Green – WA Orchid Adventures

2018 Road Trip – Holland Track and Beyond – Day 2

25/08/2018

The previous afternoon in the fading light we checked out the area around the camper where we found little but rubbish. Deb and I split up for the walk back to the camper and I was lucky enough to stumble across a shell orchid in a runoff. No camera or phone so returned this morning to grab a snap. They appear to be the Dwarf shell orchid (Pterostylis brevichila) as they do not have a protruding labellum. They flower July through September in a range between Hyden and Mt Ragged. Found a few more so grabbed some pics before heading off to Broomehill, where we are meeting up with Richard.

Size comparison of the first found orchid

Short, straight labellum, not visible in the set position

Brown-striped and white flowers

Large colonies of leaves with very few flowering plants.

Four to five stem leaves, 10 – 25mm long and 4 to 5mm wide.

Size comparison to index finger

Appears to be laughing

We make our way back to the South Coast Hwy and head west to Kukenarup memorial, another favourite haunt. Straight up we find a Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea) which flower August to early October in a range from Israelite Bay to Kalbarri.

Four or more rows of purplish black calli

Single erect hairy leaf 80 to 180mm long

Horizontally spreading petals and lateral sepals

Many more donkey orchids were found which appear to be the South coast donkey orchid (Diuris sp. ‘south coast’) due to the recurved lateral sepals. The Green range donkey orchid occupies the same range however is recorded as having reflexed lateral sepals. Also located was a great specimen of the Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) which flower August to October from Geraldton to Israelite Bay.

Up to 10 flowers

Broad petals and dorsal sepal

Growing in the good olde prickly Resurrection Plant

Prominently recurved lateral sepals, joined at the base

Up to 5 flowers

Time to move on, so we make tracks for Jerramungup, where we stop for toilets and also purchased some forgotten items. Next stop is just past Ongerup, in Jaekel St, where we find more donkey orchids. This time though they appear to be Green Range donkey orchids (Diuris littoralis) which flower July to September from Denmark to Esperance. Nearby though are some pale yellow donkey orchids which could be Western wheatbelt donkey orchids (Diuris brachyscapa) which flower July to September in a range bordered by York, Tenterden and Ravensthorpe. The back on the Gnowangerup-Jerramungup Road we find the Green range donkey orchid in large numbers.

Up to 10 flowers

Reflexed lateral seapls

Nice group shot

Broad petals and dorsal sepal

So many plants

Labellum – Broad spreading lateral lobes and a broad, flattened to convex mid lobe

Pale yellow brown marked flowers

Also located in these areas were a few scattered Sugar orchids (Ericksonella saccharata), which are found over a huge range from Paynes find to Israelite Bay, flowering during August and September. Plus a nice bright yellow Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava), which flowers July to early December in a range from Geraldton to Israelite Bay.

Common inland orchid

White horizontal petals and lateral sepals

Yellow , red marker flowers

Arriving in Broomehill half an hour late, we find Richard and his matching Red Triton and camper parked outside the hotel. We make our way on foot to the Henry Jones Winery & Café for a coffee and one of the best BLT in Turkish bread ever. A leisurely walk back to the Tritons through the village of Broomehill, then we head out to an old historic bridge for a look. At the Wadjekanup Bridge we put the Tritons through a river crossing which they pass with flying colours. If only the water was this clear on the Holland Track !!!!.

Waiting on the BLT’s

Having lunch in Broomehill

Now the adventure really begins. We head north out of Broomehill, before turning right over the railway line and onto a single lane track. Welcome to the “Holland Track”. Looks great so far, as we drive down between green farming fields, before turning west into a patch of bush. Here we chose to camp the night, at a nice early time of 4.15pm. After making camp, I decide to check out the location for any orchids. Deb and Richard are collecting wood and lighting our camp fire, when I stumble across some large bright Cowslip orchids and a large hood of Hairy-stemmed snail orchids (Pterostylis sp. ‘inland’)

Double header

Minimal red markings on this specimen

Hood of snails – pale members

Nice hood

Hairs on stem clearly visible

Debbie and Richard now join the hunt. Many more Cowslips and Snail orchids were found. Debbie also finds some great Blue beards (Pheladenia deformis) which flower late May to October between Murchison River and Israelite Bay in WA, plus they are also found in NSW, VIC, TAS and SA.

