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, Cuballing to Beverley: Pub Crawl Day 4

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

10/09/2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Orchid Hunting Adventures, Kukerin to Cuballing: Pub Crawl Day 3

List of Orchids Found, Numerous days, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

09/09/2024

We awake to another beautiful spring morning, enjoy our breakfast then hit the road, but only for 100km before stopping for our first exploration of the day.
Yilliminning Rock is in the locality of Boundain in the Shire of Narrogin.

First orchid located and picture recorded at 11.36am.
Chapman’s spider orchid (Caladenia chapmanii) was found in varying shades so have posted numerous pics so you can appreciate the colours,

Also found were:
Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata),
Small flowered donkey orchid (Diuris porrifolia),
Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp, flava),
Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva),
Lemon scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera),
Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata.),
Western wheatbelt donkey orchid (Diuris brachyscapa),
Green spider / Fringed mantis orchid (Caladenia falcata),
Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile).

The exploration for the orchids took in the rock and the surrounding bush, which was completed after enjoying lunch.

We then move onto our overnight stop at the Cuballing Tavern, where we check in then as per yesterday Deb and I head off looking for orchids, whilst Bob and Jan do their own thing.

First exploration is done around the Cuballing Cemetery where we are pleased to find numerous species of orchids, some new for the day.
First though I will list those found for the 2nd time today beginning with:
Cowslip orchid,
Green spider/ Fringed mantis orchid,
Jug orchid,
Small flowered donkey orchid,
Sugar orchid and a
Banded greenhood.

Then for the new orchid species of the day, starting with the beautiful
Primrose spider orchid (Caladenia xantha)
followed by:
Slender snail orchid (Pterostylis crispula),
Blue china orchid (Cyanicula gemmata) and
Stark white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens).

As it is not yet 5pm we move to another location just north of the cemetery.
Here we spent the next 40mins exploring this woodland.

Orchids found include:
Small flowered donkey orchid,
Cowslip orchid,
Sugar orchid,
Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis setulosa),
Bluebeard (Pheladenia deformis),
Green spider / Fringed mantis orchid,
Little pink fairy (Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans),
and
Lemon-scented sun orchid.

Well orchid hunting is done for the day, so it’s back to the tavern for a cold bevy and a good pub meal with Jan and Bob.
With another 17 species found we head off to bed with a sense of fulfillment.

Discovering Unique Orchids on Esperance’s Coast

Esperance, Pink Lake, Western Australian Orchids, Wind Farm

11/08/2024

A beautiful Sunday afternoon in Esperance so what better way to spend it than looking for orchids.
Where to go today though?
Let’s hit some coastal and near coastal locations to see what we find.

First stop is a coastal Esperance location¹⁰

Walking around the marked trail from the car park Deb spies some Snail orchids growing in the scrub. These small orchids appear to be the Southern thick-sepaled snail orchid (Pterostylis meridionalis). They are found in coastal locations between Stokes Inlet and Cape Arid. Flowering from July to September in coastal woodlands and shrublands. If my ID is correct this is only the 2nd time, we have found these, which is exciting.

We now head down the dirt track to toward the granite headland. In the scrubby raised edges to the path, we are pleased to find some helmet orchids. These ones appear to be the Sand hill helmet orchid (Corysanthes despectans) which is found between Bunbury and Israelite Bay. They flower from July to early-September and grow in sandy soils in coastal woodlands and shrublands. They also occur in SA, Vic and Tas.

Now this is a newly discovered species for us so really excited.

Dorsal sepal does not form a hood over labellum

Further down the track we come across more rounded leaves. These leaves, however, end up belonging to the Mosquito orchid (Cyrtostylis robusta). This is a widespread orchid which occurs between Perth and Israelite Bay. These flower earlier so are nearing the end of their season, being June to August.

At the end of the track/s before reaching the granite another species of snail orchid is found. This one is likely to be the Eastern granite snail orchid (Pterostylis voigtii) which flowers from July to September. It occurs between Stokes Inlet and Cape Arid, growing in shallow soil pockets over granite.

