Orchid Hunting Adventures, Greenhills to Koorda : Pub Crawl Day 6

List of Orchids Found, Nature Reserves, Numerous days, Road Trip, Un-named NR, Western Australian Orchids

12/09/2024

After a wonderful sleep in beautifully restored and decorated bedrooms we leave Greenhills but not before checking out a few of the historic landmarks.
Next on the days agenda is a visit to Meckering which was the site of an earthquake back in 1968. Memorial visited as well as a ruined homestead.
Lunch is enjoyed in the townsite of Minnivale where I have a quick orchid hunt.
I stumble across the Western wheatbelt donkey orchid (Diuris brachyscapa).

Travelling in a NW direction we check out Mollerin Rock and it’s nearby Nature Reserve.
After a 2hr search the following orchids were encountered:
Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera),
Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile),
Small flowered donkey orchid (Diuris porrifolia),
Ant / Clown orchid (Caladenia roei),
Dainty blue orchid (Cyanicula amplexans),
Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava),
Candy orchid (Caladenia hirta),
?? rufous greenhood (Pterostylis sp.),
Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis)
and possibly the
Salt Lake spider orchid (Caladenia exilis subsp. exilis)??

Well as we have runout of time today, we make our way back down south to Koorda where we check into the Koorda Hotel for our overnight stay.

At least 11 species found today, so not too bad a day given we played tourist for a good part of it.

Orchid Hunting Adventures, Beverley to Greenhills : Pub Crawl Day 5

List of Orchids Found, National Parks, Nature Reserves, Numerous days, Road Trip, Wallaby Hills NR, Wandoo NP, Western Australian Orchids

11/09/2024

Given our next planned pub stay is only 22kms as the crow flies to the NNE we decide to firstly explore Beverley on foot with Jan and Bob.
We check out the old buildings, numerous murals and artworks as well as the Railway Station precinct.

Leaving Beverley around 9am, we headed northwest to Wandoo National Park to visit Mount Observation.
We started by exploring the picnic areas and car park, then wandered along the roadside.
Overall, we were lucky enough to spot the following species:
Blue beard / Blue fairy orchid (Pheladenia deformis),
Green spider / Fringed mantis orchid (Caladenia falcata),
Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva),
Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea),
Candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp hirta),
Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava),
Silky blue orchid (Cyanicula sericea),
Bird orchid (Pterostylis barbata),
Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera),
Big clubbed spider orchid (Caladenia magniclavata) and
Clubbed spider orchid (Caladenia longiclavata).

We are currently as far west as out travels will take us.
Heading back east we call into York for a look and take the opportunity for a bakery lunch.
Moving further east along Goldfields Road we pull over for a photo opp. It is here we part ways with Jan and Bob and will catch up at Greenhills our next overnight stop.
Deb and I continue along the road until we stop at the Wallaby Hills Nature Reserve.
Here we go exploring and stumble across the following orchids:
Cowslip orchid,
Blue china orchid (Cyanicula gemmata),
Jug orchid,
Green spider / Fringed mantis orchid,
Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis),
Western wheatbelt donkey orchid (Diuris brachyscapa),
and finally
a spent Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata).

We leave Wallaby Hills N.R. as we need to start our way back toward Greenhills.
We pull into Doodenanning and check out the sports ground, hall and community sheep dip before moving onto the cemetery. (Doodenanning ¹)
Whilst looking around we uncover the following orchids:
Western wheatbelt donkey orchid,
Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis) and possibly a hybrid?
Tangled white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. redacta),
Candy orchid and
Stark white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens).

Leaving Doodenanning we travel west along the same named road until pulling over to check out a roadside verge. (Greenhills ¹)
As it is now 4.30pm we have a quick wander around and still find the following orchids:
Yellow spider orchid (Caladenia denticulata subsp. denticulata),
Crimson spider orchid (Caladenia footeana) or could it be
Clumped / Strawberry spider orchid (Caladenia denticualta subsp. rubella) due to the less prominent stripes on labellum. Thoughts?
Pouched leek orchid (Prasophyllum cyphochilum) and
unsurprisingly the Western wheatbelt donkey orchid.

It is now past 4.30pm so we make the quick drive to Greenhills where we check into our amazingly restored hotel, the Greenhills Inn.
We found out it had been sold and the new owners are not renewing the liquor licence so it will no longer be a hotel and will be converted to an Artist Retreat.
So glad we got to experience it before it becomes an exclusive place.

21 species found with 1 possible hybrid.

Orchid Hunting Adventures: Newdegate to Kukerin: Pub Crawl Day 2

Dragon Rocks NR, List of Orchids Found, Nature Reserves, Numerous days, Road Trip, Un-named NR, Western Australian Orchids

08/09/2024

After enjoying our hotel breakfast, we leave Newdegate and head towards Dragon Rocks Nature Reserve.
Numerous stops are made along the track and then we explore the camping area which includes the flat granite rocks.