Petals held back

Uniformly coloured petals and sepals

The so called beard is much darker than the rest of the orchid

Upright labellum

Getting late and with fading light we head back to the camp fire for a relaxing night after such a great day finding 10 orchid species.

Last Hoorah of our Holidays

22/09/2017

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

Pinkish colour variant

Small, yellow, brown marked flowers

Twins

Forward projecting lateral sepals

Glossy flowers

Two large, black basal calli

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

Distinctive red and white flowers

Common, red marked yellow flowers

Up to five flowers per plant

Great family shot

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

Small antennae like column lobes

Stiffly held petals and sepals

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

Short, spreading petals and lateral sepals

Twins

Red tipped labellum

Upright dorsal sepal

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

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

Named after the labellum projecting forwards

Smooth margined labellum

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

No scrub will stop them finding the sun

Red colouring is varaible

3 is a crowd

Enjoying the sunshine

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

The beautiful mauve colouring

Found north and east of Esperance

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

Short, scattered labellum lamina calli

Mauve-blue to purple flowers

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

Colours of both parents

View from above

Beautiful little hybrid

Forward facing dorsal sepal, typical of C. nana

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

Flowers more widely spaced that the Little laughing leek orchid

Still a very small orchid

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

The most Eastern spider orchid

Smaller labellum than other wispy’s

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

Up to 10 dull flowers

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

Densely hairy yellow-white labellum

Narrow forward facing petals and lateral sepals

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

Big brother watching over

Smooth margined labellum

Striking colours

Flower only 15mm high

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

Long, slender, rather indistinct petal and sepal clubs

4 or more rows of pale to deep red calli

Red-tipped labellum with long fringe segments

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

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

Pale green and red rounded labeluum

Longer thinner lateral sepals than the standard shape

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

Curled lateral sepals

Each small flower has a hood like dorsal sepal

Up to 100 yellowish-green flowers

Maybe a pollinator

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

Awesome coloured tips to the sepals and petals

Wonder where they got the Wispy name from?? LOL

Short spreading petals and sepals

King spider orchid

Side profile

Four rows of squat labellum calli

Nice off centre shot

Large spider orchid flowers 60-120mm across

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

Prominent hood-like dorsal sepal

Spread eagled

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

Maroon-tipped flower bract

Column with smooth, yellow-crested mid lobe

Broad spreading petals and sepals

Saying hello

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

Upswept lateral seapls

Petals and lateral sepals nibbled away

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

Smooth tubular leaf

Stiffly spreading petals and sepals

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

Small, yellow, brown marked flowers

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

Stiffly held petals and sepals

Two rows of white calli

Birds-eye view of group

OMG this scared us

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

Not fully open given the weather

Narrow, erect, ear-like petals

Broad, forward spreading lateral sepals

Up to 5 red and white flowers

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

United dorsal sepal and petals forming a blunt hood

Rosette of leaves, 20 to 50mm across

Long, erect lateral sepals, 10 – 25 mm long

Bloated appearance

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

Road Trip – Day 2 – Wagin to Kwolyin

02/9/2017

After a quick breakfast and a long hot shower we make up the thermos and head off to fuel up, then make tracks for the North Wagin Nature Reserve, our first planned stop of the day. Just off the road, on the track chosen to push into the reserve, I spy a group of Jug orchids (Pterostylis recurva) which we will check out on the way back. We park the Triton and camper near a dam and head out on foot to check out this new location. First find is the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata), quickly followed by Western wheatbelt donkey orchid (Diuris sp. ‘western wheatbelt’).

Green and white banded flowers, 8 to 10 mm across

Mostly found east of the Albany Hwy. Between York, Tenterden and Ravensthorpe

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Many donkey orchids were found and mixed in with these we found some Little pink fairy orchids (Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans) distinguished by their leaf having a red coloured underside. Another common orchid found here was the Fringed mantis orchid (Caladenia falcata) which competed with the donkey orchid to be the most common orchid in this location. As planned we took pictures of the Jug orchids as we made tracks for our next location.

