Quick check on how the sun orchids are progressing @ Helms Arboretum (Mud Map SE35) on the 22/09/2024.
Un-named hybrid sun orchid
Thelymitra antennifera x T. graminea
This was the orchid found back on the 20/09/2024. At that time the flowers had not fully opened.
Shy sun orchid
Thelymitra graminea
Many more in flower however will restrict my pics to this one.
It is the 20th September and I am participating in the Great Southern BioBlitz (GSB) this year.
The GSB runs from the 20th to 23rd of September.
The purpose of the GSB is to record as many observations in iNaturalist of any living thing or trace of such (i.e. feathers, footprints etc.).
Due to its proximity to Esperance and its unusually high diversity I will be checking out Helms Arboretum (Mud Map SE35).
I recorded all species I photographed on iNaturalist but will only record the orchids in this BLOG
Well, you never know what you will come across whilst out exploring for Western Australian terrestrial orchids.
When I initially stumbled across this one orchid, I did not realise its uniqueness.
From what I can tell this orchid has the mixed parentage of the Crimson spider orchid (Caladenia footeana) and Blue beard (Pheladenia deformis).
Both of these assumed parents were found in the surrounding bush.
This makes it an intergeneric hybrid, so is very rare.
Due to the rarity of such hybrids, I will keep the location confidential.
After what seems like forever, we finally get back to check out Helms Arboretum to see what is flowering in mid-September.
As expected, we are not disappointed with many different species found.
Listed in no particular order are the orchids found grouped together for recording purposes.
Purple enamel orchid
Elythranthera brunonis
Flower: Aug to early Nov
Cowslip orchid
Caladenia flava subsp. flava
Flower: Jul to early Dec
Little pink fairy
Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans
Flower: Jul to early Oct
Un-named hybrid orchid
Caladenia flava x C. reptans
Parents flower: July to early Oct / Dec
Lemon-scented sun orchid
Thelymitra antennifera
Flower: Jul to Oct
?? snail orchid
Pterostlyis sp.
Unsure of ID.. Possibly the un-named species assigned to Helms Arboretum
Bee orchid
Diuris laxiflora
Flower: Sept to early Nov
Common bee orchid
Diuris decrementa
Flower: Late Aug to early Nov
Red beaks
Pyrorchis nigricans
Flower: Aug to Oct
Un-named hybrid orchid
Thelymitra antennifera x T.graminea
T. antennifera flowers: Jul to Oct
Shy sun orchid
Thelymitra graminea
Flower: Sept to mid-Nov
Esperance king spider orchid
Caladenia decora
Flower: Mid-Aug to Oct
Heberle’s spider orchid
Caladenia heberleana
Flower: Sept to Oct
Un-named hybrid spider orchid
Caladenia decora x C. longicauda
I have decided name this hybrid the Esperance spider orchid due to both parents being names Esperance King and Esperance White respectively.
Flower: Aug to Oct
Rattle Beaks
Lyperanthus serratus
Flower: Sept to Nov
Zebra orchid
Caladenia cairnsiana
Flower: Aug to early-Nov
Esperance white spider orchid
Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa
Flower: Aug to early-Oct
?? spider orchid
Caladenia sp.
Appears to be further Caladenia longicauda. However, they do not have the usual white colouring or the red labellum of a C.decora hybrid.
Esperance white spider orchid
Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa
Hypochromic variant
Common mignonette orchid
Microtis media subsp. media
Flower: Sept to Jan
Well, it was an amazing day out in the Arboretum, with the finds including 3 different hybrids and a hypochromic variant.
Species from 8 different genera were located which confirms this location to be one of the premier spots in the SE Coastal area of WA.
Unfortunately, in the summer of 2024/25 an uncontrolled bush fire destroyed large areas of the arboretum and to this day (12/06/2026 it is closed to the public.
Fingers crossed it will be open before the 2026 season is finished.
15/09/2024
We check out of the York Hotel in Kalgoorlie, then say our goodbyes to Bob n Jan who are heading straight home to Esperance.
Deb and I on the other hand have more orchid hunting to achieve on our return home.
First point of call is Victoria Rock Nature Reserve at 10am on this beautiful Sunday morning. For the next 2hrs or so we wander around the rock and surrounding woodland. The flies are terrible, so we actually wear our head nets on this exploration. We are rewarded for our perseverance with some good orchids found.