First orchid found was the Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata), then further along the track a possible Dwarf zebra orchid (Caladenia pachychila) is found. Open to correction on this one.
Other common orchids found along the way include the:
Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis),
Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta),
Western wheatbelt donkey orchid (Diuris brachyscapa)
Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea).

Along the track in we also come across our first standard looking spider orchids.
Again, like yesterday I feel they are all variations of the Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia).

Further common orchids were found at the flat granite outcrop area, including the Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava),
Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea)
and the Ant orchid (Caladenia roei).

Also found along the way was the Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) and 2 Pterostylis orchids from different complexes.
One is a spent orchid from the Vittata complex and the other is a budding orchid from the Rufa complex.
Naming these is not possible.

Now onwards to our next stop, which was an unplanned stop at the intersection of Kulin-Holt Rock Road, where we found a memorial of the Holland Track, so pulled in for a photo op.
Also took the opportunity to quickly explore the verge side vegetation for any orchids.
Actually, found some including the Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) and more Chameleon spider orchids.

Heading west along the Kulin-Holt Rock Road we come to our planned lunch stop, Buckley’s Breakaway, which is located in the Un-named Nature Reserve No. WA27485.
After a bite to eat we venture along the trail into the breakaways, which are an amazingly site. (Refer feature image)

Of course, our eyes are looking for orchids as we stroll along. We are not disappointed as we first come across the Sugar orchid, followed by the Frog greenhood (Pterostylis sargentii) and an unknown Banded greenhood (Pterostylis sp.).
I originally identified this as the Mallee banded greenhood (P. arbuscula) however it is listed as flowering in early winter so it may just be a short specimen of the Dark banded greenhood (P. sanguinea) which does flower into September and is also listed as occurring in this vicinity.
Please provide comments to assist with the ID.

On the return journey 2 more orchids are found.
The Brittle snail orchid (Pterostylis timothyi)
and more Western wheatbelt donkey orchids.

We move on towards Kukerin our planned overnight hotel stay.
However, we first make a planned orchid hunt and bush walk at a spot called The Jam Patch, which is located at the old North Lake Grace tennis club.

Orchids found that had been found earlier today include the:
Pink candy orchid,
Western wheatbelt spider orchid,
Little laughing leek orchid,
Chameleon spider orchid.

New orchids for the day include the:
Salt lake spider orchid (Caladenia exilis subsp. exilis)*
Cream spider orchid (Caladenia horistes)*
Yellow granite donkey orchid (Diuris hazeliae)*
Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis),
Possible hybrid, parents unknown (Caladenia x)*

Orchids marked with * may not be separate species,
possibly just C. dimidia, D. brachyscapa, or C. radialis
so please correct me in the comments section if so.

After checking into our hotel, The Kukerin Community Hub, Deb and I head out for an orchid hunt in the surrounding woodland.

It definitely paid off as we find numerous species including:
Ant orchid, EDIT – Actually found @ Jam Patch
Midget greenhood (Pterostylis mutica),
Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis setulosa),
Slender spider orchid (Caladenia pulchra)*
Chameleon spider orchid (2 colour variations),
Cowslip orchid,
Fringed mantis/Green spider orchid (Caladenia falcata),
Sugar orchid,
Little frog greenhood (Pterostylis occulta),
Vittata complex greenhood,
?? donkey orchid (Diuris sp.).

Orchid marked * may just be another colour variant of C. dimidia

Well day 2 has also proved very productive with around 24 species found.

We settle in for a great pub meal with a few bevies before hitting the sack.

08/10/2022 & 09/10/2022 ….. Jacup Jewels

Numerous days, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

Upon leaving the Jerramungup burnt are we head east looking for somewhere to park up for the night. We make it about 35kms when we pull into the Jacup Highway Park at the Fitzgerald River crossing. This will do, so we set up the camper and I do my best to drive over a log in my Ford Falcon, not the greatest idea 🙂 I’ve had.

Now we still have the late afternoon to go orchid hunting. As per our previous visit to this location, we are not disappointed. First, we find the Green spider/Fringed mantis orchid (Caladenia falcata) flowering in isolation and in small groups over the entire area we checked out.

Calli extend to mid lobe only
Clubbed sepals
Parent and hybrid child

As can be seen in the picture above the hybrid, Wheatbelt spider orchid (Caladenia x cala) was also found. It was amazing how many were actually found, as we usually find one or two only in each location.