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

Spreading petals, up-swept, narrowly clubbed lateral sepals

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

Down curved lateral sepals

Looking into the jug of the aptly named orchid

Tow to three basal leaves with up to four flowers per stem

View looking down into the labellum

Piesseville was our next location and we finally found flowering orchids, after other visits turned up leaves and buds only. As with the Wagin location the Fringed mantis orchid was very common, as were the Sugar orchids (Ericksonella saccharata), however the later were restricted to a few metres in from the road. Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) was also plentiful, but further into the bush.

Size comparison with my index finger

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Short, stiffly spreading petals and sepals

The first spider orchid found is a Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia) and nearby a reddish version of the same flower.A very different spider orchid is then found. The Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea). Unlike previous specimens found this season near Esperance,this one finally looks like the ones in the books.

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Closer shot of the small labellum

Small, pale white or pale yellow, red-striped labellum

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Long, fine fringe segments and dark purplish-black calli

Short, horizontally spreading petals and lateral sepals

In the northerly section of the location we find some Western wheatbelt donkey orchids and in the swampy section I find some Blue beards (Pheladenia deformis) of varying shades. I track down Deb who has crossed to the other side of the road and took her back to where the Blue beards were located.

Elongated petals, a short broad, dorsal sepal

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

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

On the way back to the Blue beards more spider orchids were found. Chameleon spider orchid, Crimson spider orchid (Caladenia footeana) which flowers July to early October between Cranbrook and Binnu and Chapmans spider orchid (Caladenia chapmanii) which flowers September to mid-October between Boyup Brook, Kojonup and Northam, all within a few metres of each other.

Spreading petals and lateral sepals

Contrast of colours

Yellow, cream or red-pink flowers

Lateral sepals yet to be released

Prominently red-striped labellum with serrate to dentate fringe segments

Spreading petals and lateral sepals of uniform colour

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Large, white, red-striped labellum with serrate to dentate fringe segments and two rows of white or red-tipped calli

Then an OMG moment, when Deb spies an all red spider orchid. Appears to be Blood spider orchid (Caladenia filifera) NEW FIND!!!! These are found between Tenterden and Wongan Hills and flower August to early October. Not 100% certain as it was not clumping, but single flowers. Edit: After locating Blood spider orchids at Forsyth Woodland this one appears to be a red variant of another species.

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

Uniformly blood red flowers

Other orchids found at this location were Jug orchids and Banded greenhoods.

We moved on and called into Narrogin to buy some supplies and an extra gas cartridge for the shower unit. We then drove north-east and stopped off at North Yilliminning Nature Reserve for lunch and checked out this new location. Not far into our search and we were bombarded with yellow from so many Cowslip orchids. Various shapes, patterns and sizes with some having very long lateral sepals.

Another herd of Cowslips with redder markings

Grouping with long sepals. Deb’s hands for size comparison

Nice family herd of Cowslips

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Next orchid found was the small Sugar orchid followed closely with some Donkey orchids. Most likely, Western wheatbelt donkey orchids. Also found were some Banded greenhoods

Last two flowers for this orchid

Horizontally held petals and lateral sepals.

Up to 4 flowers

A very unusual colour catches Deb’s eye as she has found a Hybrid orchid. A Spectacular spider orchid (Caladenia x spectabilis) which is a hybrid formed by a Cowslip and Pink fairy cross pollinating. Further colour variations were found. However to muddy the waters, the Little pink fairy orchid is found which may be a parent of the hybrids, in which case the orchid is unnamed and referred to as (Caladenia flava x C. reptans). For now I will leave the judgement open.

First hybrid found

3rd colour variation. Brightest of the bunch

Another variation in colour

Dorsal sepals have both been eaten.

A 2nd colour variation

Single, relatively broad, hairy leaf 40 – 80 mm long by 8 – 10 mm wide

These little beauties may be the parents of the Hybrids found nearby

Edit: 29/10/2017 – From further investigations it appears all Hybrids found were Spectacular spider orchids due to the longer lateral sepals. Blooms August to October and found from Kalbarri to Esperance

Final orchids found were a sole Hairy stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘inland’) and some further Jug orchids.

