Woke up to thick fog, so this delayed our departure as we waited for the campers to dry out before we packed them away. Once on our way we followed the Trip Notes from the “Explore the Holland Track and Cave Hill Woodlines” Explorer Series: Western Australia No.1 3rd Edition booklet and made our first stop at the side of the Katanning-Nyabing Road in Ewlyamartup. All 3 of us go exploring and we discover Cowslip orchids (Caladenia flava subsp. flava), Jug orchids (Pterostylis recurva), Western wheatbelt donkey orchid (Diuris brachyscapa) and Dark Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis sanguinea) all of which have been previously found this season.
Nice family group
Extended family group
Small family group
Twin header
Up to 900mm in height
Lateral sepals look like birds
Broad spreading lateral lobes to the labellum
Hanging, often reflexed, crossed lateral sepals
Rounded to elongated petals
Up to 10 flowers per orchid
Small insect like labellum
These all appear to have been fertilised
Further along the road we stop at an old church, St Peters Church in Badgebup which was built in 1922. Toilet break in Nyabing, before heading to a Holland Track landmark, referred to as Holland Dam just off Guelfi Road.
Badgebup
Heritage listed
We found the government water tank and a track into the scrub which lead to a cleared area, which may have been the remains of the so called dam. We quickly walked around and found further Jug orchids, Cowslip orchids, Dark banded greenhoods and Sugar orchids (Ericksonella saccharata).
Inverted hood becomes the jug
Twisted lateral seapls
Dark insect like labellum ready to strike
Lateral lobes on labellum curve up appearing to protect the column
Quick bite to eat before making tracks to the Holland Rocks Nature Reserve. Here we park up at the Water tank and search the south side of the road. First up I find more Dark banded greenhoods then excitedly the first wispy spider orchid is found. On the way over to see my orchid Deb also stumbles across some spider orchids. I believe these to be Chameleon spider orchids (Caladenia dimidia) which range from Paynes Find to Scaddan and flower August to October. The upswept to horizontal petals, incurved dorsal sepal and dark tail filaments lead me to this classification.
Dark brownish tail filaments
Nice clump
Incurved dorsal sepal
Petals backswept, elevated to horizontal
Form tight clumps
Size comparison to Deb’s fingers
Very close by we also find Sugar orchids, then further afield Deb finds lots of them and Donkey orchids. From our location the donkey orchids must be Yellow granite donkey orchid (Diuris hazeliae) which is a common inland orchid flowering August to September in a range from Paynes Find to Salmon Gums
Lateral sepals usually crossed
Size comparison to my index finger
2 to 3 basal leaves
Huge numbers
Broad dorsal sepal
On the way back to the Triton we find other specimens of the Chameleon spider orchid. There is even a solitary pink-red variation.
Dark tipped petals and sepals
Attention
The pink-red variation
Fairly slender petals and sepals
We keep following the Trip notes and make our way NE to Silver Wattle Hill Nature Reserve. We jump out and find the track leading to what we hoped was a spot where the original Holland Track had carved wheel ruts into the granite. No luck in finding the wheel ruts however we were lucky enough to find some orchids. On the walk we found Sugar orchids, Wispy spider orchids (unknown species) and a Cowslip orchid and Jug orchid.
Standing proud
Sorry not the best photo
Species unknown??
Close-up of calli
Solid red lines rather than dots or thin lines
So a bit disheartened that we did not find the old wheel ruts we also check south of the spot we had parked up. Lucky we did as I found a Blue beard (Pheladenia deformis) on the edge of the granite rock, a Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis) which flower August to early October in a range from Northampton to Jerramungup, growing in the Resurrection Plant. Deb found another Wispy spider orchid also growing in a Resurrection Plant. Unable to confidently name the species though.
Dense calli on labellum
Top down view
Upright purplish-blue labellum
Often drooping dorsal sepal
Red striped, smooth margined labellum
Side aspect
Drooping petals and lateral sepals
Species unknown
Species unknown
Leaving Silver Wattle Hill N.R. we again follow the Trip notes and make our way through Lake Biddy (abandoned townsite) into Dragon Rocks Nature Reserve from the south. We actually have to drive through a farmers property which felt a bit intrusive, but we then passed through a gate into the Nature Reserve. Less than 3km into the reserve we find the rock and set about setting up camp, lighting a fire, cooking dinner, having a few drinks, talking some BS and then hitting the sack. It has been a great day following the Trip Notes and finding at least 9 different orchid species, with a couple of unknown Wispy spiders thrown in.