Attractive hybrid
Red hockey stick shaped calli
Regularly found in twins
Standing up to 400mm in height
Long fringe segments to greenish-white, red-tipped labellum
Long pendulous lateral sepals
Another parent and hybrid child

And of course, we also found the other parent for the hybrid. The Stark white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens) occurs as far east as Ravensthorpe and grows in open woodlands so seems to fit the bill.

Broad labellum
Broad bases to lateral sepals
May be found in tight groups
Bright white in colour
Labellum yet to curl under

Next, we find the very special Lazy spider orchid (Caladenia multiclavia) which is recorded as occurring between Wongan Hills, Borden and Ravensthorpe. This unusual looking orchid is known for its upright petals and sepals plus the smooth striped labellum with a dense band of bristly headed calli.

Tied up with cobwebs
All sepals and petals held upright
Horizontally held flowers.
Lazing with friends
Greenish-yellow flowers with heavy red striping and shading
Striped diamond shaped labellum
Can stand up to 250mm in height
A mobile labellum – Vertical to Horizontal
Dorsal sepal and petals almost joined.
Lazing in the late afternoon sunshine

We also come across a mixture of other orchids but not in great numbers, so I will record then with only 1 pic each. Firstly, there is the ever-reliable Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) and Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media). Both are common, widespread orchids. Then the more rarely found, without a recent summer fire, Red Beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) is discovered with a nine-flower inflorescence. Finally, a pale coloured Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea) and possibly a Ravensthorpe rufous greenhood (Pterostylis leptochila) yet to fully flower are found.

Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media)
Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea)
Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans)
Ravensthorpe rufous greenhood (Pterostylis leptochila)

One orchid not expected was the Common dragon orchid (Caladenia barbarossa) which is found flowering between Bindoon and Munglinup. There are only 4 species of dragon orchids, and all are endemic to WA. Only 2 specimens found but still very happy.

Column overlooks the large major callus
Standing up to 300mm in height
Spreading petals and lateral sepals
Distinctive hairy labellum

However, one final orchid is found in decent numbers. The Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis), is found flowering between Northampton and Ravensthorpe from August to October. The labellum can have smooth margins or tiny marginal teeth.

Drooping petals and lateral sepals
Dorsal sepal can be held erect.
Two distinct bands of calli
Dorsal sepal can also droop
Red striped labellum
Stand up to 350mm in height

Back to camp due to the fading light.

We awake to a beautiful sunny morning, have breakfast then decide we will take some time this morning to complete a search down to the river. Fingers crossed for something new.

First up though I will post pictures of those orchids we come across that we also found in our afternoon search yesterday.

Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis)
Wheatbelt spider orchid (Caladenia x cala)
Stark white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens)
Ravensthorpe rufous greenhood (Pterostylis leptochila)
Green spider orchid (Caladenia falcata)
Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media)
Lazy spider orchid (Caladenia multiclavia)

Now for the new findings of the location. The Short-sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura) is found between Jerramungup and Israelite Bay from August to October. Only one specimen found, and not the best picture, but a record non the less. Another sole specimen found was that of the Bee orchid (Diuris laxiflora) which flowers September to early November between Gingin and Esperance.

Short-sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura)
Bee orchid (Diuris laxiflora)

Blue sun orchids are found in good numbers closer to the river. Now identifying them is needed. As I am writing this account over 12mth later I am identifying them from pictures taken. Based on these I feel some to be Scented sun orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla) due to the broad leaf and large numerous flowers. Others though have thin leaves with fewer flowers, so are most likely the Shy sun orchid (Thelymitra graminea). Both are recorded as flowering in the Shires of Ravensthorpe and Jerramungup during the month of October.

Shy sun orchid (Thelymitra graminea)
Shy sun orchid (Thelymitra graminea)
Shy sun orchid (Thelymitra graminea)
?? sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.)
Scented sun orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla)
Scented sun orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla)
Scented sun orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla)
Scented sun orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla)
?? sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.)
Sun orchid with Green spider orchid
?? sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.)

It is 11am so we had better push on as we need to arrive home in Esperance today. One last stop is made at Kukenarup Memorial, where we enjoy a spot of lunch before one last exploration for orchids.

21/08/2022 ….. Varley to Esperance – Our 2022 Road Trip Ends

Kathleen NR, Nature Reserves, Numerous days, Pallarup NR, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

A leisurely morning today as it is our last one for our 2022 road trip. We enjoyed breakfast whilst listening the raucous Galah flock as they ate on the ground then flew up when spooked into the nearby trees. Our first orchid location was not far away so we were in no rush.

Dempster Rock is our first hunt for the day. As per many locations, the first orchid found is the Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis setuloso), which is a common inland orchid. Only a couple found here and no more were encountered at this location, which is interesting.

We find loads of spider orchids which will as usual prove problematic to identify so firstly I will post the pics of other orchids found first. So the first non-spider orchid found was the common inland occurring Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata) which is found in huge numbers later in the search. I will post some individual pics plus a video showing the large expanse of flowers.