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

Hairy flower stem

Dark green, fawn and white flowers

Narrow-ended prominently recurved lateral sepals which are joined at the base

Quick toilet stop in Wickepin, which was a very neat little town with a museum for Albert Facey, who is famous for his autobiography “A Fortunate Life”. We make one final stop, before catching up with Richard, at Malyalling Nature Reserve. Along the road that dissects the N.R. I spot some Ant orchids (Caladenia roei) which flower August to October between Eurardy Station and Ravensthorpe, and when taking photos also noticed Fringed mantis orchids nearby.

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Crucifix shape adopted by the petals and lateral sepals

Upswept lateral sepals

Some Donkey orchids were also found and at the Eastern boundary of the N.R. we found a patch of Fringed mantis orchids. Too many to count.

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We made our way back to the low granite outcrop and Deb immediately finds some purple variants of the Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) which is quite rare according to my orchid book, so a great find Deb!! Also found on this rock were Lemon-scented sun orchids (Thelymitra antennifera) which flower from July to October between Shark Bay and Israelite Bay and very small donkey orchids.

Up to 40 yellowish-green, or, more rarely, purplish, flowers

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

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Size comparison to my index finger

After finding 18 orchid varieties it is now time to head off for Kwolyin campground, where Richard is waiting for us. … Trio travelling begins.

Caladenia – Spider orchids, dragon orchids, zebra orchids, candy orchids, fan orchids and fairy orchids.

A list of the orchids from the Caladenia Genus that I have been lucky enough to find.

Caladenia filamentosa complex (Wispy spider orchids)

Flowering – Late June to early December

There are 43 Western Australian species

A single, usually narrow, hairy leaf with in-curved margins.
Up to 3 flowers.
Most species have long wispy petals and lateral sepals.
Labellum with short, serrate or dentate fringe segments and two rows of calli.

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

Caladenia dimidia (Chameleon spider orchid) 11/08/2017

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

Caladenia filifera (Blood spider orchid) 02/09/2017

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

Caladenia microchila (Western wispy spider orchid) 16/07/2017

Caladenia pendens (Pendant spider orchid) 01/09/2017

Caladenia paradoxa ( Ironcaps spider orchid) 20/09/2017

Caladenia vulgata (Common spider orchid) 16/07/2017

Caladenia xantha (Primrose spider orchid) 28/07/2015

Caladenia longicauda complex (White spider orchids)

Flowering – Late June to early December

There are 14 Western Australian species

Long hairy leaf with flattened or in-curved margins.
Up to 4 (rarely 5) predominately white flowers.
Long wispy, spreading to pendulous petals and lateral sepals.
Labellum with long fringe segments and four or more rows of calli.

Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa (Esperance white spider orchid) 27/08/2017

Caladenia longicauda subsp. rigidula (rigid white spider orchid) 26/09/2015

Caladenia longicauda subsp. australora (Southern white spider orchid) 27/08/2017

Caladenia huegelii complex (King spider orchid)

Flowering – August to December

There are 22 Western Australian species

Long, hairy leaf with flattened or in-curved margins.
1 to 4 flowers with clubbed sepals.
Most have shorter petals than lateral sepals.
Labellum with short to long, often thickened fringe segments and four or more rows of calli.

Caladenia decora (Esperance king spider orchid) 30/07/2017

Caladenia heberleana (Heberle’s spider orchid)

Caladenia longiclavata complex (Clubbed spider orchids)

Flowering – August to November

There are 6 Western Australian species

Long, hairy leaf with flattened or in-curved margins.
1 to 3 flowers with clubbed sepals.
Most also have clubbed petals.
Labellum with narrow fringe segments with pointed ends and four or more rows of calli.