In no particular order the following orchids were located and photographed:
Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile),
Dainty brown rufous greenhood (Pterostylis tryphera),
Desert mignonette orchid (Microtis eremicola),
Ant / Clown orchid (Caladenia roei),
Yellow granite donkey orchid (Diuris hazeliae),
Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera) and
Granite sun orchid (Thelymitra petrophila).
Numerous hybrid orchids were an exciting find.
Parents are the Lemon-scented sun orchid and the Granite sun orchid, both of which have been found at this location.
Onwards to our next location, we head south down Victoria Rock Road and turn left onto the Hyden-Norseman Road.
Upon reaching the Coolgardie-Esperance we make a right turn, then pass through Norseman.
Our next location, Bromus Dam is to the right of the highway some 30kms south of Norseman.
We head straight for the McPherson’s Rocks granite outcrop and start our exploration.
We are fortunate to find the following orchids in flower:
Cream spider orchid (Caladenia horistes),
Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile),
Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) and
Yellow granite donkey orchid (Diuris hazeliae).
We need to keep on moving closer to home, so we make tracks south along the highway as far as Circle Valley to check out the woodlands surrounding the salt lakes.
Here we find the Short-sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura) in good numbers with one lonely Midget greenhood (Pterostylis mutica) and a all but spent spider orchid (ID unknown).
Well, that is our final stop on the Pub Crawl road trip done and dusted.
Our trip with Bob n Jan started back on the 7th of September.
We stayed overnight in some interesting pubs:
Newdegate Hotel
Kukerin Community Hub
Cuballing Tavern
Hotel Beverley
Greenhills Inn
Koorda Hotel
Palace Hotel – Southern Cross
York Hotel – Kalgoorlie
A wonderful road trip enjoyed with good friends.
10/09/2024
After enjoying our pub breakfast with Jan and Bob, we go our separate ways and will catch up again at Hotel Beverley our next overnight stay.
Deb and I decide to have a walk around Cuballing to start the day and took some tourist snaps.
After a wonderful walk around town we drive east out of Cuballing to the Commodine Nature Reserve for our first orchid exploration of the day.
This proved a great location with many species found, starting with the good olde faithful Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava).
However, one particular specimen could be the Brookton Highway cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. ‘late red’) due to its size and colouring.
Thoughts?
The Blue china orchid (Cyanicula gemmata) was found all over the area checked.
The rest of the orchids found were not in such numbers but still a buzz to find:
Green spider / Fringed mantis orchid (Caladenia falcata),
Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata),
Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata),
Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea),
Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis setulosa),
Little pink fairy (Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans),
Small-flowered donkey orchid (Diuris porrifolia),
Little frog greenhood (Pterostylis occulta),
Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea),
Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva)
and
Un-named caladenia hybrid (Caladenia flava x reptans).
What a great location, with 12 or more species found, with 1 hybrid.
After nearly 2 hours we move back to the Great Southern Hwy, then. north to Yornaning, where we check out the dam walk trails before we have a picnic lunch.
A good number of orchid species are found as follows:
Common donkey orchid (Diuris corymbosa),
Green spider / Fringed mantis orchid,
Banded greenhood,
Cowslip orchid,
Blue china orchid,
Candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. hirta),
Jug orchid
and
Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera).
However, by far the most prolific orchids found belong to the Filamentosa complex of the Caladenia genus.
Identification of particular species within this complex always proves challenging and the finds at this location confirm this conclusion.
Possible species found are:
Chapman’s spider orchid (Caladenia chapmanii),
Joseph’s spider orchid (Caladenia polychroma),
Crimson spider orchid (Caladenia footeana),
Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia),
Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians)
and
Tenterden yellow spider orchid (Caladenia staminichila).
I have attempted to name all but one of my pics so feel free to comment on your thoughts.
Well, this was an amazing lunch spot, but all good things must come to an end, so onwards we move.
Northwards past Popanyinning and Pingelly we head then pull into Kulyaling Nature Reserve for a first-time exploration.
First up I check out the western side of the Avon River before walking over the bridge to join Debbie for an exploration of the eastern shore.
Other than some amazing orchid finds we also come across the abandoned cricket pitch as recorded in Maps.