Next up we find some Blue beards (Pheladenia deformis) growing sparsely around the location with one small clump in the early stages of flowering found. It is always nice to find a blue orchid as they are a rare colour for our Southwest orchids.

Another vibrant colour found is pink. The lone Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea) stood out in the green grasses. No others found though, so we thank our lucky stars we came across this specimen.

OK, so now it’s time to record the spider orchid finds. I will start with the easier ones first. The Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis) is a unique spider orchid with usually drooping petals and all sepals, plus has a smooth or slightly fringed labellum.

That’s it for easy ID, now it becomes more difficult. These striking red spider orchids are not recorded as occurring this far southeast. The two that have the closest listed range are the Slender spider orchid and the Red thread spider orchid. Both occur in pure red forms, and both are listed as having pendulous or near pendulous petals and lateral sepals. EDIT: With assistance from members of the FB group Western Australian Native Orchids I am now confident in naming this small clump as being the Slender spider orchid (Caladenia pulchra)

So now the identification gets even more difficult. First up I think these orchids are the Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia) due to the backswept petals and whitish colouring to the flowers, however they are variable in colour, so maybe not a great defining feature. 🙂

Now many spider orchids with a creamy to yellow colouring confuse me even more. Some have dark filaments to the ends of the petals and sepals, whilst there are also differences in the colours of the labellum calli. They could be more of the species already identified today or possibly another species. Again, any help in ID would be appreciated.

Chameleon spider orchids dancing in the breeze.

Getting late so we had better move on. We did not get far before pulling into Sugg Rock Road to visit Kathleen Nature Reserve. We just park up on the road verge and head into the reserve to hopefully find some orchids. We do find some but not in great numbers. The first orchid found was another spider orchid, which I believe is another Joseph’s spider orchid. This was followed up by two headed one tangled together. Then yellowish coloured ones are found.

Then we find an orchid that was once included in the Caladenia genus but in Western Australia it has been added to its own monotypic genus, Ericksonella. The Sugar orchid is a distinctive white orchid with horizontally held lateral sepals.

The next three orchids found belong to the genus Pterostylis. First up the ever-reliable Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) is found. Then we find a good patch of Midget greenhoods (Pterostylis mutica) growing in numerous spots. Finally, the equally small Little frog greenhood (Pterostylis occulta) which was only named as a distinct species in 2021.

We are getting a pit peckish and plan on a counter lunch at Lake King Tavern, so we push on. However, on reaching the main road we notice a sign pointing west indicating Sugg Rock dam, so we cross the road to check it out. We did not find the dam but decided to check out the bush as it was a bit more open than in the Nature Reserve. We find some familiar orchids so take a photo to record the location and keep searching.

More spider orchids are found which appear to be more Joseph’s spider orchids.

Final couple of orchids found were more Pterostylis ones. A lone greenhood that was fertilised a while ago and a lone good quality shell orchid. The shell orchid is possibly a Green-veined shell orchid (Pterostylis scabra) which flowers May through August over a range from Kalbarri to Esperance.

Now finally it’s time to go and grab some lunch. We enjoy a cold bevvy and hot counter meal at the Lake King Tavern, before heading south to our last planned stop of the 2022 road trip, Pallarup Nature Reserve. Our particular spot is Pallarup Rock picnic area, where we park up and head off on foot to find some orchids. First up the colourful Pink candy orchids are found. Quickly followed up by the Sugar orchids and Blue beards.

Then we moved along the track toward the rock, where we came across some spider orchids. First up were the small Joseph’s spider orchids, however we also found the larger Pallarup white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. ‘Pallarup’) which grows over a restricted range between Lake King and Ravensthorpe, growing in sandy soil on the margins of granite outcrops.

Joseph’s spider orchid (Caladenia polychroma)

We venture onto the rock but not much catches our eyes, so we loop back into the surrounding bush and we find more orchids, this time from the Diuris genus. The South-coast donkey orchid (Diuris brockmanii) is found between Ongerup and Esperance during the months of June to August. I feel confident on this ID based on the location and the bright yellow colouring of the flowers, as the other possibility is a pale yellow in colour (D. brachyscapa).

More various orchids found including more Sugar, Bluebeard and Pink Candy orchids, plus a nice Jug Orchid and a very special Lutea or hypochromic candy orchid. As usual Pallarup Rock area always has something flowering during the season. It was a fitting place to end our 2022 Road Trip.

I trust you have enjoyed travelling with us on our 2022 Road Trip which had some exciting, scary, amazing and awe-inspiring times. There was a patch of no orchid hunting but there are areas of this great state of Western Australia that still need to be seen. 2023 will be similar as we venture across the desert to Coober Pedy in South Australia. Well, that is the plan for now.

