserve is reached just after 1pm and our first find is the little Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata). Further down the track our first glimpse of yellow delivers us our first Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava). Eye catching as usual.

 

Dark green, fawn and white flowers
Short mid-lobe with several rows of calli
Golden yellow, creamy yellow or white, often red marked flowers

We venture deeper into the bush and another colour appears. Pink. The first of many Pink candy orchids (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea) is found and nearby is the first spider orchid of the day. These pretty orchids are found from Kalbarrie to Israelite Bay and flower late June to September. Common spider orchid (Caladenia vulgata) would appear to be the species found. Another yellow orchid is found. Western wheatbelt donkey orchid (Diuris sp. ‘western wheatbelt’) seems to be the one due to location.

 

Short spreading petals and lateral sepals
Upright labellum with short fringe segments and four or more rows of calli
Up to three pale to deep pink flowers

 

Creamy-white red-striped labellum
Usually pendulous petals and lateral sepals
Upright dorsal sepal
Yet to fully bloom in the wet weather
Hanging, often reflexed, crossed lateral sepals
Up to 4 pale yellow brown marked flowers.

Another spider orchid is found with much darker red tips to petals and sepals plus a larger labellum as well. Location and these colourings lead me to name it Ballerina spider orchid (Caladenia melanema). Found in the Pingaring – Lake Grace area (30kms away),  flowering August to mid September. We make it to Dragon Rocks themselves and growing on the granite are some Little laughing leek orchids (Prasophyllum gracile). Other spider, donkey, candy and sugar orchids are found, but as it is nearly 3pm we make tracks back to Newdegate to travel westwards.

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Creamy-white flowers
Long pendulous petals and lateral sepals
Fused lateral sepals with elongated tips, forward facing dorsal sepal
Yellowish-green or rarely purplish flowers
Found growing in shallow soil pockets on inland granite outcrops

Quick stop made at South Buniche Nature Reserve where we find some Dark banded greenhoods (Pterostylis sanguinea) and more Jug and Sugar orchids. Then onto Lake Grace lookout, a favourite location of ours, that has yet again produced results. First up is the Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia  dimidia). Also found nearby was another Common spider orchid.

Up to 10 fleshy, dark reddish-brown to green , white banded flowers
A distinctive orchid 50 to 150 mm high
Also called: Recurved shell orchid, antelope orchid and bull orchid
Yellow, cream or pink-red flowers
Up to 3 white to creamy-white flowers with narrow, usually pendulous petals and lateral sepals
spreading petals and lateral sepals

Then a Sugar orchid is found under the scrub. Another spider orchid is found, this time a Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila) and a donkey orchid – possible a further Western wheatbelt donkey orchid. Jug orchids also found however as it is now getting dark and we plan to stay overnight in Wagin, we make tracks.

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small red-striped labellum
pendulous petals and lateral sepals
Possible Western whealbelt donkey orchid
dark green, fawn and white flowers

Overnight in Wagin at the local motel, very pricey for such a basic room, but as we ran out of daylight and with possible rain overnight, it seemed the easier option. Pizza enjoyed for dinner and time for sleep after a long first day. 16 orchids ticked off the list.

 

Dwellingup to Wagin

Western Australian Orchids

13/08/2017

After enjoying a wonderful lunch with my brother Geoff and his wife Robyn we make tracks for the long trip back to Esperance. Leaving Dwellingup our first stop is the cemetery. Nothing in flower found, so off to Inglehope Arboretum which also turned up flowerless. Not looking very promising, but we make one more stop on the Pinjarra-Williams Rd  in the Boddington shire to give the Jarrah forest one more chance to show us what it has to offer.

I check the South side of the road and Deb heads North. My side was burnt and I found a few leaves but nothing in flower. In a break between the noise of passing cars Deb informs me she has found some very tall snail orchids. New find for the season, Slender snail orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘crinkled leaf’). These are found late June to September between Perth and Albany.

Full length shot of the snail orchid
Shot of the crinkled leaf rosette
Pterostylis sp. ‘crinkled leaf’
Hood of snails under Zamia palm (Macrozamia dyeri)

As I’m taking photos of the snail orchids Deb moves on a finds Mosquito orchids. As I walk in her direction I too find one which appears to be Mosquito orchid. I take photos of my orchid then head over to Deb. Her orchids are much duller and greener in colour so a closer inspection confirms we have made a brand new discovery. Midge orchid (Cyrtostylis huegelli) is the correct species as the labellum is much thinner than the broad one on the Mosquito orchid. These orchids are found July through September and range from Kalbarri to east of Esperance.

