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: 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.

Discovering Orchids: A Southeast WA Pub Crawl Adventure

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

07/09/2024

Today is the day that our Pub Crawl around the Southeast of WA commences.
We head off in the Triton around 8.45 am and venture over to Nulsen to pick up our travelling companions for the adventure, Bob and Jan.
First stop is at the Munglinup¹ Roadhouse, where I take the time to have a very quick check for orchids.

8 species are found, which is quite unbelievable.
First up, the reliable Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) is found.
Next is a large white spider orchid, which, given its location, I will name the Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa).
Thirdly is one of the smaller spider orchids from the Filamentosa complex. It is most likely the Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians).
Next is the small Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana).
The 5th orchid found is the Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera).
A not fully opened Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) is found next.
The 7th orchid for the day is the Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea).
Final and 8th orchid for this location is the Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima).

We now move on to the lookout on Ethel Daw Drive in the Ravensthorpe shire. Only 2 species were found along the roadside.
First up is the Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta), followed by the Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata).

Moving back to Elverdton Road, we head west and pull into a new location I will name Ravensthorpe¹.
Walking along this dirt track, we locate 4 species, 1 new for the day.
Found again were the Small mantis orchid, Sugar orchid and Western tiny blue orchid.
The new species for the day is the Common dragon orchid (Caladenia barbarossa).
Terrible pictures were taken, so I will include only 2.

***Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima***

Passing through Ravensthorpe, will pull into Kukernup Memorial to have lunch.
After having a bite to eat, we all venture out to explore the walk trail.
It was a great spot, as we found 9 orchid species in flower.
First up is the Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva),
Next, more Dancing spider orchids and Common dragon orchids are found.
Also found again were more Small mantis orchids, Lemon-scented sun orchids, Cowslip orchids and Purple enamel orchids.
Other new species found for the day are the Redbeak (Pyrorchis nigricans) and the Frog greenhood (Pterostylis sargentii).

We now backtrack to the road leading to Lake King and head north. Next stop is one of our all-time favourite places.
Pallarup Rocks picnic area provides loads of places to explore for orchids.
We are not disappointed with the species located.
First up are the Sugar orchid, Cowslip orchid, Jug orchid, Purple enamel orchid, and Lemon-scented sun orchid, which were all found earlier today at prior locations.

New species found start with the Ant orchid (Caladenia roei), quickly followed by the closely related Short-sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura) and Purple-veined spider orchid (Caladenia doutchiae).

The next new species found for the day was the Pink candy orchid(Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea) together with its hybrid – Tinged spider orchid(Caladenia x suffusa).
So, now to find the other possible parent of the hybrid. Due to the location, I believe the other parent to be the Pallarup white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. ‘Pallarup’). Luckily specimens are found.

Once up on the granite rock we come across some donkey orchids. I believe them to be the Yellow granite donkey orchid (Diuris hazeliae). I have posted images of 3 orchids as they may represent another species.

A smaller whiteish spider orchid is found in various shades, however I feel they are all the Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia).

Do you agree they are all one species?

Also found a nice bunch of what appears to be another orchid species, possibly the Central wheatbelt spider orchid (Caladenia sp. ‘central wheatbelt’) however is outside of the recorded location.

Thoughts?

Another frog greenhood is found however on closer inspection; it is actually a Little frog greenhood (Pterostylis occulta) due to the hairy narrow horn-like labellum structures.
2 pics posted to show this aspect as clearly as possible

Another new orchid for the day is the Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) which is found growing in shallow soil on the granite.

Other random hybrids are found during the search, and I will post them below for record keeping. Assigning parents is always difficult for hybrids especially between the Roei and Filamentosa complexes.

Well that is our final orchid stop for the day, so it is off to our first hotel stay. Night 1 is spent at the Newdegate Hotel.
Checked out the Silo Art before settling in for the night.

23 species found with a possible 4 hybrids, plus a possible new species but outside its usual range.

Amazing first day !!!!

Top Orchids Found West of Esperance: A Field Report; Part IV

Day Trip, Western Australian Orchids

04/09/2024

Well, this has proven to be a full-on day trip looking for orchids. The last stop for the day is an East Munglinup location, though this time it’s on Jonegatup Road.

The first orchid found is the Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima), which has been a common orchid at various locations today.
Flowering occurs from August to October in woodlands and shrublands between Jerramungup and Israelite Bay.

