After a nice, dry, warm sleep we awake to another beautiful spring morning. Leaving Northam we head south down Spencers Brook Road to near Mokine, where we turn into Mokine Road. Next we turn at Leaver Road and find Mokine Nature Reserve, our first stop for the day. The first orchid found for the day is the Green spider orchid or Fringed mantis orchid (Caladenia falcata) which is the most widespread of the falcata complex orchids. The prominently clubbed lateral sepals emit pheromone-like odours to attract male thynnine wasps who pollinate the flowers.
Upswept lateral sepals1 or 2 flowers per orchidComb-like fringe segments Calli extend to mid lobe of labellumNarrowly-clubbed lateral sepalsSingle, erect, hairy leaf 100-200mm in length
Well the next orchid is the bright yellow Common donkey orchid (Diuris corymbosa)which flowers from August to October and is distributed between Gingin and Bunbury, then inland to Brookton. Donkey orchids are also called Pansy orchids by some, and the shape of the flower matches both common names to a tee.
Short, broad, erect dorsal sepalBroad, spreading lateral lobes to labelllumLateral sepals are sometimes reflexedBroad, elongated petalsUp to eight yellow, purple and brown flowers per orchidBack of petals nicely coloured
Next up is the ever faithful Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava) which is arguably the most widespread species of terrestrial orchid in Western Australia. The location we find ourselves in, leads me to believe the orchids growing here are the subspecies “flava”, which is also the most widespread of the 4 named subspecies. These orchids can be found in their hundreds, however we only find scattered individuals and clumps.
Varied shapesUsually bright yellow in colourVaried shadingsThe leaf is broad – up to 15mm in widthCan have 3 or 4 flowers per orchid
Next up we find some Dark banded greenhoods (Pterostylis sanguinea) in both their green and brown forms. These orchids are nearing the end of their season as they are noted as flowering from June to September.
Green coloured formTypical coloured formBroad , flattened sepals
Another related orchid is also located. The distinctive Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) which is found from Geraldton to Israelite Bay, is another orchid that is regularly found on our treks. This orchid ranges in colour during it’s lifecycle from green to light brown, with the 3 pictured showing this feature.
Then another bright colour catches our eye. A dual-flowered Little pink fairy (Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans) is found growing on the road verge. The purple underside to the leaf is a feature to help distinguish it from the other pink fairies.
Broad pink tip to labellumPurple underside to leafMax. of 3 flowers per orchid
Further into the reserve I go to try and find anything else and as luck has it I come across a lone Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea), standing tall in the open. In fact they can be up to 450mm in height, however this specimen was around 270mm in height. The short, horizontal petals and lateral sepals are a distinctive feature of this small orchid. And just to record the sighting we did also find a still recognisable Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata), which flower March to June.
Rounded, fringed labellum with dark calliHairy leaf and stemTriple header Hare orchid
What a great little spot this turned out to be. We have spent just over 1hr here and have found 8 orchid species. Next time we will need to explore further into the reserve as we were only a few metres in from the road this time. As it is now after 11am we make tracks for our next exploration site.
Waking up to the sound of nature is an amazing experience. After breakfast we break camp and head straight to Kulin, to fuel up. Then we make our way to the Macrocarpa Wildflower Trail just out of town on the Corrigin Road. As usual we drive around the trail stopping as we spot an orchid and then one of us is usually walking it as well. The first orchid for the day is the ever reliable Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva)which starts it’s season in August.
Green, fawn and white flowersCommon name is apparentUp to 5 flowers per plant
Next up some bright colours grab our attention. The Little pink fairy (Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans) stand out in the grey green colours of the surrounding scrub. Further specimens are found further around the trail, though I will record photos of each type only once, to minimise the size of this post.
Bent stemBroad pink tip to labellumOften clumping habit
Further along the small spider orchids start to appear. They do appear to be various species so will attempt to group them into separate lots. The first ones I’ll name are the Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia)which is a variable coloured wispy type of spider orchid. The ones found and posted below are a creamy white, yellowish in colour with drooping sepals
Dark brownish tail filamentsRelatively small labellumCreamy-white to yellowish in colourLabellum with broken reddish radial stripesSometimes red tipped white calliLateral sepals spreading and drooping
Next up though is the Green spider orchid (Caladenia falcata) which was previously named the Fringed mantis orchid. These orchids are found between Wongan Hills and Jerramungup and have distinctive upswept narrowly clubbed lateral sepals.
