After another wonderful brunch at the Esperance Bird and Animal Park we make our way to Helms Arboretum (Mud Map SE35 ) to see if anything has flowered since we last visited a fortnight ago.
First stop was just off the highway where we decided to jump out and check closer, even though we could see nothing from looking out the Triton windows. Deb found the first orchids of the day. The Hairy-stemmed snail orchids (Pterostylis sp. ‘inland’) were in hoods, spread over the entire area. Also found close-by were some Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata).
Small hood of snails
Elongated, slightly cupped lateral sepals
Snail and greenhood meet
Variable height, 50 to 150mm
Side profile
Watch out behind you!!
Erect, narrow-ended lateral sepals
Further into the arboretum we find our first spider orchids of the season. Only two individual plants were found flowering and both are the Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora). These flower August to October in a range from Bremer Bay to Cape Arid.
Clubbed sepals
Side profile
4 or more rows of pale to deep red calli
Single, erect, hairy leaf 90 – 120mm long. Small friend nearby
White, red-tipped labellum
Long lateral sepals on this one
Other snail orchids are found which appear to be a different species, as they lack the hairy stem. Checking with my esteemed colleague Margaret P. it appears to be an unnamed species currently termed Pterostylis sp. ‘Helms Arboretum’
Short, thickened lateral sepals
Rosette 10-15mm across, 2 stem leaves
Beautifully formed snail orchid
I also found a new patch of what appears to be Western tiny blue orchids (Cyanicula aperta) getting ready to bloom.
Group of 6 or more ready to flower
Last orchid found for the day was a nice specimen of a Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea)
Packed up the camper and headed off up the Coolgardie-Norseman Hwy for a long overdue weekend camping trip. We chose Peak Charles National Park as we had not visited since 2015. This years dry winter allows us to visit, as the roads are usually impassable if wet. Consequently we had never visited this early in the season before, so who knows what orchids may be in flower. Although this dry start will also impact the orchids themselves, so it is a two edged sword. Our first stop on the Hwy is Scaddan, where we find Diuris plants with leaves but no flowers as yet. So off we head further north, with next stop being Salmon Gums.
We checked out our usual spot and was lucky enough to find some Midget greenhoods (Pterostylis mutica) which are found from Wongan Hills to the SA border flowering July to October. Fewer flowers than last years visit (15/07/2017) however still happy to find some. Only other finds were spent Pygmy orchids (Corunastylis tepperi).
This little one was only 40mm tall
Only 80mm tall – Can grow up to 200mm
We pulled into the travel stop in Salmon Gums and had our lunch, before heading off for Peak Charles. On the drive in just before the Lake King – Norseman Road intersection we checked out a granite rock location and found a lone Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea) with an unusual light orangey-brown colouring. Nothing else found.
Unusual colouring
Upon arrival at the Peak Charles National Park camping ground we were amazed to find it empty, so we enjoyed setting up camp before heading out on a late afternoon check of the surroundings. We went to the place we had found orchids previously and after a lot of searching we finally found some in flower. Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘inland’) is a common inland orchid found from Kalbarri to Balladonia, flowering late June to September. Also know as Pterostylis setulosa and found in SA and NSW. An extremely variable species. We explored onto the granite but due to fading light no more sightings made.
This one was over 100mm tall
This little one was only 30mm high
Back to camp for dinner, which happened to be lamb chops cooked on the little BBQ, which was a Christmas gift from Jace, Amber and Oliver.
Damage from the blaze. Paint burnt
Heat beads still glowing hot
14/07/2018
We awoke to a beautiful sunny winters day and enjoyed a bacon and egg breakfast before heading off to explore further. Deb wanted to check out the snail orchids again to get some photos with the Olympus M5, so we headed back to the spot we found them yesterday afternoon.
Front view
Crossed lateral sepals
We then ventured onto the granite rocks and climbed up looking for anything else that may be flowering. The old faithful Resurrection plant was flowering and more snail orchids were found, however they were very few and far between with so many rosettes having only very small buds. Late season it seems.
Borya consticta – Pincushion
Growling
What?, another Pterostylis but not a snail this time. I found a lone double headed Dark Banded greenhood.
Small insect-like labellum
Only just 50mm high
Looking back towards Peak Charles itself, we decided to venture up a wooded slope which incorporated a run-off creek bed. It started out quite open and there were yellow daisies flowering however once the Sheaok trees started the daisies stopped. Deb then stumbles across a nice, small hood of snails which was exciting as the previous ones found were all very spaced apart.