Whilst capturing a photo of the Small mantis orchid, another smaller orchid is spied. Another better example is found soon after.
The Little frog greenhood (Pterostylis occulta) is found between Northampton and Ravensthorpe from late-August to October.
Our location is some 80kms to the east of Ravensthorpe, so a slight extension to its range.

Further along, a couple of specimens of the Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana) are found.
These small orchids occur between Lancelin and Esperance from August to early-November.

It was amazing to catch 2 species of orchids growing together. The Small mantis orchid was found under the watchful eye of the Common dragon orchid (Caladenia barbarossa).
The dragon orchid is found growing between Bindoon and Esperance from September to mid-November.

Appears to be the location for Caladenia species. Next up, we find the Short-sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura).
These orchids are found between Jerramungup and Israelite Bay during August and September.

5 other species were also spotted at this location.
4 were solo specimens:
Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile)
Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata)
Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta)
Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians)

Lastly was the Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera), which was found in a group, though not yet fully open.

So, our day trip finally comes to an end. We now need to drive the 112 kms home, but we do so with a sense of achievement.
This final location turned up 10 different orchid species, whilst over the whole day, we discovered at least 27 orchid species and at least 1 hybrid.
What a Day !!!!!

Orchid Adventures on the Road to Perth

Pallarup NR, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

28/08/2024

Heading up to Perth for a few days so made sure to stop along the way to look for some orchids in flower.
First stop after 2 or so hours of driving is at the rock in Pallarup Nature Reserve.
Only had a quick 15 min walk around and found 3 species.

Pink Candy orchid
(Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea)

Sugar orchid
(Ericksonella saccharata)

Frog greenhood
(Pterostylis sargentii)

There are 2 species of Frog greenhoods, but I did not obtain a closeup pic of the labellum, which is a distinguishing feature, so have listed the original name for now.

Next stop was at the Lake Grace Lookout for a lunch break and of course an orchid hunt.

Jug orchid / recurved shell orchid / Antelope orchid / Bull orchid
(Pterostylis recurva)

This orchid has many Common Names

Sugar orchid
(Ericksonella saccharata)

Western wheatbelt donkey orchid
(Diuris brachyscapa)

Chameleon spider orchid
(Caladenia dimidia)

I have posted 4 pics as I wanted to show the varied colours of this orchid.

Well, no more stops as it is an 8hr or so drive to Perth and I wish to arrive before the kangaroos come out at dusk.

30/07/2023 ….. A week spent wandering – Part 9 – The End

Numerous days, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

After making and eating our complimentary breakfast, we pack up the Triton on a beautiful sunny winters morning and make tracks towards home. Overall, we enjoyed our stay at the Newdegate Hotel, plus it was great value for money.

About 15kms into our drive we make our first stop and check out the verge vegetation which is quite wide at the section of the road. As has proven common over this last week or so the first orchids found are the greenhoods. However, this time they appear to be another species due to the brown colouring. I feel they are all the Mallee banded greenhood (Pterostylis arbuscula) which is listed as having either brown and white or green and white flowers, is of short stature and has no more that 5 flowers per plant. The location is within their listed range, and they flower during June and July.

Orchids from the Pterostylis genus are the only other orchids found at this location. First up is an almost open Jug orchid (P. recurva) followed by an almost open Frog greenhood (P. sargentii). Then a sole Robust snail orchid (Pterostylis dilatata) is found flowering. These orchids are widespread from Northampton to Toolinna. The lack of a rosette on flowering plants is a distinctive feature.

Nothing more, other than Red Beak leaves and some Caladenia leaves, so we move further along the road before making another roadside stop.

The next stop is also just another patch of pterostylis orchids. The greenhoods this time appear to be the Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea) which are consistently brown and white in colour, have more flowers per plant and are taller in stature than P. arbuscula. However, on closer inspection of my photos I think some of them may be P. arbuscula as they have green/brown and white flowers and 10 or less cauline leaves. What are your thoughts?

More Frog greenhoods (Pterostylis sargentii) are also found however excitedly some of these ones a fully formed. These are the earlier flowering of the 2 species, and I was able to get some good pics of the fleshy, glabrous horn-like structures on the labellum, which are distinctive features.

