17/08/2025
After our success earlier today at the new Howick location, we decided to check out another new location, this time in the Beaumont Nature Reserve.
We explored the site by driving slowly and spotting out the windows, then, upon sighting an orchid, getting out and searching the nearby area.
Then it was back into the Triton and repeating this many times.
The very first orchid found was the Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana), which flowers from August to November over a range from Cervantes to Israelite Bay.
Another orchid from the Caladenia genus is found next.
The Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians), as the name suggests, is widespread, occurring between Nerren Nerren Station and Augusta, then eastwards to Condingup.
It has a long season, as northern and southern populations have differing start/finish times: July to September in the north and August to October in the south.
Next, we find the Green Range donkey orchid (Diuris littoralis), which flowers from July to September between Denmark and Toolinna Cove.
It differs from the co-occurring South Coast donkey orchid (D. brockmanii) by its longer labellum midlobe.
Another spider orchid is found growing in small clumps.
The Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila) is found from July to October between Kondinin and Madura.
A larger white spider orchid is the next discovery.
The Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa) is found between Bremer Bay and Cape Arid during the period from August to October.
A couple of specimens of the Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea) were also found.
These orchids occur between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay from August to October.
Also found were a solitary Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) and a spent Banded greenhood (Pterostylis sp.).
Jug orchids are found between Geraldton and Israelite Bay over the same period, August to October.
We made it to the salt lake area, where no orchids were found, so we backtracked quickly so we could explore one more location before heading home.
At least seven species were found at this new location, so we will have to return next season.
The following picture is of some spider orchids I am having trouble identifying. Any assistance would be appreciated.