We then pushed into the creek-bed which is strewn with boulders, logs and other debris and Deb yells in excitement. She has never seen so many Cyrtostylis leaves, however only a few were in bud and not yet fully blooming. Oh well we did say earlier, the season appears late at this location.
None in flower 😦
Colouring indicated Midge orchid
We spent the next 30 mins or so clambering up and over rocks, logs and between trees and bushes on a 30 degree hill slope in the vain hope of finding some in flower. Alas it was not meant to be ..Many Pterostylis rosettes were found as well.
Growing over shed bark
Back to camp for a late lunch and we now had company as 3 sites had been occupied. Later that afternoon the wind picked up so we rested and watched 4WDs, motorbikes, buggies and quads arrive for what may turn into a rowdy night. However they all disappeared to another camping spot as they numbered too many for this location. Thankyou!!!! After some soup for dinner we climbed into the camper and played cards before crashing into bed. It was a wet n windy night so not a great sleep was had.
15/07/2018
Woke up to blue skies but the wind was still gusty. Had eggs n bacon again then slowly packed up. The camper roof was damp so used our gas heater to assist in the drying. Finally got a move on just after 11am. We quickly checked some granite outcrops on the drive back to the HWY but nothing found. Pulled into the Salmon Gums Roadhouse and grabbed a coffee and a meat pie, before making a beeline for Eldred Road. Nothing found near the HWY so we moved to the spot East of the largest lake where we found many Dark banded greenhoods, mainly at he base of the larger trees.
Crowded flowers
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Moving further south we next visit the Red Lake Townsite Nature Reserve where Pterostylis again reign supreme. More Dark banded greenhoods found with the unusual colouring like back at Peak Charles N.P. Also found were some Frog greenhoods (Pterostylis sargentii), which had formed their hood but had yet to open up the lateral sepals. Also found a lone flowering Midget greenhood.
Final stop was at Truslove Townsite Nature Reserve where we looked for something other than a Pterostylis. Thank goodness we found them. Some donkey orchids were found with others yet to flower. I will name these as Green Range donkey orchid (Diuris sp. ‘Green Range’) which flower July to early September in a range from Denmark to Esperance.
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Green Range donkey orchid
So many yet to flower
We enjoyed our camping weekend exploring North of Esperance. Pterostylis reigned supreme but we did find our first Diuris species for the season. The number of rosettes and Cyrtostylis leaves found blew our minds. We must get back one day to see if they translate into flowers.
Headed straight out to Munglinup Beach camping area (Mud Map SE 33) to see if we could find some shell orchids as we did last season.There were so many rosettes however after searching high and low we only found one that was close to opening. We move location to the other area and it looked like we would be unsuccessful again with flowers yet to open found. Whilst taking photos of these I moved a branch to get a better shot and guess what? I found one opened. Yeah so happy.
Currently has a green colouring
Curled labellum is evident
Appears to be Curled-tongue shell orchid (Pterostylis rogersii) which are found from Binningup to Esperance flowering June to August. Quite content we now make tracks down to the Oldfield River for a spot of lunch. Nothing caught our eye on the slow drive in, so upon finishing lunch we made tracks for Skippy Rock. No orchids found here either !! The views over the beach though are magnificent.
View from area orchids found prior season
Our last stop will be the main visitors area of Stokes National Park. We park up at the Day Use area and head up the steps that begin the Stokes Inlet Heritage Walk Trail. We only plan on walking half of it today as it is already after 3pm. Very small Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata) are spotted with many, many rosettes.
Double-header
Size comparison
More prolific though were different types of fungi.
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As it is now past 4.30pm we make a move for home with a detour to the camping ground. Driving slowly around Deb yells with glee as she spots some large darker greenhoods. Out we jump to grab some photos in the dying daylight. As the lateral sepals have opened it appears these are Dark banded greenhoods (Pterostylis sanguinea) which flower June to September in a range from Mullewa and Toolinna Cove. They are also found in Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.
Insect like labellum
Flattened lateral sepals
Dark reddish-brown to green flowers
Up to 10 fleshy flowers
Only the Pterostylis genus found today, however it was an awesome day out, getting some fresh air and sunshine.