Only thing else found was a nice patch of Sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.) leaves and a single red backed Pink fairy leaf?
So onward we go to Lake King where we make a toilet stop, before heading out to Frank Hahn National Park. Here we visit Lillian Rock where we eat lunch before exploring the rock area. Only sign of orchids here were also a patch of leaves, identification of which I will not attempt.
Disappointedly we leave here and move south down Cascade Road then right onto West Point Road and left onto Melaleuca Road. Past River Road intersection we make a roadside stop and still no orchids. A 2nd roadside stop at different looking habitat still turns up nothing, so we make a beeline for a known orchid location.

We arrive at one of our favourite and reliable locations on Mills Road. Here we immediately spy the bright yellow donkey orchids. They are found over the entire area we walk around which is quite amazing. Identifying them is difficult as 2 very similar species are listed as occurring in the Ravensthorpe shire and this location is only 20km from the coast. The possible species are the Green Range donkey orchid (Diuris littoralis) and the South coast donkey orchid (Diuris brockmanii). Heights range from 180/150mm to 300mm and flowering season – Jul/Jun to Sep/Aug respectively, which adds to ID confusion. Seems size of the flower may assist with ID so I may need to take photos with tape measure in view to assist with this next time.

Only other orchids found here were further greenhoods and snails. The greenhoods are darker in colour so again may be either P. sanguinea or P. arbuscula. Please assist in the ID if you can.
The snails though appear to be the Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis setulosa) a common inland species, which is extremely variable in appearance.

From here we head into Munglinup townsite where I check out a vacant block while Deb fills up the Triton with diesel. More donkey orchids are found, plus some Caladenia sp. leaves with one in bud. However, the exciting find was a small orchid I nearly stepped on whilst walking over to Deb, who had driven down to pick me up.
A lone tiny Pink bunny orchid (Eriochilus scaber subsp. scaber) was found. This was surprising as this spot had not been recently burnt and over previous visits they had not been found.
These small orchids only grow to a maximum height of 150mm; however, this specimen would have been only 30mm. Nearby a patch of 5 in flower was found with one in particular being a much stronger pink in colour. It would have been great to explore a bit more, but it is nearly 4pm so onwards we go.

From Munglinup we travel east to Coomalbidgup where we check out a burnt-out area. We are knocked over by the patches of Pink bunny orchids found. However other than these the only other flowering orchid found was a poor but recognisable Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata), as well as Red beaks in bud and Caladenia sp. leaves.

Well, we have finally reached the end of our time away and make tracks back to Esperance. Unfortunately, we did not find the elusive Queen of Sheba orchid in flower but may have found it in bud, which is exciting. It will take another trip in another season to locate a flowering specimen. The masses of Pink bunny orchids though were a definite orchid highlight of the trip. Whilst the Lights in Kings Park, revisiting The Gap in Albany and just spending a relaxing time away with my beautiful wife were the non-orchid highlights.

22/07/2023 ….. A week spent wandering – Part 2

Boyagin NR, Midgegooroo NP, National Parks, Nature Reserves, Numerous days, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

We awake to a beautiful sunny winters day and enjoy the complimentary breakfast at the Exchange Tavern. Before heading off we go for a walk around the town centre of Pingelly and grab a few pics of the wonderful buildings and parks.

It’s past 10am, so we leave Pingelly and head northwest to our first orchid hunt of the day; Boyagin Nature Reserve. Pulling over on the edge of the road we venture into the bush. First orchid found is the unique and I think special Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) which flowers from late April to early September, over a large range, Perth to Israelite Bay. I never tire of finding these orchids, especially the larger ones with many flowers. They can be inconspicuous due to the green and white colouring, however in this location they stood out against the brown leaf litter.

Nothing else found in the bush so we venture up to the Boyagin Rock parking area, so we could explore the granite outcrop, as an alternative habitat to the bush. Not a great success with the only orchids found being a few snail orchids at the base of the rock in the soggy moss laden leaf litter. The Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis setulosa) is a common inland orchid which comes in many variations in size and hairiness. Only 2 decent pics taken. Maybe later in the season it may be a more productive location.

With a small sense of disappointment, we head off further west and make one final stop in the reserve by making another roadside search. Another Pterostylis orchid is found, this time the small Frog greenhood (Pterostylis sargentii) is found growing near the gravel rock outcrop. These orchids are found flowering from July to early September over an inland range between Murchison River and Mt Ragged.