Caladenia arrecta (Reaching spider orchid) 31/07/2015

Caladenia falcata complex (Green spider orchids)

Flowering – August to early December

There are 9 Western Australian species

Long, hairy leaf with flattened or slightly in-curved margins.
Up to 3, rarely 4 flowers with clubbed sepals.
Some have up-swept lateral sepals.
Four or more rows of labellum lamina calli.
Most have long labellum fringe segments with pointed tips

Caladenia attigens (Small mantis orchid) 13/09/2014

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

Caladenia exstans (Pointing spider orchid) 23/09/2017

Caladenia hoffmanii complex (Hoffman’s spider orchids)

Flowering – August to early February

There are 4 Western Australian species

Long, hairy leaf which is flattened or has in-curved margins.
Up to 2 flowers.
Shortened petals and sepals.
Long, fine labellum fringe segments and four or more rows of calli.

Caladenia graminifolia (Grass-leafed spider orchid) 27/08/2017

Caladenia roei complex (Small spider orchids)

Flowering – August to early October

There are 7 Western Australian species

Hairy leaf that may be flattened or have in-curved margins.
Up to 2, rarely 3 flowers.
Shortened petals and sepals.
Large, rounded labellum with smooth margins and a dense central band of calli.

Caladenia brevisura (Short-sepaled spider orchid)

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

Caladenia roei (Clown orchid, ant orchid, man orchid, jack-in-the-box) 02/09/2017

Caladenai cairnsiana complex (Zebra orchids)

Flowering – July to early November

There are 2 Western Australian species

Long, hairy leaf with slightly in-curved margins.
Petals and lateral sepals of similar length and both hang downwards.
Distinctly up-swept labellum with smooth margins, and glandular tip.
Dense central band of labellum lamina calli.

Caladenia cairnsiana (Zebra orchid) 27/08/2017

Caladenia pachychila (Dwarf zebra orchid) 27/08/2017

Caladenia barbarossa complex (Dragon orchids)

Flowering – August to mid November

There are 4 Western Australian species

Relatively short, broad, green leaf. Often lies flat on the ground.
1, rarely 2 flowers
Shortened petals and lateral sepals, down-swept to hanging.
Dorsal sepal often bend backwards.
Densely hairy labellum with a large gland at it’s highest point.

Caladenia barbarossa (Common dragon orchid)

Caladenia hirta complex (Candy orchids)

Flowering – Late June to early November

There is 1 Western Australian species, comprising 2 sub-species

Broad, flattened hairy leaf.
1 to 3 (rarely to 6) white or pink flowers.
Short, spreading petals and sepals.
Narrow, upright labellum with short fringe segments and four or more rows of calli.

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

Caladenia nana complex (Pink fans)

Flowering – Late September to November

There is 1 Western Australian species, comprising 2 sub-species.

Broad, hairy leaf.
Up to 3 (rarely to 5) usually pink flowers.
Petals and sepals form a fan-like arrangement.
Lateral sepals are united near the base.
Labellum with short fringe segments and calli confined near the base.

Caladenia latifolia complex (Fairy orchids, cowslip orchids)

Flowering – July to December

There are 4 Western Australian species

Colony forming habit.
Relatively, broad hairy leaf.
1 to 4 (rarely to 6) pink, yellow or white flowers.
Short, stiffly spreading petals and sepals, lacking clubs.
Tri-lobed labellum with a raised plate near the base.
Calli extend from either side of the plate.

Caladenia flava subsp. flava (Cowslip orchid) 13/08/2017

Caladenia flava subsp. maculata (Kalbarri cowslip orchid)

Caladenia latifolia (Pink fairies) 26/08/2017

Caladenia marginata (White fairy orchid)

Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans (Little pink fairy, dwarf pink fairy) 13/08/2017

Caladenia reptans subsp. impensa (Pale pink fairy)

Caladenia – mixed

Caladenia creba (Arrowsmith spider orchid)

Caladenia discoidea (Dancing spider orchid) 30/07/2017

Caladenia multiclavia (Lazy spider orchid)

Caladenia radialis (Drooping spider orchid) 19/9/2017

Caladenia wanosa (Kalbarri spider orchid)

Caladenia Hybrids

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

Caladenia flava x C. reptans

Caladenia flava x C. nana 23/09/2017