Today we head east along Fisheries Road to turn north at Coolinup Road for our first exploration out Condingup way for this season. Our first stop at the small granite outcrop on the side of the road proved flowerless, however spent bunny orchids and leaves of orchids yet to flower were found. Maybe next visit will prove more successful. Next we check out the track (Mud Map SE 38) however the verges had recently been slashed so nothing found. We move on further north to a gravel pit to have a bite of lunch whilst walking around. Again no surprises found. Well onwards to a location that proved successful last season to see if anything can be found.
Thank goodness we find something in flower. Albeit a little past their prime. A snail orchid, species unknown and a Hare orchid seem to be all we can find so I take a photo just to show we actually found something.
Way past it’s prime
Seen better days
However, ever the optimists, we keep looking and woo hoo a new species for the season is found. Autumn leek orchid (Prasophyllum parvifolium), which flowers June to August in a range from Eneabba to Mt Ragged.
Single tubular leaf
Forward facing petals and lateral sepals
Red markings to flowers
Reinvigorated we continue our search. Next up we find some Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata)
Lateral sepals joined and hang downwards
United dorsal sepal and petals form a hood
Then we find another leek orchid, Scented autumn leek orchid (Prasophyllum sp. ‘early’) which flowers April to June in a range from Bunbury to Israelite Bay. As the name suggests these flower earlier than the related Autumn leek orchid and also do not have the red colouring.
Prominently recurved labellum
Green and white flowers
Its now after 3pm so we make tracks back to the Triton, however on our way back we find some more Banded greenhoods so just had to get some more shots.
Green and white striped flower
Insect-like labellum
We pull into our abandoned picnic area on Merivale Road, grab a piece of fruit and go exploring. Nothing found until we get onto the granite outcrop to the west of the picnic site. Deb finds a small bunny orchid. Scattered specimens found which appear to be the Granite bunny orchid (Eriochilus pulchellus) as these flower April to May in a range from the Darling Range to Balladonia in 3 separate areas. Esperance to Balladonia being one of these specific locations.
Unusual upright dorsal sepal
Named in 2006
Dull green and red petals
Up to 10 colourful flowers
Flowers only 50 to 150mm high
Single smooth leaf, 5 to 15mm long by 3 to 8mm wide
It is now after 4.30pm so we make tracks back to the Triton. Deb finds a snail orchid so we attempt to get some shots in the fading light. Unable to distinguish the species of this orchid due to lack of rosette, 3 stems leaves and thin appearance.
3 stem leaves
No rosette this flower
thin flower with long lateral sepals
Indistinct rosette
4 names species found so proved quite a successful day out. Tomorrow we plan to head West to see what is flowering out that way.
After another wonderful fully cooked breakfast, eaten for lunch this time, at the Esperance Bird & Animal Park, we head off to Helms Arboretum (Mud Map SE 35) to see if anything other than bunny orchids has shown up.
Well we are pleased to find some Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata) flowering. These little beauties flower April to September in locations from Perth to Balladonia.
Single headed flower
Insect like labellum
Crowded flower heads
As we only have the afternoon to explore we jump back in the Triton and head north up the Coolgardie-Norseman Hwy to Fleming Grove Road where we take a left turn east to check out a previously successful location. We find evidence of bunny orchids and hare orchid leaves before stumbling across some more banded greenhoods sheltering under a bush. After a good 30mins or so we make tracks to the railway tracks for another explore. No luck here so onwards we go, further east, before turning south.
2 flowers hidden under bush
Solitary flower
3 stages of development
We proved unsuccessful in finding any further orchids so have only added Pterostylis to our genera found this season.
Eriochilus, Leporella and Pterostylis, I wonder which genera will be next.
After having breakfast we make our way north to Dudinin which was a quaint little town but with no real prospects for orchid hunting we move on further north to a place called Jitarning. We park next to the CBH wheat bins and head into the bush adjacent. The area proves to be thick with Donkey orchids with a small patch of Pink candy orchids (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea) found.
Pale to deep pink flowers
Upright labellum
Spreading petals and sepals with a narrow upright labellum
Labellum with short fringe segments and four or more rows of calli
The donkey orchids appear to be Yellow granite donkey orchids (Diuris hazeliae) as they are larger and brighter yellow than the ones found in Harrismith.