Orchids found in no particular order, on either shore of the river are as follows:
Candy orchid,
Small-flowered donkey orchid,
Green spider / Fringed mantis orchid,
Crimson spider orchid,
Blue beard / Blue fairy orchid (Pheladenia deformis),
Cowslip orchid,
Sugar orchid
and
Blue china orchid.
Only 1 new species for the day, though we should not expect more given we are within 40kms NNW as the crow flies from our previous 2 locations.
We now head northwards past Brookton and then westwards to Dale where we checked out the historic Dale Community Hall and the Anglican church, St John in the Wilderness.
A quick search and we found more Green spider orchids and Small-flowered donkey orchids.
As it’s now past 4:30, we head toward Beverley where our hotel stay awaits. Driving along Westdale Road, we spot a sign for Dale River Reserve, so we turn onto Deep Pool Road to check it out, about 4 km in.
At first, not much is discovered, but with closer inspection, the following species are revealed:
Candy orchid,
Blue beard / Blue fairy orchid,
Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile),
Crimson spider orchid,
Green spider / Fringed mantis orchid,
and
Small-flowered donkey orchid.
Another new species for the day, which is great, but we need to head off as it is now after 5.30pm.
Well, we arrive at the Hotel Beverley before 6pm and are greeted by Jan and Bob. We check in then proceed to have a great pub meal before hitting the sack.
Around 23 species found today!!!!
08/09/2024
After enjoying our hotel breakfast, we leave Newdegate and head towards Dragon Rocks Nature Reserve.
Numerous stops are made along the track and then we explore the camping area which includes the flat granite rocks.
First orchid found was the Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata), then further along the track a possible Dwarf zebra orchid (Caladenia pachychila) is found. Open to correction on this one.
Other common orchids found along the way include the:
Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis),
Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta),
Western wheatbelt donkey orchid (Diuris brachyscapa)
Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea).
Along the track in we also come across our first standard looking spider orchids.
Again, like yesterday I feel they are all variations of the Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia).
Further common orchids were found at the flat granite outcrop area, including the Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava),
Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea)
and the Ant orchid (Caladenia roei).
Also found along the way was the Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) and 2 Pterostylis orchids from different complexes.
One is a spent orchid from the Vittata complex and the other is a budding orchid from the Rufa complex.
Naming these is not possible.
Now onwards to our next stop, which was an unplanned stop at the intersection of Kulin-Holt Rock Road, where we found a memorial of the Holland Track, so pulled in for a photo op.
Also took the opportunity to quickly explore the verge side vegetation for any orchids.
Actually, found some including the Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) and more Chameleon spider orchids.
Heading west along the Kulin-Holt Rock Road we come to our planned lunch stop, Buckley’s Breakaway, which is located in the Un-named Nature Reserve No. WA27485.
After a bite to eat we venture along the trail into the breakaways, which are an amazingly site. (Refer feature image)
Of course, our eyes are looking for orchids as we stroll along. We are not disappointed as we first come across the Sugar orchid, followed by the Frog greenhood (Pterostylis sargentii) and an unknown Banded greenhood (Pterostylis sp.).
I originally identified this as the Mallee banded greenhood (P. arbuscula) however it is listed as flowering in early winter so it may just be a short specimen of the Dark banded greenhood (P. sanguinea) which does flower into September and is also listed as occurring in this vicinity.
Please provide comments to assist with the ID.
On the return journey 2 more orchids are found.
The Brittle snail orchid (Pterostylis timothyi)
and more Western wheatbelt donkey orchids.
We move on towards Kukerin our planned overnight hotel stay.
However, we first make a planned orchid hunt and bush walk at a spot called The Jam Patch, which is located at the old North Lake Grace tennis club.
Orchids found that had been found earlier today include the:
Pink candy orchid,
Western wheatbelt spider orchid,
Little laughing leek orchid,
Chameleon spider orchid.
New orchids for the day include the:
Salt lake spider orchid (Caladenia exilis subsp. exilis)*
Cream spider orchid (Caladenia horistes)*
Yellow granite donkey orchid (Diuris hazeliae)*
Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis),
Possible hybrid, parents unknown (Caladenia x)*
Orchids marked with * may not be separate species,
possibly just C. dimidia, D. brachyscapa, or C. radialis
so please correct me in the comments section if so.