Saying our goodbyes to Kirstie and Hamish we set off for a leisurely trip home to Esperance. Usually a 7 to 8 hr drive over 725km, we however take 15hrs, as we make numerous stops to hunt for orchids. Our first destination is Mount Dale in the Helena National Park. The wind is very chilly, however we brave this on our search for some orchid colour. We are not disappointed. First colour spotted is “yellow”. A Donkey orchid is found, but which one?? I’m making the call for the Winter donkey orchid (Diuris brumalis) which flower late June to August in a range from Jurien Bay to Collie. They prefer lateritic or granitic soils and up here in the hills that is the soil types encountered. Other specimens were found throughout our search of this area.
Short, erect, very broad dorsal sepal
Yet to fully open
Up to 15 flowers
Tri-lobed labellum
Broad, elongated petals
Hanging lateral sepals
Close to our first donkey the next colour found is “pink”. Little pink fairy orchid (Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans) is found growing in the shelter of a granite boulder. These little beauties flower July to early October in a range from Northampton to Esperance. Singles, pairs and groupings are found in our extended search.
Often clumping habit
Deb then finds the colour “green”. A small patch of snail orchids hidden in a bush so only one visible for a photo. Could not see the rosette however based on location, pointed hood with brownish tones and medium sized lateral sepals, I will be naming it as Slender snail orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘crinkled leaf”). These flower late June to September in a large range from Perth down to Albany. Another patch yet to fully flower was found and the rosettes appear to confirm my classification.
Often pointed hood
Pushing up through thick scrubbery
Crinkled leaf rossette
Another species of “mixed” colour is found by Deb. Once again hidden or protected near a granite boulder. It appears to be an Autumn leek orchid (Prasophyllum parvifolium) which has been fertilised.
Pinkish tones belies the species
Possible pollinator on one of the flowers
Next is a similarly “mixed” coloured orchid, which I found after pushing into the scrub for a few metres. Firstly I found a large patch of leaves and then with a slower look some orchids flowering were discovered. The genus of Cyrtostylis is known, but which species is it? By the smaller , duller flowers they must be the Midge orchid (Cyrtostylis huegelli) which is found from Kalbarri to east of Esperance during July and September.
Many leaves, only a few flowering so far
Forward facing labellum, sepals and petals.
Dull red, green, fawn flowers
Narrower labellum than the related Mosquito orchid
Well Mount Dale proved a good hunting ground with 5 species flowering, plus Jug and Bird orchids yet to flower found. Already 2.5 hrs (65kms) into our drive home, so we better move on, or we will break our 12 hr record for the drive home. Next stop planned is Williams Road (Mud Map SE6) however we detour into Westdale Road (Mud Map SE5) to see if we can find some of the species listed in the guide. First off we find the Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) which flowers August to October in a range from Geraldton and Israelite Bay.
One flower in 3 stages of bloom
Triple header
Deb is off exploring further whilst I slowly finish taking phone and camera pics of the Jug orchid. Only 2 mtrs away I find the Blood spider orchid (Caladenia filifera) and call Deb back to see. On the way back she also finds other specimens less than a metre off her original walk track. They are so hard to see until you find them , then they stick out more easily as we continue searching.
Clumping habit
Side profile
Glistening in the sun
Blood red in colour
Long pendulous petals and lateral sepals
Uniformly blood red flowers
Disbursed around the area are Common donkey orchids (Diuris corymbosa) which flower August to October in a range from Gingin to Bunbury and inland to near Brookton, our actual location funnily enough.
Up to eight flowers per plant
Often crossed lateral sepals
Broad erect dorsal sepal
Another new find for the season is the Blue beard (Phelandenia deformis) which flower late May to October in a range from Murchison River to Israelite Bay. Only 3 small flowers found but still it is a new one for this season.
Twins
Short spreading petals and sepals
Blue-bearded labellum
It is now 4 hrs since we left and we have only covered 90kms of the distance home. Better get a move on. 20kms later we arrive at Williams Road (Mud Map SE6) where we had planned to explore for at least an hour as Deb had quickly checked this out on Tuesday when she drove to Perth, when she found at least 4 species flowering. First up we locate some more Common donkey orchids before Deb calls me over to a patch of at least 3 species in close proximity.
Broad elongated petals
Short, labellum mid lobe
First up are Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata) and Hairy-stemmed snail orchids (Pterostylis sp. ‘inland’).
Up to 14 stem leaves and 25 flowers per plant
Standing guard
Then as previously found in this location, there are Shell orchids everywhere. Many are finished as they flower from May to August. Mud Map records both Red and Brown veined shell orchids here in July so we have missed the peak flowering period it seems. From the flowering plants I believe them to be Red-veined shell orchids (Pterostylis hamiltonii) as they are darker coloured and most have the labellum protruding from the hood formed by the dorsal sepal and petals. These flower in a range from Toodyay to the Stirling Range in woodlands and Rock Sheoak thickets.
Also located close-by are some Little pink fairy orchids. So 4 species all within a 3 square metres area. Great find Deb.
