Diuris

Helms Arboretum – We did miss you !!

25/09/2017

After a weekend of fishing we head out to Helms Arboretum (Mud Map SE35) on a long weekend Monday, to see what has changed whilst we were away on our Road Trip. First up are the usual suspects : Common bee orchids (Diuris decrementa), Cowslip orchids (Caladenia flava subsp flava), Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera), Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) and Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)

Profile of twins

Pale yellow colouration

Twisted up

Shimmery appearance

Looks very glossy when wet

These guys were all found prior to our Road Trip as well, so the search now is for anything new. Well we are not disappointed, as we find a patch with many White spider orchids. Some appear to be the Rigid white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. rigidula) as the petals and lateral sepals are stiffly spread. One had white fringe segments and the other red, same with the calli. This orchid is found between Ravensthorpe and Israelite Bay from August to early October.

White labellum with 4 or more rows of pale red calli

Relatively, short spreading petals and lateral sepals

Other white spider orchids were found which seem to be another species or subspecies. Some appear to be the Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa) which flowers August to early October as well, but ranges from Jerramungup to Cape Arid. The flowers are larger with broader petals and sepals.

Large white labellum, with narrow fringe segments

Broad spreading petals and lateral sepals

The other appears to be the Reclining spider orchid (Caladenia cruscula) due to its short labellum and short petals and lateral sepals. This one flowers August to September and ranges between Salmon Gums and Mt Ragged. So we are a bit south of this range

Narrow fringe segments

Short labellum

With so many variables and possibilities my naming of the above orchids is quite likely incorrect, so please let me know your thoughts. However the next orchid is more recognisable. The Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana) can only be confused with the Dwarf Zebra orchid which is found in inland areas and has a incurved dorsal sepal.

Lovers dancing

Up-swept, red-striped labellum

Petals and lateral sepals hang down surrounding the ovary

Erect dorsal sepal

Final orchids found were more Cowslip orchids in good numbers. Some pics taken then off we go to have our big catch of fish weighed.

Held up from the ground

Quite a good clumping

This was our final orchid adventure of the 2017 West Australian orchid season. I hope you have enjoyed reading about our adventures as much as we enjoyed having them. 2018 will prove a more challenging year as we move into our newly built home in April/May. So we will be busy painting, putting up fences, laying lawn, landscaping and numerous other tasks. This will reduce the hours available for Orchid Adventures, so we will see how the new year progresses. Until then take care.

Last Hoorah of our Holidays

22/09/2017

As we came home early from our Road Trip we had to finish our holidays with a final orchid hunt. What better place to check out than Boyatup Hill (Mud Map SE40) . Like Helms Arboretum, Boyatup never disappoints. Arriving at 10am we immediately go exploring for orchids. Our first orchid is the Purple enamel orchid ( Elythranthera brunonis). Closely followed by the small Diuris orchid, from the Bee orchid complex. From the habitat found and the small stature of the plants they appear to be the Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementa).

Glossy flowers

Twins

Small, yellow, brown marked flowers

Pinkish colour variant

Forward projecting lateral sepals

Two large, black basal calli

In close proximity we come across a Red beak (Pyrorchis nigricans), Cowslip orchids (Caladenia flava subsp. flava), more Purple enamel orchids and Common bee orchids.

Up to five flowers per plant

Distinctive red and white flowers

Great family shot

Common, red marked yellow flowers

Then prior to hopping back in the Triton we find some Lemon-scented sun orchids (Thelymitra antennifera) and what appears to be an Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora) nearing the end of it’s season.

Small antennae like column lobes

Stiffly held petals and sepals

We now pass through the gravel pit and head up the track to a spot that allows us to turn around, where we get out have morning tea, then head on up the overgrown track on foot, towards the granite outcrop. Along this overgrown track we find some Pink candy orchids (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea), more Cowslip orchids and Esperance king spider orchids, plus some of the small, Zebra orchids (Caladenia cairnsiana).

Short, spreading petals and lateral sepals

Twins

Red tipped labellum

Upright dorsal sepal

As mentioned Boyatup is a great location and as proof we have already found 8 varieties in the first half hour of looking. What will a few hours bring? We can’t wait to find out.

