29/07/2023 ….. A week spent wandering – Part 8

Nature Reserves, Pallinup NR, Western Australian Orchids

All to soon our week away comes to an end. We leave Albany and head northeast along National Highway No. 1 to Wellstead where we make a quick stop at the TransWA bus bay. No orchids found flowering however we did find some Redbeak leaves and the beautiful Silver princess (Eucalyptus caesia) in flower. From here we continue along until we reach a pull over spot in the Pallinup Nature Reserve.

Driving into the parking bay we spy some donkey orchids in flower. A promising start however it did prove to be not so. The Green Range donkey orchid (Diuris littoralis) is the likely species of donkey orchid as they flower from July to early September over a range from Denmark to Esperance in a coastal and near coastal locations. Other than these in flower there are a couple of Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata) in flower and some Jug orchids (Pterostylis recurva) close to flowering. Nothing else found, which is disappointing.

Moving on we head toward Jerramungup, where we plan to check out the recently burnt area again to see what is now in flower. First up though we check out a location shared to us by a friend who used to live in the area. Down Carlawillup Road we go, until we reach the gully. Here we pull over and have a quick scout around. Only Banded greenhoods and other nearly in flower jug orchids were found. Will need to check this location out further into the orchid season to see what is flowering then.

Back to the burnt area near Jerry and again we are a bit disappointed as we find loads of donkey orchids and a few Banded greenhoods. The only other interesting find were some Redbeaks from last season with their charcoal black dried flowers. The Latin “pyr” (fire), “orchis” (pertaining to Orchidaceae) & “niger” (black) show how this scientific name Pyrorchis nigricans was chosen. They flower after fire and the dried flower is black in colour.
The other issue is naming the donkey orchids as they do appear to differ in their appearance. So some may be the Green Range donkey orchid as noted being found earlier today, whilst others could be the South Coast donkey orchid (Diuris brockmanii). The latter orchid flowers between Ongerup and Esperance from June to early August, so they could co-occur.

We now make tracks for Newdegate, where we plan to stay in the local hotel for the night. A rustic hotel which was busy with the locals, so our wonderful meal was eaten in the company of many. Only one more day of travel before we reach home, so we try and get a good night’s sleep, however the heater kept cutting out so needed to be reset many times.

28/07/2024 ….. A week spent wandering – Part 7

Gull Rock NP, Mount Martin Botanical Reserve, National Parks, Numerous days, Other Reserves, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

Today we go on our planned quest to find the elusive Queen of Sheba orchid which has been recorded from Gull Rock National Park by many people in the Western Australian Native Orchids Facebook group. We may be too early however as the one around Albany is recorded as flowering from August, so fingers crossed.
First off, we head down Ledge Beach Rd and check out the beach. From here we walk around the parking area, and it is here we find our first orchids for the day.
Just for a change, NOT, our first orchid found is the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata).

Then some other Pterostylis orchids are found. These small snail orchids could be the Coastal short-eared snail orchid (Pterostylis actites) given the short backswept lateral sepals. They are recorded as occurring from Capel to Duke of Orleans Bay and flower from July to September. The rosette has 4 to 7 leaves, and they stand up to 100mm in height.

Another exciting find here was a further patch of the Common helmet orchid (Corysanthes recurva) hiding under an overhanging shrub. Harder to get a clear shot but tried my best. These orchids are found between Mandurah and Albany and flower from June to September.

We now decide to head off on the Mount Martin walk trail which starts from the Ledge beach carpark which is in the National Park however the majority of the walk trail is in the Mount Martin Botanical Reserve. We do not do the entire trail, so I have attached a snip showing approximately where we walked. Arrows show direction and X marks turnaround spots. First orchids found on the walk were further Banded greenhoods together with Slipper orchid leaves and a Redbeak leaf.

Then we nearly step on those things we have come to find. We find very small spiral leaved orchids in bud. A few patches found however none were in flower. Oh well they may be the Queens or possibly just some Curly Locks. We now know to come early August for a better chance of finding them in bloom. Pics taken as proof of the find.

Orchids may be few and far between however the coastal views and other wildflowers make up for it.

We are heading down toward Coal Basket Bay when at a patch of granite, we find some Autumn Leek orchids (Prasophyllum parvifolium) in flower. These orchids flower over the winter months, so the common name seems a bit off.

It is here we turn around as the track is getting rather steep and as orchids are so rare we decide we need to get back to check out other areas of the National Park. At another granite location possibly called Mount Eileen Lookout we find more Banded greenhoods and a nice patch of spent Mosquito orchids.