Leaf tinged purple on the underside
Squat petals and lateral sepals
Labellum – Gives the common name away
Clumping habit
Shell neighbours
Other species found during our search were Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea) and Jug orchid. Also found was a meeting of Banded greenhood and Shells plus a Banded greenhood with a huge inflorescence.
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Large inflorescence
It’s now after 1.15pm and we have only travelled 110km of the 725km trip. Back to the Triton and a huge patch of spent shells is found plus the very first Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) for the season. These flower from north of Geraldton to Israelite Bay during July to December.
Carpets of shell orchids
Such bright yellow
Onwards to Brookton where we grabbed a Parmi Wrap for lunch. (Parma for Farmer – raising funds for drought relief in NSW/QLD). Eating whilst driving to catch up some time our next planned stop is the Corrigin Wildflower Trail which goes around the airport and is part of the Corrigin Nature Reserve. Taking the road in from the Dog Cemetery our first find are some more Little pink fairies
Nothing else found so onwards we go at a slow pace, then I jump out to walk and find some Frog greenhoods (Pterostylis sargentii) which flower between July and October in a range from Northampton to Grasspatch. They are very small and growing underneath bushes, making photo taking a lay down on the job task. Further Frog greenhoods are found along the trail.
Cupped lateral sepals
Green to dark-brown, white banded flowers
Bright green colouring in the sunshine
Up to 6 flowers per plant
Glistening in the sunshine
Up to 10 stem leaves
Fleshy, tri-lobed, frog-like labellum
Further along the track whilst walking I spy some nice snail orchids. They are the Robust snail orchid (Pterostylis dilatata). Another grouping was found further along by Deb whilst driving slowly along.
Standing up to 150mm in height
Erect, clubbed lateral sepals
3 to 5 stem leaves
Nice group shot
A sole Jug orchid was also found just yawning like a Pelican and further along what appears to be Pterostylis arbuscular which is a Mallee form of banded greenhood. No common name yet.
Slowly opening – Pelican yawning!!
Not yet opened
Finally a donkey orchid was found. Based on location alone this must be the Western wheatbelt donkey orchid (Diuris brachyscapa) which flowers July to September between York, Tenterden and Ravensthorpe. Corrigin is slightly east of the line York to Ravensthorpe.
Pale yellow, brown marked flowers
Tri-lobed labellum
Up to four flowers per palnt
Short, broad dorsal sepal
Narrow, hanging, often reflexed, crossed lateral sepals
Nearly 4pm, or 8hrs into our trip home and we have only completed 220km of the 725km required. Best move on to our next planned stop, Macrocarpa Trail near Kulin. Just before 5pm Deb finds our first orchid of this trail. Appears to be Hairy-stemmed snail orchids.
Lateral sepals up to 35mm in length
Side n rear views
Smaller specimen
Sentry
Standing up to 150mm in height
Extremely variable species
Time for a chat
up to 3 stem leaves
Also found further Frog greenhoods, Robust snail orchids, Dark banded greenhoods and another possible Pterostlyis arbuscular.
Nice double header
Fleshy appearance
Variable coloured greenhood ..Possible common name
Then as the light is fading fast we venture into the bush and finally there they are.. Spider orchids in flower. We now rush to get as many photos as possible .. They are so small and with the fading light our photos are not the best but we need to record the find. From the location and size I believe we found the Common spider orchid (Caladenia vulgata) and the Pendant spider orchid (Caladenia pendens subsp. pendens) which both flower during August. The former July to October and the latter August to early October. The Common spider orchid ranges from Kalbarri to Esperance whilst the Pendant spider orchid ranges from Wongan Hills and Walpole. The Length of the petals and lateral sepals are a distinguishing feature.
Possible pollinators
Found in a variety of habitats
Tangle of petals and sepals
Creamy-white flower
Size comparison
Latin, vulgaris means common, ordinary
Standing 150 to 300mm high
creamy-white red striped labellum
Slightly less pendulous that the Common spider orchid
Relatively broad red-striped labellum
Size comparison
Long pendulous petals and lateral sepals
The sun finally sets on our orchid hunting so we make tracks via Lake Grace for Steak Burger / Fish n chips dinner. Then after 15hrs we arrive home at 11pm. Long day however very happy at finding 20 species of orchid.
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).
Elongated, slightly cupped lateral sepals
Erect, narrow-ended lateral sepals
Snail and greenhood meet
Variable height, 50 to 150mm
Watch out behind you!!
Side profile
Small hood of snails
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.
Single, erect, hairy leaf 90 – 120mm long. Small friend nearby
Side profile
Long lateral sepals on this one
4 or more rows of pale to deep red calli
Clubbed sepals
White, red-tipped labellum
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’
Beautifully formed snail orchid
Short, thickened lateral sepals
Rosette 10-15mm across, 2 stem leaves
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.
Forward facing petals and lateral sepals
Single tubular leaf
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.