Moving onto another coastal location ¹¹ . Here we first find some more snail orchids. Some had the slight clubbing to the lateral sepals whilst others did not. I believe the former are Southern thick-sepaled snail orchids whilst the later are Eastern granite snail orchids. Pics of both recorded.

Deb is excited to find a shell orchid. From the location of the orchid, I believe it to be the Curled-tongue shell orchid (Pterostylis rogersii). These orchids flower from June to August between Binningup and Esperance in coastal woodlands and shrublands. Another one is found nearby which is greener in colour but appears to be the same species.

An orchid found in various shades was the Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia). A common orchid found between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay, flowering during the months August to December.

Another 3 species of orchid are also found. 1 of which have been found previously today: The Mosquito orchid. Newly found are the rosette of a Bird orchid and the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata). Pictures taken for future reference.

Moving onto our third location for the day.¹² Here a quick inspection turns up some more Curled-tongue shell orchids.

Labellum protrudes giving the common name

Last location of the day provides wonderful views over Pink Lake. ¹³ Here we are amazed to find the Beautiful donkey orchid (Diuris pulchella) growing so close to the coast. I believed it was an inland orchid as it’s range is listed as being between Salmon Gums and Israelite Bay. These stunning orchids flower from July to September.

Another less colourful donkey orchid is also found. Due to our location, I believe this to be the Green Range donkey orchid (Diuris littoralis). Florabase’s map indicates they can occur in coastal locations. Also, their range is listed in my orchid books as being between Denmark and Esperance. The flowering season is July to early-September so it all fits.

Narrow, often crossed lateral sepals. though not is this case.

Further along the track we come across some more Pink fairies. These ones seem to be pink and white striped which is interesting. Also found a lone Snail orchid, ID unknown. Pics take for recording purposes.

Bloated appearance, thin lateral sepals and 2 cauline leaves

The final orchids found for the day were the large white spider orchids. I now need to decide if they are all the Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa) or maybe different species. What are your thoughts?

We spend several hours exploring our coastal and near coastal locations. Then, we return home happy as we have located so many different types of orchids.

The Sand hill helmet orchid being the find of the day.

I’ll finish this post with one of the beautiful scenes we enjoyed today…

15/09/2023 ….. Final day of 2023 Road Trip :(

Beaumont NR, Clyde Hill NR, Condingup Water Reserve, Nature Reserves, Numerous days, Other Reserves, Road Trip

After a restful night at the Deralinya Homestead campground, we enjoy a peaceful breakfast. We then quickly pack up camp and head off on the track to Mount Coobaninya. But, after less than 2kms we turn back due to many trees fallen on the track. It seems the strong winds we encountered on the Nullarbor hit here with impact.

Back at the Homestead we pull up at the granite rock that forms the catchment for the dam and go for an orchid exploration. Sun orchids are found with some actually open so we can record their finding. They appear to be the Granite sun orchid (Thelymitra petrophila) which is found flowering from August to November. They occur from Mullewa out to Israelite Bay which is southeast of here.

So many Sun orchids found both flowering and still in bud. The other orchid found was the Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) which are found between Shark Bay and the Great Australian Bight. These ones are not as far gone as the ones found yesterday.

We have a quick look at the homestead as the occupants had left for the morning. It was very interesting to see.
The Heritage Council of WA has this recorded on it’s website : The well constructed buildings of local materials were built by a well known character of the area. George Burns Scott was a pioneer with a dam sinking plant who liked building and establishing stations and then moving on. The painter, A E Baesjou. lived there for some years as a little girl. The property was used as an outstation to Balladonia until 1936 when the roofs were removed. The last load of wool was taken out in 1920. Cattle were run there until 1936.

Moving further south we next stop at Breeboorinia Rock. The occupants from Deralinya Homestead cleared the track into here of fallen trees this same morning. This was opportune for us.
Upon exploring the rock, we first come across the Granite sun orchid. Only 2 good specimens found with pics taken for recording purposes.

The Desert mignonette orchid (Microtis eremicola) was also found growing on the granite. As these orchids flower during September and October only a couple of newly flowering orchids were located. As the common name suggests, these orchids are found in a drier part of the state. Their recorded range is between Hyden and Balladonia.