Comb-like fringe segments to labellumClubbed sepalsDark maroon labellum apex and calli
Another small spider orchid, this time possibly the Joseph’s spider orchid (Caladenia polychroma) is found. As both the Chameleon and Joseph’s spider orchids are variably coloured I used the broader labellum to identify these ones as Joseph’s spider orchids.
Spreading lateral sepals and petalsCreamy-white calliVariably coloured flowersLeaf 3-5mm in width Broad, white, red stiped labellumSerrate to dentatae fringe to labellum
In the middle of all these spider orchids we do find some small Hairy-stemmed snail orchids (Pterostylis setulosa). These little guys are the most common, inland, snail orchid being found between Kalbarri and Balladonia.
Narrow-ended lateral sepalsCommon name is apparentGreen & white flowers
Also discovered was the Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata) which is another common inland orchid. This orchid is a monotypic genus endemic to Western Australia. This means it is the only species in the genus Ericksonella.
Final orchid of the location was the small Frog greenhood (Pterostylis sargentii), which has recently been split into two species. The distinctive labellum is actually different between the two types. Some of the ones found have spikes to their appearance which I have not seen before.
Yet to open upLateral sepals fully extended verticallyUnusual spiky appearance
I will post photos of Wispy style spider orchids found but I cannot name them with any certainty. So much variation in appearance with these little spider orchids makes it very difficult to ID them.
It is now after 12 so we had better keep moving as we still have a long way to travel today. Unfortunately, Deb starts to feel unwell so we end up driving directly to Minnivale, our planned destination for today, with no further stops for orchid searches. After reaching Minnivale and with the help of our friends Bob and Jan we set up camp. I then take a late afternoon stroll into the Minnivale Nature Reserve to see if I could find anything.
I come across some Frog greenhoods hiding in the undergrowth as well as some Hairy-stemmed snail orchids. Then after some 20 mins I finally found a new orchid for the day. From the lateral sepals being prominently reflexed I believe I have found the Dainty donkey orchid (Diuris refracta). It is recorded as being in the Dowerin local government area by Florabase.
Lateral sepals yet to dropDistinctive labellumUp to 7 flowersReflexed dorsal sepalProminently reflexed lateral sepals
Time to end the day in the company of good friends. Other friends arrive later, including Richard, our regular travelling companion. We hit the sack after a long day traveling with the knowledge we have got so much more to come.
On a cold winters day, what better to do than go exploring for orchids!! We must be mad. With grey clouds and the possibility of rain, we head north to check out the northern boundary of Helms Arboretum (Mud Map SE 35). We wish to see how far the Southern Curly Locks (Thelymitra uliginosa) have progressed. We locate some of the spiral leaves but not in the same numbers as previous years, which is disappointing considering the great start to the season, weather wise. Another orchid found was a spent Scented autumn leek orchid (Prasophyllum Sp. ‘early’) which flower April to June, hence this orchid being finished for the season.
Spiral leaf
Spiral leaf can be up to 90mm in length
Spent Scented autumn leek orchid
Nothing else found so we move eastwards to Dempster Road via Gibson Road then turn into Wittenoom Road. Rather than check out the blue metal dump which is one of our regular haunts we move further north and check out the old gravel pit near Scaddan Road. First up growing in the pushed back road verge we find some banded greenhoods. As they vary in colour they may be different species. Other specimens are found further afield so I am confident the larger greenish ones are the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) whilst the smaller brownish ones are the Mallee banded greenhood (Pterostylis arbuscula). Both flower during July and are shown as appearing in the Esperance region.
2 species side by side
Mallee banded greenhood
Slightly cupped lateral sepals
Variable in colour – Greenish-brown, reddish-brown or dark green
Up to 450mm in height
Light green, white banded flowers
Insect-like labellum flicks up when touched
Then a wonderful patch of snail orchids being watched by a large fungi is found. From the rosettes and colouring of the snail orchids I believe they are Brittle snail orchids (Pterostylis timothyi). These small guys flower from July to September over an easterly distribution including Esperance.
Fungi overlord
Fawn tinge to colouring
Many rosettes, few flowers
Up to only 150mm in height
Narrow-ended lateral sepals
Rosette of prominently veined, pointed leaves
We now move on further north and venture up a track that leads into Mount Burdett Nature Reserve. Further Brittle snail orchids are found or are they the similar Fawn snail orchids (Pterostylis parva) which are of smaller stature with shorter lateral sepals but fatter appearance.