20/08/2022 ….. Roe Dam to Varley

Lake Hurlstone NR, Nature Reserves, Numerous days, Other Reserves, Road Trip, Twine Reserve, Western Australian Orchids

We wake up to a fine, sunny but cold morning. As we are in no rush today, we have breakfast then go exploring the area for orchids, whilst our campers dry out in the sunshine. As we venture toward the granite rock, we discover a large number of Hairy-stemmed snail orchids (Pterostylis setulosa) growing under the sheoaks. Further snail orchids are found later on as well.

Also, at the base of the rock we find a Blue beard (Pheladenia deformis) which stands out in its vibrant blue colouring. Others are found later in the bush surrounding the rock.

From our previous visit to this location, we are aware most of the orchids are found in the bush surrounding the rock however we always have a bit of a climb just in case, plus the views are always amazing from atop these isolated granite outcrops. Usually growing on the rock as well as along the base are the bright yellow donkey orchids. Only a few were located this time round, so the Yellow granite donkey orchid (Diuris hazeliae) is recorded for posterity.

Back on ground level we wander throughout the bush surrounding the rock and immediately come across numerous Drooping spider orchids (Caladenia radialis). These particular spider orchids are so called due to their usually drooping petals and sepals, including the dorsal sepals. They occur between Northampton and Jerramungup and are known to occur in clumps.

Another orchid found in good numbers was the Ant orchid (Caladenia roei) which is a common, widespread orchid. The labellum can range in colour from nearly all green to nearly all red. Their petals and sepals are said to be positioned in a crucifix shape.

Other random orchids were also found growing in the bushland. The common Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) and a fertilised ?? Greenhood (Pterostylis sp.) represent their Genus whilst a lone Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata) and a newly unfurled spider orchid (Caladenia sp.) are the representatives for their Genuses. EDIT iNaturalist members have named my spider orchid the Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia)

We get back to camp and decide to have an early lunch before packing up the campers. Then Richard pulls out the mini-Magnums as a reward for surviving the adventurous road trip. We then head south and say goodbye at the Mount Walker Road intersection. It is now just Deb and me for the rest of the trip back to Esperance.

Knock up lunch including leftovers from Narembeen Cafe.

We venture further south, making a left turn into Calzoni Road and drive slowly along looking for access to a granite rock I had discovered searching Google Maps. The access road is signposted Twine Reserve. We make our way down and park up to investigate. The rock is covered in pools of water and very thick damp patches of moss. It is growing in this moss that we find our first orchids. The Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) can grow up to 200mm in height and can have as many as 40 inverted flowers per plant.

We venture back into the vegetation/bush surrounding the rock and come across some more spider orchids. Now for the hard task of identifying them. However, after considering the location and the stance of the orchids they are most likely more Chameleon spider orchids (Caladenia dimida). Please correct me though if I am wrong.

One however did not meet the above criteria due to the size of the leaf and the overall yellow colouring. Please help me to name this one.

Similarly, to Roe Dam, other orchids are found, though usually only a single specimen, so I will record them together again. First up we have a Donkey orchid, then the Jug orchid, Sugar orchid, Greenhood, Ant orchid and Snail orchid are found.

Moving back to Calzoni Road we head east to another chosen location. Gibb Rock is surrounded by farmland and has the obligatory water tank at its base. We park up at the tank and head into the bush at the base. Nothing to be found in the 10 mins of searching so we decide to push on. However, just before reaching the Triton Deb spies a lone Chameleon spider orchid growing in a patch of resurrection bush surrounding a pool of water. Whilst getting photos of this a Little laughing leek orchid also comes into view.

Leaving Gibb Rock, we head south and call into Mulka’s Cave for a look. The handprints were visible which was great, however did not bother with looking for orchids as it was so weedy.

Turnoff to the cave and The Humps walk trail

We pass through Hyden and keep heading south, where we finally pull over at Lake Hurlstone Nature Reserve. First up we head across the road to the west and then venture towards the gully. First up we find some colourful donkey orchids. Now using the location as a guide, I feel these orchids are one of two possible species. However, the bright yellow colouring leads me to name them the Yellow granite donkey orchid as they are also found along drainage lines below rocky breakaways, which feels like the habitat we are currently in. The other option, Western wheatbelt donkey orchid, is listed as being pale yellow.

Further along we find some still flowering Dark banded greenhoods (Pterostylis sanguinea) which I am confident to name now, which I was not so with the greenhoods found earlier in the day. They start to flower in June and are recorded as flowering into September.