Then in a bushy patch Deb comes across what appears to be very pale Cowslips. Upon closer inspection, I believe them to be the hybrid known as Dusky fairy orchid (Caladenia x erminea). This is due to the yellow/white colouring. It is also because of the hairs on the underside of the sepals. They are listed as occurring between Esperance and Perth during September through November.

One of the parents to the hybrid was also found in the thick scrub of the granite depression. The Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) was growing in an isolated group. They were very bright yellow in colour, in comparison to the hybrids.

We quickly check out the dam at the base of the rock. It is covered in wattle pollen, giving it a yellow tinge.

We make our way back to the Triton. On our way out we noticed the colour yellow in the surrounding grasses. Upon closer inspection, it is the Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera). This orchid is found flowering from Shark Bay to Israelite Bay during the months July through October.

We now head off and come to the beginning of the farms. In the middle of the farms is Clyde Hill Nature Reserve. Here we pull up and go for an exploration as this is our first visit to this reserve. Well, this proves to be a great location for orchids at this time of the season. Whilst walking along the track into the granite hill, we first come across a solitary Midget greenhood (Pterostylis mutica). A cobweb holds it prisoner.

Then another new orchid for the day is found. Pics of the various ones found in this location will be shown together to reduce the size of this post. The Short-sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura) flowers in August and September from Jerramungup to Israelite Bay.

Next up we find both the Lemon-scented sun orchid and Granite Sun orchid flowering. These 2 orchids are recorded as being the parents to an Un-named hybrid orchid ( Thelymitra antennifera x petrophila). Amazingly we find one of these in flower as well. I will post pics of all 3 orchids.

Another new orchid for the day is found. The Granite mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. effusa) flowers from August to early October between Peak Charles and Balladonia. The distinctive feature is the slightly upcurved lateral sepals. The related and possibly co-occurring Small mantis orchid has prominently upcurved lateral sepals.

Of course, we also come across the ever-faithful Cowslip orchid. These are found in most locations where orchids flower between Northampton and Israelite Bay. They can be found as early as July right through to December.

Next up is another new orchid for the day. The Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia) are found from August to December between Kalbarri to Israelite Bay. The bright pink colour stood out from the surrounding greens and browns.

Well, we must keep moving so back to the Triton we go and southwards along Parmango road we head. Along the roadside we come to a spot that appears to have had a summer burn go through. We stop for an exploration.
Glad we did as we did as we soon come across the Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis). Actually, we end up finding loads in this spot which was amazing. These unique orchids flower from August to November, between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay.

As we had expected we came across Red Beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) flowering. These orchids usually only flower after a summer fire the season before. But it is possible to find the odd one flowering without a fire.

Also discovered the large Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora) which flowers from mid-August to October between Bremer Bay and Cape Arid.

Another similar coloured orchid is also found. The Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea) flowers August to early-October between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay.

An inconspicuous orchid is found in the early stages of development. The Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media) is found flowering from September to January between Shark Bay and Eyre.

A surprising find was a solitary Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians) in flower. These orchids are found flowering from July to mid-October between Kalbarri and Esperance.

But the best find so far is the Custard orchid (Thelymitra villosa). This was not an expected find at all, so we were shocked in a good way. These orchids are found between Northampton and Esperance flowering over spring.

Two other orchids already found today were also found at this location. Cowslip orchid and Lemon-scented sun orchid just added to the yellow of the Custard orchid. Time to move on to the next location.

We arrive at Beaumont Nature Reserve, park up and head off exploring. Orchids that were recorded earlier today are also found at this location. They are captured in pictures below as a record of where they are found.

Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)

New orchids for the day were also found at this location. First up is the Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana) which flowers from August to early-November between Lancelin and Esperance.

Another yellow orchid is found. This time it is the Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementum). It flowers from August to early-October between Wongan Hills and Israelite Bay.

Another pink orchid is found. No not another fairy but a Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea). These orchids flower from late-June to September between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay.

Also found some very pale Pink fairies so just had to share some pics of them. Do not believe they are a hybrid or lutea/hypochromic.