Thin or bloated flower
Pointed leaves of rosette
Fawn or Brittle snail orchid??
2 stem leaves
lateral sepals 12-18mm or 10-17mm in length
In all stages of flowering
Whilst we are taking photos of the snail orchids another 5 cars drive past on the track, so we decide to turn around and head to Mt Burdett (Mud Map SE36) for a detailed search. We reach our parking spot at the base of the granite rock an immediately find some greenhoods. From the height of the plants and the number of dark coloured flowers I believe they are Dark banded greenhoods (Pterostylis sanguinea) which flower June to September over a large range from Mullewa to Toolinna Cove.
Grow up to 400mm in height
Insect like labellum
Labellum in un-triggered position
Labellum in triggered position – hidden in hood
Nearby found a lone Banded greenhood and then looking around some large snail orchids come into view. They are the Robust snail orchid (Pterostylis dilatata) which are distinctive, in that when flowering they lack a rosette.
Banded greenhood
Robust snail orchids
Clubbed lateral seapls
Standing up to 150mm in height
I think the next snail orchid found is definitely a Fawn snail orchid as it is short statured , has bloated flowers and the rosettes have blue-green pointed leaves. The snail orchids are sharing the bright green moss with another small orchid as well. The Pink bunny orchid (Eriochilus scaber subsp. scaber)flowers early July, so these are on time as they are just starting to open. These little orchids are unique in that their flowering and non-flowering leaves differ in appearance.
Fawn snail orchids have bloated flowers
Rosette of the Fawn snail orchid has blue-green pointed leaves
Fawn snail orchids have erect, thickish lateral sepals
Pink bunny orchids can reach 150mm in height apparently. (This one is only 15mm in height)
Light green, cupped leaf on flowering Pink bunny orchids
Dark green, flat leaves on non-flowering Pink bunny orchids
Four small Pink bunny orchids in this photo
Moving further up the rocky mount, we come across a patch of Mallee banded greenhoods which are similar to the Dark banded greenhoods but have less flowers and are shorter in stature.
Limited to 5 flowers per orchid
Variably coloured
Typical greenhood labellum
We finally make it up to the summit, so to speak. We are excited to find a nice patch of shell orchids in flower. The Green-veined shell orchid (Pterostylis scabra)are a common inland shell orchid flowering over a huge range, Kalbarri to Esperance, during the months of May to August. They grow in varied habitats of woodlands and shrublands to shallow soil pockets on granite outcrops. The later describes our location.
Can be found in large groups
Lateral sepals form a distinct V shape
Green and white striped flowers
Protruding, down-curved, long, thin labellum
Standing up to 200mm in height
Many more rosettes of non flowering orchids
Moving down the mount back to the Triton we come across more Fawn snail orchids. Nothing more so we move on in a south easterly direction this time.
Green and white striped flowers
Different colour to flower and rosette
Thickish lateral sepals
Pointed leaves to rosette
Fawn colour to hood provides “Common name”
So driving down Greens Road we notice a track leading into the Burdett South Nature Reserve. Quick check of Google Maps and we decide to check it out. It is quite overgrown so we end up walking mostly. Lucky find of a recognisable Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata) as they finish their season in June.
End of season swelling to ovaries
Long ear like petals .. Maybe they keep growing as the orchid ages, as images in reference books show much shorter petals.
We come to a salt lake that provides a great backdrop for our obligatory “Selfie”, however the only other orchids found in flower where the good old Banded greenhood, plus a snail orchid with its hood eaten off. Rosette of stalked pointed leaves, leads me to name it the Brittle snail orchid.
Bright green colouring
Hairy insect-like labellum
Single flowered specimen
Hanging lateral sepals and labellum
Eaten snail orchid hood reveals the inside
Stalked, pointed leaves to Brittle snail orchid rosette
Well it’s now 3.45pm so we decide to walk back to the Triton for the drive home. It was a very cold day however we found some great orchids and enjoyed the fresh air.
A much earlier start to the day as we did not need to wait for the camper to dry out. We arrive at our first location by 8.30am and explore widely this time, as we have had quick visits on other occasions.