Next orchid found was a Pointing spider orchid (Caladenia exstans) which is only found between Esperance and Israelite Bay from September to early November.

Named after the labellum projecting forwards

Smooth margined labellum

More yellow spied. Cowslips and Lemon-scented sun orchids found.

3 is a crowd

Enjoying the sunshine

Red colouring is varaible

No scrub will stop them finding the sun

Then to our surprise we find a Beautiful donkey orchid (Diuris pulchella), very near it’s season end, but still showing off it’s mauve colouring.

The beautiful mauve colouring

Found north and east of Esperance

The further along we walk the more we find. More Zebra, Cowslip, Pink Candy, Pointing spider and Beautiful donkey orchids, then something new for the day. We break out of the overgrown track onto an open, damp, low granite rock space about the size of a soccer pitch and find a Blue china orchid (Cyanicula gemmata ), but exact identification is uncertain as 3 different species can be found in this location.

Short, scattered labellum lamina calli

Mauve-blue to purple flowers

Next orchids found were a small grouping of a Caladenia hybrid. One parent is the Cowslip orchid but deciding the other was proving difficult. The other parent does not appear to be the usual Pink fairy orchids as the dorsal sepal hangs forward over the column, which is a feature of the Pink fans. Reviewing the site esperancewildflowers.blogspot.com.au and the Spider Orchids EBook 2018 it appears the other parent to be the Little pink fan orchid. I would never have picked this due to the recorded location being West of Bremer Bay. So in my research the EBook mentions a hybrid between these two orchids being photographed in Esperance and the Esperance wildflowers blog records finding the Little pink fan orchid within his 160km radius of Esperance. So I am recording these orchids as (Caladenia flava x Caladenia nana) an unnamed hybrid.

Forward facing dorsal sepal, typical of C. nana

Beautiful little hybrid

View from above

Colours of both parents

Before leaving this open area we find our smallest orchid of the day. A Laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum macrostachyum) which is found September through January in a range from Dongara to Cape le Grand. We are 50km East of this range however the flowers appear wider spaced, lateral sepals are shorter and dorsal sepal is wider, than the related Little laughing leek orchid, so I am happy with my classification.

Flowers more widely spaced that the Little laughing leek orchid

Still a very small orchid

The track becomes over grown again and we find a lone spider orchid. Appears to be a Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila) although this is far from certain

The most Eastern spider orchid

Smaller labellum than other wispy’s

Then we come to the low prickly scrub which leads up to the Granite outcrop. Close to the base of the rock is a thick woodland but for now we are searching in thigh high bushes. Amazingly we find a Rattle Beak (Lyperanthus serratus) growing under one of the bushes bordering the track. Further along we find more Rattle beaks pushing through the prickly shrubs.

Up to 10 dull flowers

Single, long, narrow, leathery leaf 200 – 400mm long by 12-16 mm wide

Densely hairy yellow-white labellum

Narrow forward facing petals and lateral sepals

We don’t have time or inclination to bush bash to the granite rock so after a few more minutes finding further Purple enamel, Pointing spider, Esperance king spider and Zebra orchids we back track to the Triton and move on to another location closer to home, only just.

Big brother watching over

Smooth margined labellum

Striking colours

Flower only 15mm high

On a track named Bebenorin Rd we first come across what appeared to be another Esperance king spider orchid, but on closer inspection I believe it to be a Heberle’s spider orchid (Caladenia herberleana) due to the narrow clubbing of the lateral sepals. These flower September and October in a range from Augusta to Cape Arid which causes them to grow in the same area and at a similar time to the Esperance king spider orchid which makes it difficult to distinguish between them.

Long, slender, rather indistinct petal and sepal clubs

4 or more rows of pale to deep red calli

Red-tipped labellum with long fringe segments

Pale red, white and yellow flowers 60-120mm across

Close by we find some Dancing spider orchids (Caladenia discoidea) and more Cowslip orchids, this time with longer, thinner lateral sepals.