The we come across some donkey orchids. Two different species it seems. Firstly, the distinctive Beautiful donkey orchid (Diuris pulchella) is found. Then a South coast donkey orchid (Diuris brockmanii) is found. The difference in colouring is the major deciding feature.

Next, we come across some of the larger white spider orchids. Based on the location only, I will name one the Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa). As the name suggests they occur both west and east of Esperance. However, the other has a very different labellum with shorter fringe segments. I feel this one is the Reclining spider orchid (Caladenia cruscula). It occurs between Salmon Gums and Mt Ragged.

Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa)

We are amazed to stumble across a large number of hybrids. The parents must be the Pink fairies and Cowslips which we have found at this location. The orchid is therefore the named hybrid Spectacular spider orchid (Caladenia x spectabilis). They do vary in colour quite a bit though. Although the hybrid between Cowslips and the Little pink fairy is very similar. One of the pics below seems quite different to the others. A firm ID may be harder to pin down.

As it’s around 4pm, we decide to move on to our final location. We wish to check if the Bird orchids have flowered yet in the Condingup area.
We are excited to find them in flower. The Bearded bird orchid (Pterostylis turfosa) is a southern species found from Bunbury to Israelite Bay, flowering in spring.

Time to head home to Esperance. It has been an amazing last day of our 2023 road trip. So many orchids found, which makes up for the days in the desert.
So, our adventure ends.
Life is wonderful when spent doing what you love.

20/08/2023 ….. Southern Curly-Locks and Pink Bunny Orchid | Orchid Discovery West of Esperance

List of Orchids Found, Sunday Drive, Western Australian Orchids

Earlier this month we ventured east of Esperance, so today we have decided to try the west side of Esperance. It is a few weeks later into the orchid season in Western Australia so we are hopeful of finding many orchids in flower.
First up we check out a recently burnt section of bush near Coomalbidgup. We find so many orchids here that it is over 1hr later before we move on.

Esperance King Spider Orchid

(Caladenia decora)

Cowslip orchid

(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)

Blue beard

(Pheladenia deformis)

Pink bunny orchid

(Eriochilus scaber subsp. scaber)

Pink fairies

(Caladenia latifolia)

Spectacular spider orchid

(Caladenia x spectabilis)

Parents: C. flava / C. latifolia

Lort River snail orchid

(Pterostylis lortensis)

Banded greenhood

(Pterostylis vittata)

Moving on we head west and call into an area, that had also been recently burnt, along the South Coast Hwy, near Neds Corner Road. At the first spot chosen we ventured far and wide and came across orchids in large colonies as well as isolated individuals. We found some species which were found at the Coomalbidgup location as well as some new species for the day.

Pink bunny orchid

(Eriochilus scaber subsp.scaber)

Reaching spider orchid

(Caladenia arrecta)

Red Beaks

(Pyrorchis nigricans)

Green Range donkey orchid

(Diuris littoralis)

Blue beard

(Pheladenia deformis)

Little pink fairy

(Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans)

Banded greenhood

(Pterostylis vittata)

We now move along the highway a bit further westward and pull into a firebreak track. It gets a little boggy, so we don’t venture in far by car, so again go exploring the area on foot. Similar species found with another 2 new for the day.

Little pink fairy

(Caladenia reptans subsp.reptans)

Pink bunny orchid

(Eriochilus scaber subsp. scaber)

Blue beard

(Pheladenia deformis)

Western tiny blue orchid

(Cyanicula aperta)

Red beaks

(Pyrorchis nigricans)

Bee orchid

(Diuris laxiflora)

Reaching spider orchid

(Caladenia arrecta)

Further west we pull into Munglinup Roadhouse and whilst Deb grabs lunch I go for a wander. After eating our wonderful burgers another nearby location is checked by us both. Orchids found at both spots which is rewarding.

South coast donkey orchid

(Diuris brockmanii)

Cowslip orchid

(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)

Pink bunny orchid

(Eriochilus scaber subsp. scaber)

Stark white spider orchid

(Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens)

Leaving Munglinup we head southeast to Springdale Nature Reserve. A quick inspection of this location turns up more orchids, including a new species for the day.