At the next little patch of granite crossed we are excited to find the Pink bunny orchid (Eriochilus scaber subsp. scaber) flowering. These small orchids are found during the months of July to September and are usually found the season after a summer bushfire. Without a summer fire they are flowering much more rarely.

Upon arriving back at the carpark, we make tracks for Ledge Point Road and checked out Gull Rock Beach carpark. Seemed more peppermint trees around with no picnic table so we again had a tailgate lunch. A quick check whilst eating turned up some snail orchids. These ones however have long thin lateral sepals so are a different species to those found earlier today. Possible ID – Brittle snail orchid (Pterostylis timothyi) or Slender snail orchid (Pterostylis crispula). Both have long lateral sepals, flared petals and flower from July. P.timothyi though is not recorded as being found in the Albany shire, however it is the shorter of the two and has fewer cauline leaves, so I am confused. Any help in the ID would be appreciated.

Now to check out some other spots in the National Park. We pull over at a gate off of Gull Rock Road and go for a hike up the track. The track goes through some differing habitats but unfortunately, we only find a few Banded greenhoods flowering.

Further along the road we get excited to actually find a common orchid but one we had not seen so far today. The Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) is recorded as flowering from August, so we were lucky to find an early twin. Another single specimen was found together with another beautiful Scarlet banksia surrounded by blue flowers.

It was at this sole Jug orchid where we took a very overgrown track into the bush as it provided a much easier pathway off the road. We arrived at a sort of clearing with quite large boulders and pushed up mounds of dirt. It is around this disturbance that we find a few Autumn leek orchids in flower.

Well, that is the last of our orchid finds for today! Back in Albany we have the hard task of where to go for dinner. We decide to try out Little Italy in York Street and enjoy some beautiful pasta.

24/07/2023 ….. A week spent wandering – Part 3

Lane Pool Reserve, Numerous days, Other Reserves, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

After breakfast with Richard at his house sit on Rockingham beach we make tracks for Dwellingup via lunch in Mandurah with sister Maxine. We detour along Scarp road for a quick explore as we will catch up with brother Geoff after he finishes work. We touch the boundary of Lane Pool Reserve, so unsure if our locations are in the reserve or not but will record them as so.

Orchids are found which is exciting. First up is the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) which is a green and white striped orchid which is found between Perth and Israelite Bay. They range in height from 100 to 450mm and can have between 1 and 25 flowers per plant. In fact, one of the orchids found measured over 530mm in height. Pic with tape measure taken as proof.

Also discovered were some Slender snail orchids (Pterostylis crispula) which are found between Perth and Albany growing in sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands. They flower from July through to early October and can grow to 250mm in height. The petals and dorsal sepal are joined and form a hood with the dorsal sepal forming a short point.

The Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) was also found; however, it was not fully open as yet, which fits with the recorded flowering period being August to October. We then continued on to Dwellingup, however Geoff was still at work so whilst Deb had a relax, I went for a quick walk into the surrounding bush and came across the rosettes of some Bird orchids (Pterostylis sp.) which are also listed as flowering from July/August so just a tad early it seems. Pics taken of both for recording purposes.

Geoff arrives home and takes us for a drive out to the river to show us the Dwaarlindjirraap Bridge over the river constructed for bicycles and pedestrians only. It was an amazing site and a great way to end the day before having a wonderful night at Geoff and Robyn’s place.

07/10/2022 ….. Pootenup Nature Reserve

Nature Reserves, Numerous days, Pootenup NR, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

Meeting up with Debbie in Cranbrook this morning. I drove down from Katanning, and she drove up from King River. So, the plan is to take a winding route back to Esperance over the next the next 3 days, with regular stops to search for orchids. After grabbing a cuppa from the Cranbrook store, we head up the Great Southern Highway, but only get as far as Pootenup Nature Reserve, where we pull over for our first exploration. This is a new location, so we are hopeful of finding some orchids.

First up some large Green spider orchids (Caladenia falcata), also called the Fringed mantis orchid, are found with many twins flowering. They can have up to 3 flowers per orchid, so twins are nice to find. They are a common orchid, flowering between Wongan Hills and Jerramungup, from late August to October.

We thought we found a lot of Green spider orchids, but the number of White spider orchids was unbelievable. From the location I feel the large white spider orchids to be the Stark white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens), which flowers between Moora and Esperance, during August to early October.

However, some of the white spider orchids are smaller with thinner labellum and shorter fringe segments. After checking the references these ones may be the Tangled white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. redacta) which occurs between Collie, Mount Barker and York, growing in sandy-clay soils and seasonally moist flats in forests and woodlands. I will post some pics for you to decide if I am correct in the identification. If not, please let me know.