Cyrtostylis huegelli – full length shot
Dull red colour but labellum thinner than related Mosquito orchid
A greener version with more flowers in the inflorescence
Another busy inflorescence
Another full flower shot

We now move on as we have limited daylight due to the fact we left Dwellingup around 2pm. At least we found something in the Jarrah forest closer to Dwellingup. Our next stop is still Jarrah/Marri forest however is closer to Quindanning. This spot never fails to disappoint. We find Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata) and Little pink fairy orchids (Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans). Little pink faires are found July to October from Northampton to Esperance.

Pterostylis vittata
Solo flower
Out comes the sunshine
Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans
Very bent over flower. It’s leaf is in the background
Paler pink

Also found are more Slender snail orchids (with the lateral sepals nibbled down) an unopened Jug orchid and Donkey orchids. Common donkey orchid (Diuris corymbosa) which are found August to October from Gingin to Bunbury.

Diuris corymbosa
Dark colouring with hanging lateral sepals
Front on shot
Lateral sepals nipped which tricked me into thinking it was another species.
Shot showing off the stem leaves
Crinkled leaves confirms species
Another one not opened

Moving along we next stop at Mud Map SE 11 location on Williams-Kondinin Rd. Here we find our first Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava), in flower for the season. These are found July through December from Geraldton to Israelite Bay.

Caladenia falva subsp. flava
Herd shot

The most prolific orchid found was another donkey orchid. Small flowered donkey orchid (Diuris porrifolia) which are found late July through September from Perth to Boyup Brook, however  Florabase confirms sightings in Local Govt areas of Williams and Narrogin. Our site being in between these 2 towns I am confident of identification.

Diuris porrifolia
Donkey orchids have multiple leaves from which the flower grows
Colourful flowers
Size comparison with my index finger
Group shot

Also found were Banded greenhoods and Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) finally open.

Pterostylis vittata
Finally a Jug orchid that has fully opened

Moving on to another Mud Map SE 13 location which will be our last stop as it is getting late. (5.15pm) We race around for the next 30 minutes and find 8 different species which is amazing. Those already found today include : Slender snail orchid, Little pink fairy orchid, Banded greenhood, Small flowered donkey orchid and Cowslip orchid.

Profile shot
Local hood
Densely packed inflorescence
The only one found in flower at this location
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Low light required flash.. Size comparison to Deb’s iPhone
Very small flower..the only one found in this location

Now for the new finds of today: Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea), Cupped banded greenhood (Pterostylis concava) and Crowded banded greenhood (Pterostylis sp. ‘crowded’). The Cupped and Crowded are brand new finds for us in fact. The Cupped are found June to August from Bindoon to Mt Barker whilst the Crowded are found July to September between Katanning and Wongan Hills.

Pterostylis sanguinea
Pterostylis concava – Near the end of it’s season..top flower only showing the cupped lateral sepals
Pterostylis sp. ‘crowded’ – Very dark brown white banded flowers, broad lateral sepals and flowers crowded to the top of the stem
could be either Dark or Cupped

Light is fading fast so we make tracks for Esperance. We arrive home just before midnight….

Road trip to Perth

Western Australian Orchids

11/08/2017

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

Pheladenia deformis
Side profile

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

sorry for the average quality of this photo
Diuris sp. ‘western wheatbelt’

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

Waiting for his friends to open
Getting close to opening
Full length shot
Cold morning dew/frost showing on this flower
Showing the beard

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

Covered in dew

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

Caladenia dimidia
Caladenia vulgata
Profile shot
Size comparison with index finger
Full flower shot
Red variant
Erect dorsal sepal and shorter stiffly held petals and lateral sepals

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

Pterostylis recurva yet to open
Unsure of species
Pterostylis sanguinea
Group of greenhoods

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

Nice busy inflorescence
Full length shot
Missing a lateral sepal
Solo flower
Hairy-stemmed snail orchid

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

Nicely balanced inflorescence
In bright sunshine