Tri-lobed labellum with broad, spreading lateral lobes and a broad, flattened to convex mid lobe
Bubble head
Reflexed, usually crossed lateral sepals
Visitor on 1 petal
Broad petals and dorsal sepal
So many donkey orchids but we need to move on. Well not to far as we cross the Williams-Kondinin Road and visit the bush the other side. The only orchid found over this side was the Midget greenhood (Pterostylis mutica). On walking back to the Triton we discover the area we had been exploring was in fact the Jitarning Nature Reserve.
United dorsal sepal and petals form a hood
Flowers only 4.5 to 5.5mm across
Next stop is the North Jitarning Nature Reserve a few kilometres north on the western side of the road. After parking the Triton we make our way west into the bush and our first find is the ever faithful Purple enamel orchid (Elythanthera brunonis). In fact they were everywhere in this reserve.
Spreading petals and sepals
Up to 3 flowers per stem
Underside of petals and sepals spotted in colouring
Small membranous labellum with two large black basal calli
Glossy purple flowers
Further hunting and we found some Frog greenhoods (Pterostylis sargentii) growing underneath some bushes.
United petals and dorsal sepal form hood
Green to dark brown, white striped flowers
Short lateral sepals
50 – 200mm high with up to 10 stem leaves
Then even further hidden under bushes Deb spies a bird orchid. Further specimens found, which all appear to be Dwarf bird orchids (Pterosylis sp. ‘dwarf’) as they are found between Eurardy Station and Peak Charles during August and September. We first found this orchid back in August 2016 near Corrigin.
Short-beaked bird orchid
A distinctive feather-like labellum with fine fringe segments
Short lateral sepals which are joined at the base
Two close neighbours
Further Fringe mantis orchids are found as are more Donkey orchids.
Comb-like fringe segments to labellum
Spreading petals
Greenish-yellow, red-tipped labellum
Up-swept lateral sepals
Unsure of the species of this one
Broad petals and dorsal sepal
Up to 7 flowers per stem
Lateral sepals reflexed and usually crossed
We were also lucky enough to find a spider orchid, which I am naming, Red thread spider orchid (Caladenia erythronema) as they flower August to early October in locations between Nyabing and Mukinbudin.
Variably dull red, pinkish red or dull cream to creamy yellow with dull red markings
Two rows of red to cream calli
Pendulous petals and sepals covered in deep-red hairs
We then make tracks for Kulin, to fuel up, then head off on the Tin Horse Hwy. After checking out some of the great Tin horses we make our way to Buckley’s Breakaway for lunch.
Picture stop
A Charlton Horston Epic
Ned’s Horse
PLC Piping Pony
Harder rock than the surrounding soil
The breakaway is massive
Erosion artwork
Amazing colours
On the walk from the car park / picnic area we find some Donkey orchids. Nothing else found on the walk around the breakaway, however it was an impressive sight.
Erect petals and reflexed dorsal sepal
Reflexed, usually crossed lateral sepals
Predominately yellow, brown marked flowers
2 – 3 basal leaves and up to 7 flowers
Tri-lobed labellum with broad, spreading lateral lobes and a broad, flattened to convex mid lobe
We now head further east, till we again reach Dragon Rocks Nature Reserve. At the northern end of the reserve, whilst earlier on the trip we were at the southern end. We find what we hoped was the road south, which dissects the reserve, and travel along slowly with heads out the windows looking for orchids. They proved more elusive than before but we did find our first ones. A finished Jug orchid then some Frog greenhoods.
Well past it’s best
Green to dark brown, white striped flowers
Petals and dorsal sepal form a hood
It was more than a half hour later, before any more orchids were found. Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) were a surprise find.
Up to 7 red and white flowers
Short spreading petals and lateral sepals
Large fleshy, oval, dark green and red speckled leaf
Prominently curved dorsal sepal forming hood over the column
Further south we come across some spider orchids. From their appearance I will name these Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia) due to the yellowish colouring, dark brownish tail filaments and backswept slightly elevated petals.
Petals backwards, elevated to horizontal
Petals and sepals with dark brownish tail filaments
Dorsal sepal erect to incurved, lateral sepals deflexed to drooping, petals backswept, usually elevated
Small white, red striped labellum with dentate fringe segments and two rows of white, sometimes red-tipped calli
Creamy-white to pale-yellow flowers
A solitary Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) and Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) were found a little further down the track, however as time was slipping away and we had previously visited the south of the Dragon Rocks N. R., we headed straight for our last stop of the day, being the Rock View Nature Reserve.