Chirelillup Nature Reserve
Green spider orchid
(Caladenia falcata)
Frog greenhood
(Pterostylis sargentii)
Western wheatbelt donkey orchid
(Diuris brachyscapa)
Jug orchid
(Pterostylis recurva)
??? greenhood
(Pterostylis sp.)
Sugar orchid
(Ericksonella saccharata)
Small mantis orchid
(Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima)
Joseph’s spider orchid
(Caladenia polychroma)
Cowslip orchid
(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Slender spider orchid
(Caladenia pulchra)
Well after our extensive search of the reserve we decide it is time to move on. We don’t get far before we pull over at a patch of scrub, due to seeing a large colony of donkey orchids whilst driving past.
Gnowangerup-Jerramungup Rd
Western wheatbelt donkey orchid or Small flowered donkey orchid.
(Diuris brachyscapa or D. porrifolia)
Stark white spider orchid
(Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens)
Wheatbelt spider orchid
(Caladenia x cala)
Cowslip orchid
(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Jug orchid
(Pterostylis recurva)
Short-sepaled spider orchid
(Caladenia brevisura)
Banded greenhood
(Pterostylis vittata)
Purple-veined spider orchid
(Caladenia doutchiae)
??? Hybrid
(Caladenia x sp.)
Western wheatbelt donkey orchid or Small flowered donkey orchid.
(Diuris brachyscapa or D. porrifolia)
Green spider orchid
(Caladenia falcata)
Wowsers! what an awesome random roadside stop that was. Hybrids plus numerous species found. We do though have to move on, so onwards to Ongerup we go.
Ongerup
Cowslip orchids
(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Western wheatbelt donkey orchid
(Diuris brachyscapa)
Green spider orchid
(Caladenia falcata)
Sugar orchid
(Ericksonella saccharata)
Drooping spider orchid
(Caladenia radialis)
Frog greenhood
(Pterostylis sargentii)
Blue china orchid
(Cyanicula gemmata)
Time for lunch so we head for the nearby Yongergnow Australian Malleefowl Centre, where we have enjoyed a nice meal on previous visits. This visit was no exception. With a full belly we move on towards the Fitzgerald River National Park.
Calyerup Rocks
Western tiny blue orchid
(Cyanicula aperta)
Sugar orchids
(Ericksonella saccharata)
Jug orchid
(Pterostylis recurva)
Cowslip orchid
(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Common bee orchid
(Diuris decrementa)
Whoops, we somehow drove into the Park Rangers residence, and were chastised for this. Oh well we know better next time. As we plan to camp at Hamersley Inlet we move further along the South Coast Hwy until we reach West River Road. Due to failing light we stop only at the lookout, before pulling into our overnight campground. After setting up we go for a quick walk and of course look out for any orchids that catch our eye. The inlet is very dry compared to when we last visited a few years back.
Hamersley Inlet
Western wispy spider orchid
(Caladenia microchila)
Sunset over the inlet
After enjoying the beautiful sunset over the inlet we head back to the camper to rustle up some dinner. We then enjoyed a game of Tri-ominos before hitting the sack. Random stops today proved very successful with many orchids found, so we don’t always have to plan everything upfront.
Thankyou to Megan for allowing us to camp on her Meelon property for a couple nights. It was great to catch-up with family and friends. Finally being able to visit my dear old mum in her nursing after all the COVID-19 lockdowns, was extra special. We say our goodbyes to little Harley and start our homeward journey, albeit in a very roundabout fashion, which is the way we like it. 🙂
Meelon Nature Reserve
Common bee orchid
(Diuris decrementa)
Meelon Nature Reserve proved to be very wet and weedy however some orchids found, so a good start to the day. We now back-track a few hundred metres and turn down Burnside Road. This road side stop proves to be fruitful.
Burnside Road
Cowslip orchid
(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Crowded banded greenhood
(Pterostylis atrosanguinea)
The Crowded banded greenhoods were a new find for us, so it was a perfect random stop. However it is time to move on, so we venture to the South West Hwy and head down to Yarloop. From here we head west looking for suitable habitat to checkout, however we are not very successful. So we head back through Cookernup to cross the highway and head to Lake Brockman, where we have lunch at the caravan park which overlooks the Logue Brook dam. After enjoying lunch on the verandah with a friendly 28 parrot for company we go for a walk around the camping ground.