Pale green and red rounded labeluum

Longer thinner lateral sepals than the standard shape

Another first for the day is the Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media) which flowers September through January and ranges from Shark Bay to Eyre, one of the largest ranges of the orchid family in WA.

Curled lateral sepals

Each small flower has a hood like dorsal sepal

Up to 100 yellowish-green flowers

Maybe a pollinator

Getting hungry so we head off to Thomas River for lunch, but not before taking a few more pics.

Awesome coloured tips to the sepals and petals

Wonder where they got the Wispy name from?? LOL

Short spreading petals and sepals

King spider orchid

Side profile

Four rows of squat labellum calli

Nice off centre shot

Large spider orchid flowers 60-120mm across

Just at the entrance to the National Park we find some more Rattle beaks, Lemon-scented sun orchids, Purple enamel orchids and Bee orchids, however only got good pics of the Rattle beaks.

Prominent hood-like dorsal sepal

Spread eagled

We decide to have lunch at the top campground as they have undercover seating. First though we check out the beach and take a walk up the trail for a bit, looking for the patch of leaves we found months earlier. Nothing doing, so we head back to have lunch. On the track in, Deb spies some blue and we are lucky enough to find a solitary Coastal sun orchid (Thelymitra granitora) with a Lemon-scented sun orchid neighbour.

Maroon-tipped flower bract

Column with smooth, yellow-crested mid lobe

Broad spreading petals and sepals

Saying hello

We park the Triton in one of the camping bays and quickly look around, finding a Pointing spider orchid and a King spider orchid, species unknown due to it’s petals and lateral sepals being nibbled off.

Upswept lateral seapls

Petals and lateral sepals nibbled away

After lunch we make our way to the Len Otte nature trail. At the base of the first rise we find a small Laughing leek orchid and further up a some Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia) and Common bee orchids.

Smooth tubular leaf

Stiffly spreading petals and sepals

Tri-lobed labellum, short fringe segments, two rows calli

Small, yellow, brown marked flowers

Moving through a wooded part of the trail we find some Western wispy spider orchids, before coming out onto the next clearing. Here we get the fright of our life, with a big, black, curled up snake hiding in the low bushes. We keep to the track from now on, no bush bashing, so to speak.

Stiffly held petals and sepals

Two rows of white calli

Birds-eye view of group

OMG this scared us

Now to add to our day the heavens open up and it starts to rain. We try to hurry back but the I see another Blue sun orchid, which appears to be another Coastal sun orchid. Then just as the rain and wind picks up we find some Rabbit orchids (Leptoceras menziesii) in a new location for this nature trail. Photos with it raining and your lenses fogging up, is not an easy task.

Not fully open given the weather

Narrow, erect, ear-like petals

Broad, forward spreading lateral sepals

Up to 5 red and white flowers

Nearby Deb finds a lone Snail orchid. From location and the length of the lateral sepals I am naming it Ravensthorpe snail orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘ Ravensthorpe’), which is found from Stirling Ranges to Esperance, flowering August and September.

United dorsal sepal and petals forming a blunt hood

Rosette of leaves, 20 to 50mm across

Long, erect lateral sepals, 10 – 25 mm long

Bloated appearance

Still getting wet, but unperturbed, we still search whilst walking quickly back and find some more spider orchids and cowslip orchids. No good photos though, due to rain and fogging lenses, so will not post them. Well this was quite a day of orchid hunting, as our holidays draw to an end. However we did finish on a high – 22 species found in just over 4hours of searching.

Road Trip 2017 – Listing of Orchids found

Over our 20 day road trip we were lucky enough to find more than 44 different orchids. I have listed them below with almost all pictured and sorted firstly into their Genus then the first date found.