A couple of Sugar orchid are found, followed by 2 decent Jug orchids. Not many for what can be very common orchids. On the other side of the gully, I stumble across some small spider orchids. Possible two different species found. First up some look like the familiar Chameleon spider orchid. The other orchid may be the Ironcaps spider orchid (Caladenia paradoxa). It is described as having wispy, often pendulous petals and lateral sepals with a white, red striped labellum. (EDIT: Andrew Brown has recorded on my iNaturalist record that he believes my C. paradoxa to be C. dimidia)

A final small orchid is found over both sides of the road. The Little frog greenhood (Pterostylis occulta) was only named in 2021. It differs to the Frog greenhood by the shape of the horn like structures on the labellum. This was a great little find to end our day.

It is now past 4pm so we grab one last view over the woodland to the lake then jump into the Triton and head down to Varley, where we set up camp in the so-called Chicken Ranch.

19/08/2022 ….. Westonia to Roe Dam

Merredin Peak Reserve, Numerous days, Other Reserves, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

We are packed up and ready to leave by 10am on a beautiful sunny day. The Westonia Caravan Park is an awesome place to spend a few nights as the area around has so much to offer. Travelling south to the Great Eastern Highway, we turn west and make our way to Merredin. We decide to check out the reserve around Merredin Peak as this could be a great spot for some orchids. We were not disappointed.

We parked up at the RV Parking area closest to the rock as that was our main focus. However, to ensure we checked out a variety of habitat we venture along the Bush Trail first. (Due to time constraints, we only walked the trail I have highlighted in RED on the above map snip). Excitedly the first orchids found are some spider orchids. A trio of small clumps are found, with all appearing to be the Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia), which is a common inland orchid of variable colourings; yellow, cream or pink-red flowers with white or pale-yellow labellum with red markings. Now you can see why these smaller spider orchids are so hard to positively identify.

Nearby we also find a little group of Ant orchids (Caladenia roei) growing. These are cheerful looking orchids, so are also commonly known as Clown orchids. They are a common widespread orchid, being found from Eurardy Station to Ravensthorpe.

Soon enough another spider orchid is found. These have a smooth-edged labellum with dense bands of calli plus the dorsal sepal is drooping. From these features it is the Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis) which is also a common orchid across inland locations, from Northampton to Jerramungup.

Donkey orchids are found at the base of the granite rock growing in the wet areas. The Yellow granite donkey orchid (Diuris hazeliae) is a common inland orchid growing between Paynes Find and Salmon Gums. It is possible some may be a different species. Please let me if you think so.

Up on the rock in the mossy area we luckily find a few small Little laughing leek orchids (Prasophyllum gracile) growing. Not the best photos taken but still a record of their location. These small orchids are very widespread, growing between Shark Bay and Eyre. They grow on granite inland but in scrublands, woodlands and swamps nearer the coast.

Now we did come across many more spider orchids on the track, but I am struggling to identify them confidently. They range in colour, stance and size of both flower and leaf. For that reason, I will post the best pictures taken and will for now just call them Caladenia sp. Any ideas on the actual species please let me know and I will post an edit. EDIT 2 iNaturalist members have agreed they are all colour variations of the Chameleon spider orchid.

We move on as it’s now after 12 and lunch is calling as is the need to get some kilometres driven. Prior to leaving Merredin though we have to grab a look at and take a photo of the painted silos.

Leaving Merredin, we head west along the highway to Hines Hill where we turn south, down Hines Hill Road. It is at the intersection of Jura West Road that we pull over and check out a patch of vegetation. We all head off in different directions and my first orchid found is the common Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis setulosa). Not common here today but some others were found later in the search. Another Pterostylis orchid is found but has already been fertilised and has closed up. The Mallee banded greenhood (Pterostylis arbuscula) is a recently named species which as the name suggests is restricted to mallee regions. It is listed occurring from Dalwallinu to the Eyre Bird Observatory.

Deb as usual has the more exciting find. She comes across some small spider orchids. However, after the initial excitement it appears they are all Chameleon spider orchids. Nice to find, but a new species would have been great.

Chameleon spider orchids in the breeze

And to end the search of the area, a record of the one and only Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta) is still to be posted, so here it is. It was found in the middle of all the spider orchids. As the common name suggests, these little guys only grow to 15omm in height and the flowers are 20 – 25 mm across.

Past lunch time and we need something to eat, so off we head into Bruce Rock. Unable to secure a counter meal at the local pub, we venture down to the local cafe, Bruce Rock Cafe (Love that Food) where we were surprised with the choices available. We sat outside to eat as the weather was mild. Well fed, we then move on.

Mural in Bruce Rock by local, Margaret Teasdale

With no real direction planned we head into Narembeen, so that Richard can change his tyre, on a solid flat surface, as the spinout north of Bullfinch seems to have caused the tyre to wear very badly. Narembeen has a great overnight campsite in the town, but we decide to head out to Roe Dam for our last joint overnight camp of the trip. We don’t have the site to ourselves, but we set up as best we can, light a campfire and enjoy the wonderful evening.