After checking into our hotel, The Kukerin Community Hub, Deb and I head out for an orchid hunt in the surrounding woodland.
It definitely paid off as we find numerous species including:
Ant orchid, EDIT – Actually found @ Jam Patch
Midget greenhood (Pterostylis mutica),
Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis setulosa),
Slender spider orchid (Caladenia pulchra)*
Chameleon spider orchid (2 colour variations),
Cowslip orchid,
Fringed mantis/Green spider orchid (Caladenia falcata),
Sugar orchid,
Little frog greenhood (Pterostylis occulta),
Vittata complex greenhood,
?? donkey orchid (Diuris sp.).
Orchid marked * may just be another colour variant of C. dimidia
Well day 2 has also proved very productive with around 24 species found.
We settle in for a great pub meal with a few bevies before hitting the sack.
07/09/2024
Today is the day that our Pub Crawl around the Southeast of WA commences.
We head off in the Triton around 8.45 am and venture over to Nulsen to pick up our travelling companions for the adventure, Bob and Jan.
First stop is at the Munglinup1 Roadhouse, where I take the time to have a very quick check for orchids.
8 species are found, which is quite unbelievable.
First up, the reliable Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) is found.
Next is a large white spider orchid, which, given its location, I will name the Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa).
Thirdly is one of the smaller spider orchids from the Filamentosa complex. It is most likely the Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians).
Next is the small Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana).
The 5th orchid found is the Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera).
A not fully opened Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) is found next.
The 7th orchid for the day is the Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea).
Final and 8th orchid for this location is the Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima).
We now move on to the lookout on Ethel Daw Drive in the Ravensthorpe shire. Only 2 species were found along the roadside.
First up is the Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta), followed by the Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata).
Moving back to Elverdton Road, we head west and pull into a new location I will name Ravensthorpe1.
Walking along this dirt track, we locate 4 species, 1 new for the day.
Found again were the Small mantis orchid, Sugar orchid and Western tiny blue orchid.
The new species for the day is the Common dragon orchid (Caladenia barbarossa).
Terrible pictures were taken, so I will include only 2.
Passing through Ravensthorpe, will pull into Kukernup Memorial to have lunch.
After having a bite to eat, we all venture out to explore the walk trail.
It was a great spot, as we found 9 orchid species in flower.
First up is the Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva),
Next, more Dancing spider orchids and Common dragon orchids are found.
Also found again were more Small mantis orchids, Lemon-scented sun orchids, Cowslip orchids and Purple enamel orchids.
Other new species found for the day are the Redbeak (Pyrorchis nigricans) and the Frog greenhood (Pterostylis sargentii).
We now backtrack to the road leading to Lake King and head north. Next stop is one of our all-time favourite places.
Pallarup Rocks picnic area provides loads of places to explore for orchids.
We are not disappointed with the species located.
First up are the Sugar orchid, Cowslip orchid, Jug orchid, Purple enamel orchid, and Lemon-scented sun orchid, which were all found earlier today at prior locations.
New species found start with the Ant orchid (Caladenia roei), quickly followed by the closely related Short-sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura) and Purple-veined spider orchid (Caladenia doutchiae).
The next new species found for the day was the Pink candy orchid(Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea) together with its hybrid – Tinged spider orchid(Caladenia x suffusa).
So, now to find the other possible parent of the hybrid. Due to the location, I believe the other parent to be the Pallarup white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. ‘Pallarup’). Luckily specimens are found.
Once up on the granite rock we come across some donkey orchids. I believe them to be the Yellow granite donkey orchid (Diuris hazeliae). I have posted images of 3 orchids as they may represent another species.
A smaller whiteish spider orchid is found in various shades, however I feel they are all the Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia).
Do you agree they are all one species?
Also found a nice bunch of what appears to be another orchid species, possibly the Central wheatbelt spider orchid (Caladenia sp. ‘central wheatbelt’) however is outside of the recorded location.
Thoughts?
Another frog greenhood is found however on closer inspection; it is actually a Little frog greenhood (Pterostylis occulta) due to the hairy narrow horn-like labellum structures.
2 pics posted to show this aspect as clearly as possible
Another new orchid for the day is the Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) which is found growing in shallow soil on the granite.
Other random hybrids are found during the search, and I will post them below for record keeping. Assigning parents is always difficult for hybrids especially between the Roei and Filamentosa complexes.