Pterostylis

Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) 01/09/2017

Midget greenhood (Pterostylis mutica) 01/09/2017

Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) 01/09/2017

Frog greenhood (Pterostylis sargentii) 01/09/2017

Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea) 01/09/2017

Hairy stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘inland’) 02/09/2017

Dwarf bird orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘dwarf’) 20/09/2017

Light green, white banded flowers

Blunt petals and sepals

United petals and dorsal sepal forming hood

Recurva relates to the curved backwards of the lateral sepals

Green and white flower 10-20mm long and 3-10mm across

Short lateral sepals which are joined at the base

Petals and dorsal sepal form a hood

Cyanicula

Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta) 01/09/2017

Dainty blue orchid (Cyanicula amplexans) 05/09/2017

Blue china orchid (Cyanicula gemmata) 18/09/2017

Nice group shot

Size comparison with my index finger tip

Size comparison with my index finger

Short, horizontally spreading petals and sepals

Flattened white labellum

Short , horizontally spreading petals and sepals

Pyrorchis

Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) 01/09/2017

Short spreading petals and lateral sepals

Prominently curved dorsal sepal forming hood over the column

Ericksonella

Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata)

A distinctive orchid 50 to 150 mm high

Short mid-lobe with several rows of calli

Western wheatbelt donkey orchid (Diuris brachyscapa) 01/09/2017

Mottled donkey orchid (Diuris suffusa) 03/09/2017

Yellow granite donkey orchid (Diuris hazeliae) 05/09/2017

Pale donkey orchid (Diuris sp. ‘mid-north’) 15/09/2017

Dainty donkey orchid (Diuris refracta) 16/09/2017

Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementa) 16/09/2017

Common donkey orchid (Diuris corymbosa) 17/09/2017

Hanging, often reflexed, crossed lateral sepals

Often reflexed petals, a broad reflexed dorsal sepal, narrow, reflexed, crossed lateral sepals

Broad petals and a very broad dorsal sepal

Broad spreading lateral lobes to labellum

Prominently reflexed, sometimes crossed, lateral sepals

Small, yellow, brown marked flowers

Yellow, brown and purple flowers

Prasophyllum

Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) 01/09/2017

Fused lateral sepals with elongated tips, forward facing dorsal sepal

Yellowish-green or rarely purplish flowers

Caladenia

Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) 01/09/2017

Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea) 01/09/2017

Common spider orchid (Caladenia vulgata) 01/09/2017

Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia) 01/09/2017

Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila) 01/09/2017

Ballerina spider orchid (Caladenia melanema) 01/09/2017

Little pink fairy (Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans) 02/09/2017

Fringed mantis orchid (Caladenia falcata) 02/09/2017

Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea) 02/09/2017

Crimson spider orchid (Caladenia footeana) 02/09/2017

Chapman’s spider orchid (Caladenia chapmanii) 02/09/2017

Spectacular spider orchid (Caladenia x spectabilis) 02/09/2017

Ant orchid (Caladenia roei) 02/09/2017

Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis) 03/09/2017

Blood spider orchid (Caladenia filifera) 03/09/2017

Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia) 19/09/2017

Purple-veined spider orchid (Caladenia doutchiae) 19/09/2017

Pendant spider orchid (Caladenia pendens subsp. pendens) 19/09/2017

Red thread spider orchid (Caladenia erythronema) 20/09/2017

Golden yellow, creamy yellow or white, often red marked flowers

short spreading petals and lateral sepals

Creamy-white red-striped labellum

Creamy-white flowers

Yellow, cream or pink-red flowers

Short spreading petals and sepals with a prominently tri-lobed labellum

Greenish-yellow, red tipped labellum with comb-like fringe segments

Short, horizontally spreading petals and lateral sepals

Spreading petals and lateral sepals of uniform colour

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

3rd colour variation. Brightest of the bunch

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Prominently red-striped, shortly-fringed or smooth-margined labellum

Small blood-red labellum with serrate to dentate fringe segments and 2 rows of red calli