18/08/2022 ….. Search of Westonia Shire

Numerous days, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

We have booked for 2 nights at the Westonia Caravan Park, so today we plan on checking out some nearby locations for possible orchids. The morning is very cold, in fact, ice has formed on the tonneau cover of Richard’s Triton. We again use the kitchen facilities and enjoy bacon and eggs on avo toast with hollandaise sauce. The sun is shining so we lay out all our wet belongings from yesterday to dry. We head into town first to check out with the shire if their local roads are open. They are all open, so we are able to follow our plan. We next call into a cafe to pick up takeaway lunch for later and a coffee for now, plus some gifts for the grandkids.

Leaving town, we head north to Geelakin Rock, where we find the usual large water tank which is filled by runoff from the granite rock.

In the first patch of bush, we immediately find orchids. First up we find the beautiful Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis) which has a widespread distribution from Northampton to Fitgerald National Park. They are a distinct spider orchid, with usually dropping petals and sepals and a labellum with smooth edges or with a few short fringe elements.

A different species then pops into view. The bright cheerful Blue beard (Pheladenia deformis), is a common widespread orchid which ranges from Kalbarri down to Israelite Bay then eastwards into SA and beyond. It is easy to see where the common name came from, with the many labellum calli.

Amazingly only one snail orchid was found in our search of this rock. The Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis setulosa) is a common inland orchid. Common maybe but my one and only photo is not real good, but I had to record its discovery.

Luckily the next orchid stood out in the grasses however this does not equate to easy identification, especially with these smaller spider orchid species. However, using both Florabase and the Atlas of Living Australia as references, I will be naming theses first spider orchids the Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia), which is a common, variable inland species.

Another small spider orchid appears to be the Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians) due to its whiter colouring and pendulous petals and sepals. As the name suggests they are a common orchid which grows between Kalbarri and Esperance.

Then one of the unique types of spider orchids is found. The small Ant orchid (Caladenia roei) is found growing next to one of the Drooping spider orchids. They can grow as high as 300mm however this specimen and others found were much shorter.

After a good 45 mins exploring this rock and surrounds, we decide to move onto our next planned stop, Warrachuppin Rock. At the intersection of the Koorda – Bullfinch Road we pull over at the Warralakin Hall for a photo as it is a rustic corrugated iron building. Warrachuppin Rock unfortunately is behind a fence so we could not reach it and after a quick search around the scrub I only located some Hairy-stemmed snail orchids.

So onwards to our final planned stop of the day, Baladjie Rock. At least this spot is set up for visitors. As expected, the first orchids found are more snail orchids. Some had shorter lateral sepals and less hairy stems, but the location leads me to name them all Hairy-stemmed snail orchids.

After 20 minutes of nothing but the occasional snail orchid I finally find another species for the day growing on the rock. The small Dainty blue orchid (Cyanicula amplexans) is growing in a sheltered nook on the eastern side of the rock. These beautiful little orchids grow between Kalbarri and Norseman during the months of August through October.

Back down on level ground I come across a couple of Ant orchids (C. roei) growing in the cleared patches of the scrub.

Then a trio of spider orchids is discovered, standing in isolation, as no others are found. I am struggling to place a definate ID to these ones. They are most likely more Chameleon spider orchid; however, any ideas would be greatly accepted.

Then another blue orchid comes into view. This lone specimen is a Blue Beard which is a monotypic species. Not great shots taken of this orchid, but I will post 2 images just for the record.

The final species found was the bright yellow donkey orchid. The species found at this location should be the Yellow Granite Donkey Orchid (Diuris hazeliae), so that is what I am identifying these ones as. These are a common inland orchid found from Paynes Find to Salmon Gums.

It’s after 3pm when we finally decide to head back to Westonia. The views from the top of the rock were amazing. This picnic area and rock are not a part of the adjacent Nature Reserve which I find interesting. We enjoy another night at the amazing Westonia Caravan Park.

02/09/2021 ….. Koorda to Northam

Cartamulligan Well NR, Moonijin NR, Nature Reserves, Numerous days, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

After enjoying a very basic continental breakfast at the Koorda hotel we make our way along the Dowerin – Koorda Road, as we have not recorded driving this way before. We love breaking new ground so to speak, as this opens up our search area for orchids. With this in mind our first location visited is the Booralaming Sports Centre, a random piece of uncleared land chosen from Google Maps, whilst driving along. After checking out the old play equipment and abandoned tennis pavilion we get stuck into looking for orchids.