Lake Brockman Tourist Park
Cowslip orchid
(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Jug orchid
(Pterostylis recurva)
Small banded greenhood
(Pterostylis orbiculata)
Little pink fairies
Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans)
Slender snail orchid
(Pterostylis crispula)
Bird orchid
(Pterostylis barbata)
What a great variety of orchids found at the campground. The Small banded greenhood is another new orchid for us. We decide to move on toward Hoffman Mill where we plan to camp the night. Unfortunately the campground is closed so we decide to check out the walk trail that crosses the creek, to see if we can find anything new.
Hoffmans Mill
Slender snail orchid
(Pterostylis crispula
Jug orchid
(Pterostylis recurva)
Banded greenhood
(Pterostylis vittata)
Walk trail finished, however only Pterostylis orchids found. As we can’t camp here we head off looking for somewhere to stay in the middle of the State forest. Heading towards Collie we finally find a track leading into the bush. This track leads into a loop where we decide to pull up and set up camp.
Mornington
Little pink fairies
(Caladenia reptans subsp.reptans)
After setting up the camper and getting a campfire ready to light, we check out the inner loop of our camping area. We find a few little pink fairies but do not venture much further as we will check out this location in the morning. We were distracted by the rumbling sound that just started out of the blue and did not stop for hours. It turned out to be the conveyor belt leading to Worsley Alumina Refinery.
We wake up to another beautiful morning in the forest. After breakfast we pack up the camper and head back along the track. Before leaving the state forest though we have one more exploration.
Highbury State Forest
Small flowered donkey orchid
(Diuris porrifolia)
Jug orchid
(Pterostylis recurva)
Dark banded greenhood
(Pterostylis sanguinea)
Primrose spider orchid
(Caladenia xantha)
Little pink fairies
(Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans)
Lemon-scented sun orchid
(Thelymitra antennifera)
Pterostylis sp.
Mosquito orchid
(Cyrtostylis robusta)
Dancing spider orchid
(Caladenia discoidea)
Blue beard
(Pheladenia deformis)
Cowslip orchid
(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Sugar orchid
(Ericksonella saccharata)
In my little black book I recorded finding 2 wispy complex spider orchids and 2 greenhoods, however whilst making this post I am now unsure so I only posted one of each. Please let me know your thoughts on if there is 1 or 2 types.
Ok so now we move onward to our next location. Piesseville is one of our favourite locations as we regularly find numerous species of orchids. Let us hope this visit proves successful.
Piesseville-Tarwonga Road
Blue beard
(Pheladenia defromis)
Cowslip orchid
(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Joseph’s spider orchid
(Caladenia polychroma)
Small flowered donkey orchid
(Diuris porrifolia)
Green spider orchid
(Caladenia falcata)
Chapman’s spider orchid
(Caladenia chapmanii)
Sugar orchid
(Ericksonella saccharata)
?? banded greenhood
(Pterostylis sp.)
Banded greenhood
(Pterostylis vittata)
Well as usual the Piesseville location did not disappoint, however we must move on. We head back to the Albany Highway and head north to Williams, where we turn west towards Quindanning. Our next stop is in a patch of bush along the Pinjarra – Williams Road where we have found orchids on previous visits.
Pinjarra-Williams Road
Silky blue orchid
(Cyanicula sericea)
Dark banded greenhood
(Pterostylis sanguinea)
??? donkey orchid
(Diuris sp.)
Banded greenhood
(Pterostylis vittata)
Leaping spider orchid
(Caladenia macrostylis)
Little pink fairies
(Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans)
Jug orchid
(Pterostylis recurva)
Slender snail orchid
(Pterostylis crispula)
Common spider orchid
(Caladenia varians)
It is nearly 3.30 in the afternoon so we had better move on, so that we will arrive at our overnight destination before sunset. We head north to Marradong then westwards to Dwellingup. No time to stop in either location as we move on to Meelon, where we will stay at the property of Megan, our niece. This will be our home for a few nights as we take the time to catch-up with relatives.
We pack up camp after breakfast and head back the way we came yesterday, as we don’t wish to encounter any more trees across the track by heading further west. Deb grabs some orchid photos on the way out and we inspect a farmers rubbish pile for any collectables.
Cowslip orchid
(Caladenia flava subsp.flava)
Common donkey orchid
(Diuris corymbosa)
As we didn’t find much in the rubbish dump we jump back in the Triton and head back to Moorumbine Road then turn south. Along this road we find our next stop, the Horne Nature Reserve. Weirdly the only access to the reserve is a sealed road which leads to a Telstra tower. So we park up at the tower and go exploring. We find some orchids, however more excitedly, we come across an Echidna.