Prominently tri-lobed labellum

short red calli

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

Two rows of red to cream calli

Pheladenia

Blue beard (Pheladenia deformis) 02/09/2017

One (rarely two) blue or more rarely white, flowers 20 – 30 mm across

Narrow, upright labellum with short fringe segments and a dense mass of calli

Thelymitra

Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera) 02/09/2017

Granite sun orchid (Thelymitra petrophila) 9/9/2017

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

Blue, purple or pink flowers 10 – 20 mm across

Elythanthera

Purple enamel orchid (Elythanthera brunonis) 15/9/2017

Small membranous labellum with two large black basal calli

Spreading petals and sepals

Spiculaea

Elbow orchid (Spiculaea ciliata) 19/09/2017

Leaf is shrivelled at time of flowering

Getting close to flowering

Road Trip – Day 20 – Harrismith to Home

20/9/2017

After having breakfast we make our way north to Dudinin which was a quaint little town but with no real prospects for orchid hunting we move on further north to a place called Jitarning. We park next to the CBH wheat bins and head into the bush adjacent. The area proves to be thick with Donkey orchids with a small patch of Pink candy orchids (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea) found.

Pale to deep pink flowers

Upright labellum

Spreading petals and sepals with a narrow upright labellum

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

The donkey orchids appear to be Yellow granite donkey orchids (Diuris hazeliae) as they are larger and brighter yellow than the ones found in Harrismith.

Tri-lobed labellum with broad, spreading lateral lobes and a broad, flattened to convex mid lobe

Bubble head

Reflexed, usually crossed lateral sepals

Visitor on 1 petal

Broad petals and dorsal sepal

So many donkey orchids but we need to move on. Well not to far as we cross the Williams-Kondinin Road and visit the bush the other side. The only orchid found over this side was the Midget greenhood (Pterostylis mutica). On walking back to the Triton we discover the area we had been exploring was in fact the Jitarning Nature Reserve.

United dorsal sepal and petals form a hood

Flowers only 4.5 to 5.5mm across

Next stop is the North Jitarning Nature Reserve a few kilometres north on the western side of the road. After parking the Triton we make our way west into the bush and our first find is the ever faithful Purple enamel orchid (Elythanthera brunonis). In fact they were everywhere in this reserve.

Underside of petals and sepals spotted in colouring

Small membranous labellum with two large black basal calli

Up to 3 flowers per stem

Spreading petals and sepals

Glossy purple flowers

Further hunting and we found some Frog greenhoods (Pterostylis sargentii) growing underneath some bushes.

Short lateral sepals

50 – 200mm high with up to 10 stem leaves

United petals and dorsal sepal form hood

Green to dark brown, white striped flowers

Then even further hidden under bushes Deb spies a bird orchid. Further specimens found, which all appear to be Dwarf bird orchids (Pterosylis sp. ‘dwarf’) as they are found between Eurardy Station and Peak Charles during August and September. We first found this orchid back in August 2016 near Corrigin.

Short-beaked bird orchid

Two close neighbours

A distinctive feather-like labellum with fine fringe segments

Short lateral sepals which are joined at the base

Further Fringe mantis orchids are found as are more Donkey orchids.

Comb-like fringe segments to labellum

Spreading petals

Greenish-yellow, red-tipped labellum

Up-swept lateral sepals

Unsure of the species of this one

Broad petals and dorsal sepal

Up to 7 flowers per stem

Lateral sepals reflexed and usually crossed

We were also lucky enough to find a spider orchid, which I am naming, Red thread spider orchid (Caladenia erythronema) as they flower August to early October in locations between Nyabing and Mukinbudin.

Variably dull red, pinkish red or dull cream to creamy yellow with dull red markings

Two rows of red to cream calli

Pendulous petals and sepals covered in deep-red hairs

We then make tracks for Kulin, to fuel up, then head off on the Tin Horse Hwy. After checking out some of the great Tin horses we make our way to Buckley’s Breakaway for lunch.

Picture stop

A Charlton Horston Epic

Ned’s Horse

PLC Piping Pony

Harder rock than the surrounding soil

Erosion artwork

Amazing colours

The breakaway is massive

On the walk from the car park / picnic area we find some Donkey orchids. Nothing else found on the walk around the breakaway, however it was an impressive sight.

2 – 3 basal leaves and up to 7 flowers

Reflexed, usually crossed lateral sepals

Predominately yellow, brown marked flowers

Erect petals and reflexed dorsal sepal

Tri-lobed labellum with broad, spreading lateral lobes and a broad, flattened to convex mid lobe

We now head further east, till we again reach Dragon Rocks Nature Reserve. At the northern end of the reserve, whilst earlier on the trip we were at the southern end. We find what we hoped was the road south, which dissects the reserve, and travel along slowly with heads out the windows looking for orchids. They proved more elusive than before but we did find our first ones. A finished Jug orchid then some Frog greenhoods.