First orchid found was a lone Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis setulosa), which is not a great specimen. Photo taken just to record the finding. Next up we find another orchid in better numbers. The Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata) is a common inland orchid which is a monotypic genus, endemic to WA.

A donkey orchid is then found with a huge clump found later on back near the pavilion. From the location and the following features: reflexed lateral sepals, broad rounded petals, and broad dorsal sepal, I am calling these Mottled donkey orchids (Diuris suffusa).

Next up is a wonderful trio of Ant orchids (Caladenia roei) which have a broad smooth labellum with a central band of calli. The more south the location the longer the band of calli. Refer the post from the 01/09/2021 for an image of a northern form.

Then a nice surprise, some spider orchids are found. The yellow coloured ones I believe to be the Primrose spider orchid (Caladenia xantha) which flower until early September which explains the spent specimen found. The colouring ranges from pale to vivid yellow, which includes the labellum. EDIT: hugo_innes suggested an ID in iNaturalist Australia that they may be Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia) due to the north/east location.

White coloured spider orchids also present and I thought they are probably the Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians), however after posting to a Facebook page a knowledgeable person advised they thought they were the Pendant spider orchid (Caladenia pendens subsp. pendens), due to the broad labellum, which is usually small in most other white wispy styled orchids.

We did get distracted with a large rubbish dump which gave us reason to scavenge, however we finally made our way back to the Triton’s and moved on westwards. Our next stop was at Moonijin Nature Reserve. We parked up near a creek depression and went exploring. First orchid found was the small Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) which is by far the most widespread of these little orchids of the P. gracile complex.

Next up a beautiful spider orchid is found. A single specimen firstly, then an amazing clump of flowers. The Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia) can be either yellow, cream or pink-red in colour so they can easily be confused with other similar species from the C. filamentosa complex.

After finding the clump of spider orchids, it was nice to find some Pink candy orchids (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea) which range from very pale pink to vivid pink in colour. They always have bright pink calli on the labellum, unless you are lucky enough to find a lutea form. The white form found could actually be the related Candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. hirta) as they do overlap in distribution, but maybe not this far inland.

Then another colour grabs our eyes. A donkey orchid is found which is probably the Dainty donkey orchid (Diuris refracta) due to the broad, reflexed dorsal sepal, reflexed lateral sepals and of course the location.

Also found were more Ant orchids, so after taking some more photos we move onwards to our next stop.

We stop off in Dowerin and grab some lunch at the Dowerin Bakery, before moving on to an unnamed Nature Reserve on Berring-Nambling Road, south-west of town. First up we find more Pink candy orchids and other ones that seem to be Candy orchids, as they are larger and white in colour.

Woohoo, another new orchid for the day. The Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis) has a distinctive look, which the common name suggests. Even the dorsal sepal in usually drooping. A clumping spider orchid, we are lucky to find some great clumps as well. These orchids are a common inland species found from Northampton to Jerramungup, during the months August through October.

Then some bright yellow catches our eye. The cheerful Cowslip orchid is found and from the markings it appears to be the Brookton Highway cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. “late red“) which is also identified by the leaf being regularly longer than the flower scape. However we are around 80kms north of the recorded distribution and they flower from late September, so these may just be the standard cowslip (C. flava subsp. flava) which vary greatly in size and colouring.

It’s now past 2pm so we had better keep moving. We pass through Goomalling and head toward Northam. We make one last stop at Cartamulligan Well Nature Reserve which has Southern Brook running through the middle. We turn off Watson road into a gravelled area and go exploring. It is quite weedy so unsure how successful we will be with finding many orchids.

Surprisingly, the first orchid discovered is the Candy orchid or maybe its the Pink candy orchid. As mentioned previously their distributions overlap and subsp. rosea can be very pale pink in colour, even appearing white, so identification can be difficult. Let me know your thoughts on the ID for these ones.

Budding flower provides height – a factor in the ID

Definite Pink candy orchids are found later on and these are pics of some of them.

Excitedly we find a new species for the day. This orchid is common but we still get excited when something new is found on any given day. The Blue beard or Blue fairy orchid (Pheladenia deformis) is the only species in the genus Pheladenia. Given it’s common name, it is interesting to note that they do come in a white variety, though these are rare.

The last orchid to be recorded for today is also the first one found, back at the Booralaming Sports Centre. You guessed it, the Hairy-stemmed snail orchid, which again is a common orchid, although restricted to inland areas. Unlike this morning though, they are found in numbers at this location.

Just before 4pm we make tracks for Northam, our planned overnight stop. We are being soft tonight and book a motel room at the Dukes Inn. Here we enjoy a beautiful meal and comfy beds. At least 13 species found today, which is awesome.

WA Orchid Adventures

Come with me on my Orchid Adventures in Southern Western Austalia

Drooping