Sugar orchid
(Ericksonella saccharata)
Frog greenhood
(Pterostylis sargentii)
Western wheatbelt donkey orchid
(Diuris brachyscapa)
Little pink fairy, dwarf pink fairy
(Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans)
Echidna playing hide n seek with us
It’s now after 11.30 in the morning, so we make tracks toward Pingelly. On the Aldersyde Pingelly Road we pull over on the side of the road, at the strangely named Goodenough Nature Reserve. We explore for orchids and are not disappointed.
Goodenough Nature Reserve
Green spider orchid, Fringed mantis orchid
(Caladenia falcata)
Blue beard, blue fairy orchid
(Pheladenia deformis)
Small flowered donkey orchid
(Diuris porrifolia)
Cowslip orchid
(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Red-veined shell orchid
(Pterostylis hamiltonii)
Banded greenhood
(Pterostylis vittata)
Feeling a bit peckish, we decide to head off and check out Pingelly for lunch. Whilst waiting for our counter meal, Deb relives our time at Las Vegas.
After enjoying an amazing lunch, we head south down the Great Southern Hwy. We only just leave the townsite when we pull over to check out some promising woodland. This proved to be a great decision.
Just South of Pingelly
Crimson spider orchid
(Caladenia footeana)
Blue beard
(Pheladenia deformis)
Green spider orchid
(Caladenia falcata)
Small flowered donkey orchid
(Diuris porrifolia)
Banded greenhood
(Pterostylis vittata)
Was very happy to have found a red coloured spider orchid, however we must move on. Our next stop is along Langes Road in the Hotham River Nature Reserve. We go exploring this wonderful woodland (Featured Image) and find a few orchids, which is a bonus.
Jug orchid
(Pterostylis recurva)
Sugar orchid
(Ericksonella saccharata)
Common donkey orchid
(Diuris corymbosa)
Small flowered donkey orchid
(Diuris porrifolia)
Banded greenhood
(Pterostylis vittata)
Blue china orchid
(Cyanicula gemmata)
Little pink fairies
(Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans)
Frog greenhood
(Pterostylis sargentii)
Green spider orchid
(Caladenia falcata)
After a wonderful exploration of the woodland we make tracks further south, reaching Yornaning a small town on the highway. It is here we stop for a walk around the dam.
Yornaning Dam
Western wheatbelt donkey orchid
(Diuris brachyscapa)
Cowslip orchid
(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Dark banded greenhood
(Pterostylis sanguinea)
Hybrid caladenia
(Caladenia flava x C. reptans)
Blue beard
(Pheladenia deformis)
Green spider orchid
(Caladenia falcata)
It’s now after 3.30pm so we need to think about where we will camp the night. We travel west to the Montague State Forest. Taking a track in, we slowly drive along looking for a suitable place to camp. We come across some orchids and finally reach a large fence with a gate that is locked. There is a cleared area close by so we set up camp for the night.
Montague State Forest
Little pink fairies
(Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans)
Big clubbed spider orchid
(Caladenia magniclavata)
Sugar orchid
(Ericksonella saccharata)
Jug orchid
(Pterostylis recurva)
Small flowered donkey orchid
(Diuris porrifolia)
What a wonderful day orchid hunting today has been. We settle in for a secluded night under the stars in the middle of the forest.
After a night listening the nearby sheep bleating all night we awake to another beautiful sunny morning. We now take the time to explore the area below our camp for orchids.
Quajabin (County) Peak
Small flowered donkey orchid
(Diuris porrifolia)
Western wheatbelt donkey orchid
(Diuris brachyscapa)
Leaving Quajabin (County) Peak we head south to Yenyening Lakes. We hoped to explore the Nature Reserve however it seems to only cover the actual lakes themselves. A little bit along Qualandary Road just over the Avon River bridge we pull over to check out the roadside vegetation.
Leaving the Yenyening lakes we head further along Qualandary Road. At the intersection with Boyagarra Road we pull into a gravel pit. Here we explore the vegetation for any orchids that may flower in this small island of nature in the middle of farmland.
Boyagarra Road
Frog greenhood
(Pterostylis sargentii)
Sugar orchid
(Ericksonella saccharata)
>>>> donkey orchid
(Diuris sp.)