South coast donkey orchid

(Diuris brockmanii)

Southern curly-locks

(Thelymitra uliginosa)

Pink bunny orchid

(Thelymitra uliginosa)

So, it turned out to be a great Sunday drive where we discovered at least 16 species of orchid. A first for us west of Esperance was the Southern curly-locks, which we have only found east of Esperance previously. Finding the small Pink bunny orchid at numerous locations was our highlight of the day.

22/10/2022 ….. Hop out to Helms

Esperance, Helms Arboretum, Western Australian Orchids

Breakfast enjoyed at the Esperance Bird and Animal Park with my sister Lorraine, brother in-law Ken and Tim, Tian and kids. It was then time to show L&K the Helms Arboretum orchids. Well, the one’s flowering in late October that is.

It has been raining so the orchids are covered in drops of water which makes for some great pictures. First up we find the small but colourful Elegant donkey orchid (Diuris concinna) which flowers from September to early December between Bremer Bay and Cap Arid.

Forward projecting lateral sepals hidden under labellum
Tapering dorsal sepal
Up to 400mm in height
Up to 5 flowers per orchid
Covered in water droplets

Also, very excited to find some orchids without any colouring other than yellow. These are likely to be lutea or hypochromic versions of the Elegant donkey orchid, as the visually similar Little Esperance bee orchid is listed as a very rare orchid, so is unlikely to be found at Helms.

Tapered dorsal sepal
Elongated petals
Forward projecting lateral sepals hidden under labellum.
Up to 5 flowers per orchid

Due to the damp and overcast weather the sun orchids are barely open. Firstly, the Leopard orchid (Thelymitra benthamiana) is found. These orchids flower from September to November between Northampton and Israelite Bay. Next is most likely the Scented sun orchid, however as I overlooked taking photos of the leaf, positive ID will not be possible.

Leopard patterning visible
?? sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.)
?? sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.)
Multiple flowers

Other random orchids found include the Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) which flowers August to early November between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay; the Rattle beaks (Lyperanthus serratus) which flower September to November between Perth and Israelite Bay; and the White fairy orchid (Caladenia marginata) which flowers late September to November between Juien Bay and you guessed it, Israelite Bay.

Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)
Rattle beaks (Lyperanthus serratus)
White fairy orchid (Caladenia marginata)

Then last but definitely not least, we locate some spider orchids. The Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa) is still found in fairly good numbers, given they are recorded as flowering August to early October. The other orchid is the Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora) which flowers mid-August to October. Both orchids are recorded as occurring from Bremer Bay to as far east as Israelite Bay and Cape Arid respectively.

Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa)
Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa)
Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa)
Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)
Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)

With at least eight species located it turned out to be quite a successful hunt. Oh, I would love for the yellow orchids to be the Little Esperance bee orchid, however I would require a better person than myself to name them that. However even if they are just a single-coloured variety of D. concinna, that will still be fine. Tomorrow, we head north.

07/10/2022 ….. Pootenup Nature Reserve

Nature Reserves, Numerous days, Pootenup NR, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

Meeting up with Debbie in Cranbrook this morning. I drove down from Katanning, and she drove up from King River. So, the plan is to take a winding route back to Esperance over the next the next 3 days, with regular stops to search for orchids. After grabbing a cuppa from the Cranbrook store, we head up the Great Southern Highway, but only get as far as Pootenup Nature Reserve, where we pull over for our first exploration. This is a new location, so we are hopeful of finding some orchids.

First up some large Green spider orchids (Caladenia falcata), also called the Fringed mantis orchid, are found with many twins flowering. They can have up to 3 flowers per orchid, so twins are nice to find. They are a common orchid, flowering between Wongan Hills and Jerramungup, from late August to October.

We thought we found a lot of Green spider orchids, but the number of White spider orchids was unbelievable. From the location I feel the large white spider orchids to be the Stark white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens), which flowers between Moora and Esperance, during August to early October.

However, some of the white spider orchids are smaller with thinner labellum and shorter fringe segments. After checking the references these ones may be the Tangled white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. redacta) which occurs between Collie, Mount Barker and York, growing in sandy-clay soils and seasonally moist flats in forests and woodlands. I will post some pics for you to decide if I am correct in the identification. If not, please let me know.