Well past it’s best

Green to dark brown, white striped flowers

Petals and dorsal sepal form a hood

It was more than a half hour later, before any more orchids were found. Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) were a surprise find.

Up to 7 red and white flowers

Short spreading petals and lateral sepals

Large fleshy, oval, dark green and red speckled leaf

Prominently curved dorsal sepal forming hood over the column

Further south we come across some spider orchids. From their appearance I will name these Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia) due to the yellowish colouring, dark brownish tail filaments and backswept slightly elevated petals.

Petals backwards, elevated to horizontal

Petals and sepals with dark brownish tail filaments

Dorsal sepal erect to incurved, lateral sepals deflexed to drooping, petals backswept, usually elevated

Small white, red striped labellum with dentate fringe segments and two rows of white, sometimes red-tipped calli

Creamy-white to pale-yellow flowers

A solitary Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) and Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) were found a little further down the track, however as time was slipping away and we had previously visited the south of the Dragon Rocks N. R., we headed straight for our last stop of the day, being the Rock View Nature Reserve.

Bright distinctive orchid

Short spreading petals and sepals

United petals and dorsal sepal forms hood over the column

Green, brown and white flowers

It is now past 5.30pm when we arrive at Rock View N. R. so we quickly have a look around. First orchid I find is the Midget greenhood, whilst Debbie finds more spider orchids.

Midget greenhood

100 – 200mm high

Midget greenhood

Pterostylis mutica

From the appearance I believe these to be further Chameleon spider orchids.

Two rows of white or red-tipped calli

A common variable inland spider orchid

Relatively small labellum

Spreading petals and lateral sepals

White, red-striped labellum with dentate fringe segments

Creaming white to pale yellowish flowers, occasionally with variable reddish toning

Due to the inclement weather we did not wish to set up camp, however as we were unable to find overnight accommodation, this stop proved to be the final stop of our 2017 Road Trip.

11 orchid species found on the final day.

Road Trip – Day 19 – Tutanning Nature Reserve to Harrismith

19/9/2017

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

Prominently tri-lobed labellum

No hint as to the type

Dangling labellum

Yellow, red marked flowers

Smooth margined labellum

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

Short, broad dorsal sepal

Broad spreading lateral lobes to the labellum

Top down view

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

Shorter lateral sepals

Group with long lateral sepals

Colourful trio

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

Comb-like fringe segments to the smooth labellum

Large green yellow and red flowers

Red-tipped labellum, with long comb like fringe segments

Spreading petals

Upswept, narrowly-clubbed lateral sepals

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

Looking into the Jug

The glistening flower

Showing the colour variations

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

Antennae like labellum appendeges

Broad, spreading petals and sepals

Getting close to flowering

Leaf is shrivelled at time of flowering

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

Dorsal sepal horizontal basally, the curved upwards and forward

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

Red tipped labellum

Size comparison to my fingers

The lateral sepals up curved to almost vertical

Twin headers were common at Toolibin Lake N.R.

Size comparison of the entire plant. Another twin header

Moderately long, indistinct clubs on the sepals

1 – 2 reclining flowers

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

Yellow flower with red markings

Small, squat flowers

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

Can have up to 4 flowers per plant

Horizontally spreading petals and lateral sepals

Prominently tri-lobed labellum

Stiffly spreading, petals and sepals

Up to 4 flowers per orchid

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

Pale yellow to yellowish-green with variable reddish stripes.