Further Banded greenhoods are found; however, some have brown colouring to them so they may be the Mallee banded greenhood (Pterostylis arbuscula) which is a smaller orchid with variably coloured flowers. Unlike P. vittata which is noted as having translucent flowers, P. arbuscula is noted as having semi-translucent flowers. The flowers with brown colourings do seem less translucent so I am confident they are P. arbuscula. Any comments in agreement or not are welcome.

Getting peckish, so we move on and pull into our Williams Road location, where we enjoy lunch on the tailgate of the Triton. Satisfied, we go exploring and finally in a location with many orchids, however still only of the Pterostylis genus. More Mallee banded greenhoods, Banded greenhoods, Hairy-stemmed snail orchids and Frog greenhoods are found. Unsure of the ID of some greenhood orchids but will post more pics as a record of all of these orchids.

Now for the exciting part. We find a good number of the Red-veined shell orchid (Pterostylis hamiltonii) which flowers from late May to early August over a range between Toodyay and the Stirling Range. There are also some greener coloured shell orchids which may be P. scabra but I will not confirm that ID as yet.

For the first time ever at this location, we met a fellow orchid hunter. I was able to show him the Frog greenhood, which was a first for him. We said our goodbyes and headed off towards Perth but pull over at the Midgegooroo National Park for one last quick hunt. Not too much found, just a solitary greenhood orchid. Actual ID unknown so will post pic for record purposes. ID with assistance required!!!

OK so now it’s time to reach the city and get ready for the Kings Park Lightscape experience. Went with my in-laws and completed the 2km walk trail set throughout the park. It was an amazing experience, though pushing a wheelchair the whole way was tiring, but well worth the effort, so that dad could enjoy the lights.

08/10/2022 ….. Ongerup walkabout

Numerous days, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

After not too cold a night we awake to a beautiful day in the Ongerup Gardens Caravan Park. After cereal for breakfast, we decide to go exploring the woodlands behind the caravan park. We take what we believe to be a rough track, but it peters out soon enough, so we go bush bashing in an attempt to find it again. We end up curving north and head up past the sporting complex. We cross Jaekel Steet and follow the track/s to the Yongergnow Malleefowl Centre, where we grab a coffee, for the walk back to the caravan park. The orchid count for such a good walk was a bit disappointing, however we did find some, so I will record them now.

Lazy spider orchid (Caladenia multiclavia)

Location: Borden to Ravensthorpe with rare populations northwards to Wongan Hills.

Habitat: Grows in woodland habitats, especially sheaok Allocasuarina species, on damp sheltered sites, often around rocky outcrops.

Season: September & October

Green spider (Fringed mantis) orchid (Caladenia falcata)

Location: Wongan Hills to Jerramungup

Habitat: Grows in a variety of woodland and shrubland habitats, on sandy to clay loam soils.

Season: September and October.

Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)

Location: Northampton to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Flowers in greater profusion after summer fire. Sand, laterite, granite. Coastal woodlands, winter-wet swamps, forest areas, granite outcrops.

Season: July to December

Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)

Location: Kalbarri to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Grows in a wide variety of habitats, including heaths, woodland, open forest and mallee scrubs.

Season: August to early November

Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera)

Location: Shark Bay to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sand, clay, sandy loam. Seasonally moist flats, creeklines, granite outcrops.

Season: July to October

Frog greenhood (Pterostylis sargentii)

Location: Northampton and Grasspatch

Habitat: Sandy clay & loam, white clayey sand, gravel, laterite, quartz, granite, limestone. Flats, gentle slopes, breakaways, rock cavities.

Season: July to November

Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile)

Location: Shark Bay to Eyre

Habitat: Sand, peaty sandy clay. Coastal swamps and sandhills, granite outcrops, winter-wet areas.

Season: July to October

Shy sun orchid (Thelymitra graminea)

Location: Perth to Esperance

Habitat: Growing in sandy or lateritic soils in woodlands and forests.

Season: October and November

Eight species ultimately found, however the numbers found were very low. Time to head toward Jerramungup, where we plan to check out a bush fire location, we spotted on the drive over on Monday.

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.

WA Orchid Adventures

Come with me on my Orchid Adventures in Southern Western Austalia

Frog