Other orchids are also found interspersed between all the large green and white spider orchids. A lone Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) with 5 flowers in various stages of bloom is one of these. From the reference books having five flowers is somewhat rare, so this is an exciting find, for such a common orchid. Another common orchid found, though not too common at this location, is the Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementum), which is often found growing in clumps and occurs from north of Perth to east of Esperance.

Another common yellow coloured orchid is found but again not common in this location. The Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) differs wildly in its markings, as shown by the two specimens found. One has red lines and dots whilst the other is mostly dots. Where the various subspecies overlap these variations cause confusion in making a positive ID.

A hybrid orchid is found which should not have come as a surprise as the probable parents are both found in large numbers. That said, finding a hybrid is always exciting. The named hybrid, Wheatbelt spider orchid (Caladenia x cala) is a cross between the Green spider orchid (C. falcata) and a white spider orchid (C. longicauda).

Another surprise is finding the Pink enamel orchid (Elythranthera emarginata) which is found between Jurien Bay and Ravensthorpe, from October to December. This is a beautiful, bright orchid that grows in sandy, sandy-clay and clay soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Hiding behind the spectacular foursome of Pink enamel orchids you can see some small white orchids. These little beauties are the White fairy orchid (Caladenia marginata), which are found between Jurien and Israelite Bays over the spring months.

Now for the difficult part, trying to ID the smaller spider orchids. The location leads me to believe that the majority of them are the Joseph’s spider orchid (Caladenia polychroma), which is a variably coloured orchid found growing between Boyup Brook and Fitzgerald River National Park during the months of September and October. Listed as growing in woodlands with grassy to herb-rich ground cover, on seasonally damp clay-loam soils.

However, some of the red spider orchids could be the Crimson spider orchid (Caladenia footeana) which is listed as growing between Cranbrook and Binnu, from July through to October. EDIT: Identification via iNaturalist confirms correct ID is the Joseph’s Spider orchid (C. polychroma)

I struggle with identifying some orchids so I will post the pictures with the expectation that someone will advise me what species they believe them to be. Thank you in advance.

Well, this was an amazing first location for the day. Possibly 10 species and 1 hybrid. Let’s see what the rest of the day produces.

25/09/2022 ….. Gibbo re-visited.

List of Orchids Found, Sunday Drive, Western Australian Orchids

Earlier this season (June) we checked out the burnt area north of Gibson and found greenhoods but nothing else. Now that we are at the other end of the season, we pop out there again to record what is now flowering. After nearly 3hrs searching the area, we were pleased to find so many orchids flowering. I hope you enjoy the photos below, that record what species we found.

Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media)

Season: Sept to Jan

Distribution: Shark Bay to Eyre

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

**Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media)**

Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans)

Season: Aug to Oct

Distribution: Shark Bay to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands. Usually only flower the season following a summer fire.

Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)

Season: Aug to early Nov

Distribution: Kalbarri to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana)

Season: Aug to early Nov

Distribution: Lancelin to Esperance

Habitat: Sandy and sandy-clay soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Little pink fairy (Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans)

Season: July to early Oct

Distribution: Northampton to Esperance

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)

Season: July to early Dec

Distribution: Northampton to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay, lateritic and granitic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Little pink fan orchid (Caladenia nana subsp. nana)

Season: Late Sept to Oct

Distribution: Perth to Bremer Bay. ( 250kms to the West )

Habitat: Sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests and woodlands. Best in the season following a summer fire.

White fairy orchid (Caladenia marginata)

Season: Late Sept to Nov

Distribution: Jurien Bay to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy and sandy-clay soils in seasonally wet flats and runoff areas on granite outcrops. Flowers best in season following a summer fire.

Blue china orchid (Cyanicula gemmata)

Season: Aug to early Nov

Distribution: Kalbarri to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay, lateritic and granitic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Granite china orchid (Cyanicula nikulinskyae)

Season: Sept to early Nov

Distribution: Fitzgerald River National Park and Israelite Bay

Habitat: Shallow soil pockets on granite outcrops. The recently integrated Condingup china orchid (C. sp ‘Esperance”) was listed as growing in shrublands and woodlands.