Bright distinctive orchid
Short spreading petals and sepals
United petals and dorsal sepal forms hood over the column
Green, brown and white flowers
It is now past 5.30pm when we arrive at Rock View N. R. so we quickly have a look around. First orchid I find is the Midget greenhood, whilst Debbie finds more spider orchids.
Midget greenhood
100 – 200mm high
Midget greenhood
Pterostylis mutica
From the appearance I believe these to be further Chameleon spider orchids.
A common variable inland spider orchid
Spreading petals and lateral sepals
Creaming white to pale yellowish flowers, occasionally with variable reddish toning
Relatively small labellum
Two rows of white or red-tipped calli
White, red-striped labellum with dentate fringe segments
Due to the inclement weather we did not wish to set up camp, however as we were unable to find overnight accommodation, this stop proved to be the final stop of our 2017 Road Trip.
We wake to another beautiful spring morning, have breakfast , break camp and head south to Ballidu for morning tea. We check out the area where we found numerous orchids last year in August, however this time we only find some donkey orchids. As they have erect petals and broad, spreading lateral lobes to the labellum, I believe them to be Pale donkey orchids (Diuris sp. ‘mid-north’).
Dorsal sepal and lateral lobes have slight reddish edges
Broad reflexed dorsal sepal
Erect petals and recurved apex to dorsal sepal
Further south we go turning east at Kondut, then travelling south again to Reynoldson Flora Reserve. No orchids found but an unusual grevillea was prolific. Prickly Toothbrushes (Grevillea armigera). Verticordia the flower this reserve is famous for was just starting to flower as well.
Easy to see where the common name comes from
One of the 11 varieties that flower in this reserve. Best October – November
We pop into Wongan Hills, buy some supplies, have a counter lunch at the pub then head up to the Wongan Wildflower Walk to see if we can be lucky with finding some orchids. Deb is the lucky one who finds some very small Frog greenhoods (Pterostylis sargentii) growing under bushes. Last August we found many spider orchids under the same bushes. Not this year though.
Short, broad, cupped lateral sepals joined at the base
United dorsal sepal and petals forming a hood over the column
Up to 6 green to dark brown, white banded flowers
50 to 200 mm high with 3 to 10 stem leaves 8 to 30 mm long.
Further along the walk we find some Purple enamel orchids (Elythranthera brunonis) and some donkey orchids. From their features I am naming these Common donkey orchid (Diuris corymbosa) as they flower August to October and range from Gingin to Bunbury. Our location is a little ways Northeast however Atlas of Living Australia has a recorded sighting near Wongan Hills.
Short spreading petals and sepals
Small membranous labellum with two large, black basal calli
Yellow, brown and purple flowers
Broad, elongated petals.
Further along we finally find something from the Caladenia family. Ant orchid (Caladenia roei) found under a prickle bush. Taking photos proved a challenge however we had to get a shot. Next came patches of Cowslip orchids (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Common widespread fairy orchid
Short down swept petals and lateral sepals
Smooth-margined, greenish-yellow labellum
Also called Clown orchid, Man orchid and Jack-in-the-box.
This one has crossed his legs.
Then on the way back to the Triton we find more donkey and enamel orchids.
Large black calli
Recurved dorsal sepal
Glossy look
Elongated petals
Leaving Wongan Hills we take the wrong turn which heads us south so we picked another route to take us back north to Gathercole Nature Reserve. We spend the next 40 mins scouring over the granite outcrops looking for the elusive new find. More donkey orchids and Cowslips orchids were found plus a first for the day; (Prasophyllum gracile complex). Unsure of exact species due to it being well past it’s prime.
Usual yellow colouring
State of flower makes it difficult to distinguish exact species
Unsure of exact species
Index finger size comparison
We then move North East to Dingo Rock Nature Reserve where further donkey and leek orchids are found. Exact species again not known which is a little disappointing, but we are no experts.
Exact species unknown
Appear to be Little laughing leek orchids but not 100% sure
We then made tracks East to Manmanning Nature Reserve, however no real place to pull over and as time was moving along we decided to travel south west to Oak Park picnic area to camp for the night. This little place has toilets facilities and picnic table and was situated on the banks of a creek that flows into Walyormourning Lake. A quick look around but nothing found.
6 named species found and others unable to be named. Not too bad a day. Here’s to tomorrow.