It is now past 12 o’clock so we move on. looking for another location where we can have some lunch whilst exploring for orchids. We by-pass Brookton by heading south down Moorumbine Road. at another gravel pit in the middle of a bush block will pull up. Whilst eating lunch we explore the surrounding vegetation for orchids. We come across an old rubbish dump site and find some amazing old bottles.
Moorumbine Road
Little pink fairy
(Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans)
Sugar orchid
(Ericksonella saccharata)
Frog greenhood
(Pterostylis sargnetii)
Small flowered donkey orchid
(Diuris porrifolia)
Western wheatbelt donkey orchid
(Diuris brachyscapa)
Jug orchid
(Pterostylis recurva)
After storing away our old bottles, we move into the Pingeculling Nature Reserve. We follow the track up a steep gravely slope then along bush tracks past sheoks and granite boulders. We then come across a fallen tree over the track. I get to use my Ryobi Chainsaw for it’s first real test. We then pull up on the track near a flat piece of granite and set up camp.
Pingeculling Nature Reserve
Little pink fairy
(Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans)
Cowslip orchid
(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Sugar orchid
(Ericksonella saccharata)
Western wheatbelt donkey orchid
(Diuris brachyscapa)
Banded greenhood
(Pterostylis vittata)
Blue beard
(Pheladenia deformis)
Lemon-scented sun orchid
(Thelymitra antennifera)
Little laughing leek orchid
(Prasophyllum gracile)
Primrose spider orchid
(Caladenia xantha)
Jug orchid
(Pterostylis recurva)
Caladenia sp.
It is now nearly 4pm so we make tracks back to the camper and light the camp fire to get ready for dinner. I study the orchid books to uncover what we had found today. A fabulous day with so many orchids found.
Another leisurely morning, where we have breakfast and pack up the campers, before heading off exploring the reserve, with Deb this time. We check out the breakaway as we did yesterday, then make our way back to the campsite for the walk trail to the gnamma hole.
Weira Reserve
Hairy-stemmed snail orchid
(Pterostylis setulosa)
Glistening spider orchid
(Caladenia incensum)
Caladenia dimidia X Caladenia incensum
Dainty blue orchid
(Cyanicula amplexans)
Chameleon spider orchid
(Caladenia dimidia)
Green-veined shell orchid
(Pterostylis scabra)
We arrived at the gnamma hole , however it was a weed infested area so we quickly trekked back to the campers to move on. No photos taken. The next stop on the Wheatbelt Way Drive Trail was Site 19, a place called Wattoning Historical Site. Here we first took time to have lunch before finding a place to check for orchids. Nothing discovered so we move on.
Gravesite
Well
Gnamma holes
We then backtracked, stopping to take photos of Cleomine, a wind driven tribute to a local racehorse, then an old grain silo relocated to Mukinbudin, before arriving at Site 20 – Mangowine Homestead. This historical location was once an inn where travellers to the goldfields rested up. It was an interesting stop but alas still no orchids.
Cleomine
Grain silo
Mangowine Homestead
We then decided to visit site 21, Billyacatting Hill, before reaching Nungarin, as we plan to camp south of the town. We did not wish to backtrack North tomorrow.
Billyacatting Nature Reserve
Ant orchid, Clown orchid, Man orchid, Jack-in-the-Box
(Caladenia roei)
Yellow granite donkey orchid
(Diuris hazeliae)
Jug orchid, Recurved shell orchid, Antelope orchid, Bull orchid
(Pterostylis recurva)
Mallee banded greenhood
(Pterostylis arbuscula)
Drooping spider orchid
(Caladenia radialis)
Green-veined shell orchid
(Pterostylis scabra)
Pink candy orchid
(Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea)
Blue beard
(Pheladenia deformis)
Hairy-stemmed snail orchid
(Pterostylis setulosa)
Rufous greenhood complex orchid
(Pterostylis sp.)
Leaving Billyacatting Rock we backtrack to the Nungarin North Road and head south. Bypassing Nungarin, we find our planned location, Danberrin Hill. The campground was already occupied by a group of people, however as it was getting late we decided to pull up and setcamp. Over the next hour or so more people turn up and we are completely surrounded by a church group who set up a big campfire. We are serenaded with gospel singing, however we provide late night entertainment for them as well. An interesting night to finish off a great day exploring. 12 species located, plus 1 possible hybrid and an emerging rufous type greenhood.