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

Smooth-margined, greenish-yellow, red tipped labellum

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

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

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

Cream coloured, red-striped labellum

Reddish-brown to dark brown tails to petals and sepals

Drooping petals and lateral sepals

Red-striped smooth-margined labellum

Up to 2 red and cream flowers

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

120 – 450mm high

Twin fairy

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

Red striped labellum

Index finger a bottom of photo for size comparison

Narrow, usually pendulous petals and lateral sepals

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

Erect flowers

Deformed lateral sepal on both flowers

Bright yellow variation

3 flowers in close proximity

Size comparison to index finger

Up to 2 green, yellow and red flowers

Deep pink colouring

Twin flowers

Location gives up name not the colouring

Short, spreading petals and lateral sepals

Brighter pink colouring

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

Pale pink colouring

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

Down-swept petals

Smooth-margined, greenish-yellow, rep tipped labellum

Long, shortly-clubbed lateral sepals

Greenish to greenish-yellow and red flowers

Short petals and long lateral sepals

Greener version

Joined by spider web between the dorsal sepals

Appear to be dancing

Possible pollinator

Lack clubbing of sepals

short red calli

A common wheatbelt spider orchid

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

Nearly fully unfurled

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

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

Broad labellum

Up to 3 flowers per stem

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

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

Common wheatbelt orchid

Greenish-yellow, red tipped labellum

Lateral sepals are narrowly clubbed

Prominently up-swept lateral sepals

Spreading petals

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

Short, broad dorsal sepal

Spreading petals and sepals

Dark green, fawn and white flowers

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

Road Trip – Day 18 – Walyormouring to Tutanning Nature Reserve

18/09/2017

After breaking camp we head through Goomalling to our first planned stop, Cunderdin Hill lookout. Lots of broken glass and pink everlastings with blue cornflowers thrown in, were the only finds. We made our way down to town centre and visited the famous Ettamogah Pub for lunch.

Cunderdin Hill Lookout

Cunderdin

After lunch we head off towards Quairading, however we notice a sign for Toapin Weir (Featured Image) so decide to check it out. What an amazing hidden gem this is. Great granite outcrop to explore, flushing toilets, fresh water supply, gas BBQ and picnic tables. We would have stayed here the night had it not been so early in the day.

Now off to explore for orchids with our first find being some spent Prasophyllum gracile complex orchids closely followed by some donkey orchids. Location would suggest them to be Western wheatbelt donkey orchid (Diuris brachyscapa).

Past it’s prime. By the length of the Lateral sepals appears to be a Little laughing leek orchid

Rounded to elongated petals

Mostly found East of the Albany Highway between York, Tenterden and Ravensthorpe

Next up we start finding Sun orchids that have yet to open which is frustrating given our long wait in Charles Darwin Reserve. However we finally stumble across some that have opened. The Granite sun orchid (Thelymitra petrophila) which blooms August to November from Mullewa to South Australia was a sight for strained eyes.

Distinctive column with a smooth, yellow or purple crested mid-lobe and white tufted lateral lobes

Up to 10 blue, purple or pink flowers

Size of plant compared to iPhone

Flowers 10 to 20 mm wide

Much better specimens of the Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) including single plants to small clumps of plants were found on the walk back to the Triton.

In good seasons plants are often found in clumps

Found in shallow soil pockets on inland granite outcrops

Up to 40 flowers per plant

Fused lateral sepal with elongated tips

Now we head off for our over night stay location which we have not decided upon just yet.. How unusual for us.. NOT. We bypassed Quairading instead driving through Dangin and south past Lake Mears to Tutanning Nature Reserve, located in the Dutarning Range. Totally unaware if any suitable camping site would be found we headed West into the reserve and on the drive in we spied some Cowslip orchids (Caladenia flava subsp. flava). However as light was fading fast, given it was after 5pm, we didn’t stop to take photos as we wanted to find our overnight stop first. By chance we came across a wonderful cleared site, which must have been some sort of farm or townsite, now abandoned. We quickly set up camp then went exploring. First up we both came across more Cowslips.

Found by Deb

Found by Mike

Short, stiffly spreading petals and sepals

Regularly in pairs

Next orchid found by Deb was a Blue china orchid (Cyanicula gemmata), which flower August to early November in a range that stretches from Kalbarri to Israelite Bay. My next orchid on the other hand was an Ant orchid (Caladenia roei). We then quickly moved to each others location to grab some photos.