Well that is our final orchid stop for the day, so it is off to our first hotel stay. Night 1 is spent at the Newdegate Hotel.
Checked out the Silo Art before settling in for the night.
23 species found with a possible 4 hybrids, plus a possible new species but outside its usual range.
Amazing first day !!!!
04/09/2024
After a wonderful morning finding 15 species of orchids over numerous locations, we pull off the road to park up and enjoy lunch, from the boot of my small Toyota Corolla (Fili).
Neds Corner Rd is the border between the locations of Coomalbidgup and East Munglinup.
So, our lunch is in East Munglinup8, being West of the road however our explorations take us to the East side as well, which technically is in Coomalbidgup.
Not too confusing I trust. 🙂
After lunch we hit the surrounding area for another orchid hunt. Very close by we find our first orchids for the afternoon.
The Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana) is found growing between Lancelin and Esperance from August to early-November.
Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) are usually found flowering the season after a summer fire has burnt its habitat. This is the case with this location, and they are found in great numbers.
Occur between Shark Bay and Israelite Bay from August to October.
Another orchid previously found today is also located at both sides of the road. The Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima) is found between Jerramungup and Israelite Bay during the period August to early-October.
A newbie for the day was next on the list. The tiny Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) occurs between Shark Bay and Eyre during the period July to November.
An orchid which we always expect to find, but on occasions we are disappointed is the Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava). Today we are not disappointed. In fact, we find hundreds growing on the banks of the Young River in the unburnt vegetation, whilst earlier we found sporadic ones growing in the bushfire zone.
In a bushfire regrowth area green with weeds and white sandy soil we find a great patch of the Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora). These orchids range from Bremer Bay to Cape Arid from mis-August to October.
Another newbie and a surprise for the day is the Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea) which occurs between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay from late-June to September.
Intermixed with the Cowslips was another yellow-coloured orchid. The Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera) is found between Shark and Israelite Bays from July to October.
As would be expected orchids found earlier today will also be found at this location being only 10km or so north. So further specimens of the Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) are found as they occur between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay from August to early-November.
A single king type spider orchid is found which does not appear to be the Esperance king spider orchid.
Due to the lack of red colouring and the drooping petals I will name this the Heberle’s spider orchid (Caladenia heberleana). These orchids are listed as occurring between Augusta and Cape Arid during September and October.
I have posted this ID on iNaturalist and will await other opinions.
Another solitary specimen is found, this time of the Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia) which is found between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay from August to early-December.
Upon crossing the road, the first orchid found appears to be a hybrid. The parentage was hard to decipher until we found one of the parents close by.
I have decided the parents are Caladenia attingens x barbarossa.
Posted on iNaturalist for thoughts from others.
Just past the hybrid orchid we come across one of the parents. The Common dragon orchid (Caladenia barbarossa) is found scattered at the top of the ridge above the river flat.
These orchids are found between Bindoon and Esperance from September to mid-November.
Another orchid found as two separate specimens was the Beautiful donkey orchid (Diuris pulchella) which is listed as growing between Salmon Gums and Israelite Bay from July to September. The specimens were north and south of the river.
Our location is some 50km southwest of Salmon Gums but the species is recorded at this location in the Atlas of Living Australia.
As I was taking photos of orchids found Debbie is exploring further afield and she yells out excitedly.
She has come across a vast warren of the Rabbit orchid (Leptoceras menziesii) which has flowered due to the previous summer bushfire that scorched this area.
These orchids are found growing between Northampton and Israelite Bay from September to early-November.
Close by we also found the Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa) which occurs between Bremer and Israelite Bays from August to early-October.
Some may be the related Rigid white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. rigidula) which occurs between Ravensthorpe and Israelite Bay during a similar flowering season.
The differences between the 2 species are the size of the flower and the rigidness or pendulousness of the petals and sepals.
Let me know your thoughts.
Crossing back over the river we come across more spider orchids that appear to be further Esperance king spider orchids.
However the better find was some other species of Donkey orchid. Due to the location and date found, I will be naming these the Green Range donkey orchid (Diuris littoralis) which is recorded as occurring between Denmark and Esperance from July to early-September.
Finally made it back to Fili at around 2pm and move onto another location.
16 species found at this location.
Part III to follow… Stay tuned