Deb’s photo

Short , horizontally spreading petals and sepals

40 to 150mm high

Also called Clown orchid, man orchid and jack-in-the-box.

Single, short, broad, flattened leaf

Mike’s find.

Also found were Sugar orchids (Ericksonella saccharata) . Light is fading fast so we make our way back to camp when we stumble across another Blue china orchid.

Short, horizontally spreading petals and sepals

Short, spreading petals and sepals

Mauve-blue to purple flowers 20 to 50mm across

Flattened white labellum

Small tri-lobed labellum

Seven species found for the day

Road Trip – Day 17 – Petrudor to Walyormouring

17/9/2017

We wake to another beautiful spring morning, have breakfast , break camp and head south to Ballidu for morning tea. We check out the area where we found numerous orchids last year in August, however this time we only find some donkey orchids. As they have erect petals and broad, spreading lateral lobes to the labellum, I believe them to be Pale donkey orchids (Diuris sp. ‘mid-north’).

Broad reflexed dorsal sepal

Erect petals and recurved apex to dorsal sepal

Dorsal sepal and lateral lobes have slight reddish edges

Further south we go turning east at Kondut, then travelling south again to Reynoldson Flora Reserve. No orchids found but an unusual grevillea was prolific. Prickly Toothbrushes (Grevillea armigera). Verticordia the flower this reserve is famous for was just starting to flower as well.

Easy to see where the common name comes from

One of the 11 varieties that flower in this reserve. Best October – November

We pop into Wongan Hills, buy some supplies, have a counter lunch at the pub then head up to the Wongan Wildflower Walk to see if we can be lucky with finding some orchids. Deb is the lucky one who finds some very small Frog greenhoods (Pterostylis sargentii) growing under bushes. Last August we found many spider orchids under the same bushes. Not this year though.

Short, broad, cupped lateral sepals joined at the base

United dorsal sepal and petals forming a hood over the column

50 to 200 mm high with 3 to 10 stem leaves 8 to 30 mm long.

Up to 6 green to dark brown, white banded flowers

Further along the walk we find some Purple enamel orchids (Elythranthera brunonis) and some donkey orchids. From their features I am naming these Common donkey orchid (Diuris corymbosa) as they flower August to October and range from Gingin to Bunbury. Our location is a little ways Northeast however Atlas of Living Australia has a recorded sighting near Wongan Hills.

Short spreading petals and sepals

Small membranous labellum with two large, black basal calli

Yellow, brown and purple flowers

Broad, elongated petals.

Further along we finally find something from the Caladenia family. Ant orchid (Caladenia roei) found under a prickle bush. Taking photos proved a challenge however we had to get a shot. Next came patches of Cowslip orchids (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)

Common widespread fairy orchid

Smooth-margined, greenish-yellow labellum

Short down swept petals and lateral sepals

Also called Clown orchid, Man orchid and Jack-in-the-box.

This one has crossed his legs.

Then on the way back to the Triton we find more donkey and enamel orchids.

Large black calli

Recurved dorsal sepal

Glossy look

Elongated petals

Leaving Wongan Hills we take the wrong turn which heads us south so we picked another route to take us back north to Gathercole Nature Reserve. We spend the next 40 mins scouring over the granite outcrops looking for the elusive new find. More donkey orchids and Cowslips orchids were found plus a first for the day; (Prasophyllum gracile complex). Unsure of exact species due to it being well past it’s prime.

State of flower makes it difficult to distinguish exact species

Index finger size comparison

Unsure of exact species

Usual yellow colouring

We then move North East to Dingo Rock Nature Reserve where further donkey and leek orchids are found. Exact species again not known which is a little disappointing, but we are no experts.

Exact species unknown

Appear to be Little laughing leek orchids but not 100% sure

We then made tracks East to Manmanning Nature Reserve, however no real place to pull over and as time was moving along we decided to travel south west to Oak Park picnic area to camp for the night. This little place has toilets facilities and picnic table and was situated on the banks of a creek that flows into Walyormourning Lake. A quick look around but nothing found.

6 named species found and others unable to be named. Not too bad a day. Here’s to tomorrow.