Other orchids are also found interspersed between all the large green and white spider orchids. A lone Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) with 5 flowers in various stages of bloom is one of these. From the reference books having five flowers is somewhat rare, so this is an exciting find, for such a common orchid. Another common orchid found, though not too common at this location, is the Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementum), which is often found growing in clumps and occurs from north of Perth to east of Esperance.

Another common yellow coloured orchid is found but again not common in this location. The Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) differs wildly in its markings, as shown by the two specimens found. One has red lines and dots whilst the other is mostly dots. Where the various subspecies overlap these variations cause confusion in making a positive ID.

A hybrid orchid is found which should not have come as a surprise as the probable parents are both found in large numbers. That said, finding a hybrid is always exciting. The named hybrid, Wheatbelt spider orchid (Caladenia x cala) is a cross between the Green spider orchid (C. falcata) and a white spider orchid (C. longicauda).

Another surprise is finding the Pink enamel orchid (Elythranthera emarginata) which is found between Jurien Bay and Ravensthorpe, from October to December. This is a beautiful, bright orchid that grows in sandy, sandy-clay and clay soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Hiding behind the spectacular foursome of Pink enamel orchids you can see some small white orchids. These little beauties are the White fairy orchid (Caladenia marginata), which are found between Jurien and Israelite Bays over the spring months.

Now for the difficult part, trying to ID the smaller spider orchids. The location leads me to believe that the majority of them are the Joseph’s spider orchid (Caladenia polychroma), which is a variably coloured orchid found growing between Boyup Brook and Fitzgerald River National Park during the months of September and October. Listed as growing in woodlands with grassy to herb-rich ground cover, on seasonally damp clay-loam soils.

However, some of the red spider orchids could be the Crimson spider orchid (Caladenia footeana) which is listed as growing between Cranbrook and Binnu, from July through to October.

I struggle with identifying some orchids so I will post the pictures with the expectation that someone will advise me what species they believe them to be. Thank you in advance.

Orchid 1
Orchid 1
Orchid 1
Orchid 1
Orchid 2
Orchid 2
Orchid 3
Orchid 3
Orchid 3

Well, this was an amazing first location for the day. Possibly 10 species and 1 hybrid. Let’s see what the rest of the day produces.

11/09/2022 ….. Sunny Sunday

Sunday Drive, Western Australian Orchids

What better way to spend a beautiful sunny spring September day that to go exploring for orchids. A decision needs to be made on which direction: North, East, West or maybe a combination.

East wins the day, so off we head directly to Condingup townsite, as we wanted to see if the Drakaea leaves had produced orchids. We were in luck, as the King-in-his-carriage (Drakaea glyptodon) was in flower. These interesting looking orchids are found flowering from Eneabba to Esperance during the months of Aug, Sept and Oct. Condingup is in the Shire of Esperance and approx 70kms east of the Esperance townsite.

More orchids from different genera are found in this location as well. Caladenia is represented by 3 different species. Firstly, the Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa) is found. As the name suggests this orchid ranges from Bremer Bay to Israelite Bay, so includes a vast area of the Esperance shire. Then the equally large Heberle’s spider orchid (Caladenia heberleana) which ranges between Augusta and Cape Arid, is found scattered around. A single specimen of the Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila) with a wonky labellum is the last species found. These smaller spider orchids are found over a much wider range, from Kondinin and Madura.

Next, we found various orchids, each representing their genus. First up the Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) which ranges from Kalbarri and Israelite Bay. Then the Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) which ranges from Shark Bay to Israelite Bay and finally the Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementa) which ranges from Perth to east of Esperance.

Next location checked is one our spots along Parmango Road, a few clicks east of Condingup. Parking up the Triton, we go for a quick look and find some Common bee orchids and a few Heberle’s spider orchid, which were both located back in Condingup previously.

Not a hugely fruitful location, so we move up a few hundred metres to another favoured location and immediately encounter many more orchids. First up are more Common bee orchids, in good numbers here and further along the track.

Luckily some new species for the day are encountered as well. First up is the Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) which is a widespread orchid, being found from Geraldton to Israelite Bay. Then the much smaller Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana) is found, with these orchids being found between Lancelin and Esperance. Another new species for the day is the ever popular and spectacular Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) which is one of the most, if not the most widespread orchid in WA. Including the 4 subspecies, it is found south of the line Shark Bay to Israelite Bay. Then a very local new species is found, the Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora). These orchids are found between Bremer Bay and Cape Arid.

Other new species for the day include the Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea) and the Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera) which both range from north of Geraldton to Israelite Bay. Then some others found previously today are found again, including Red beaks, the Purple enamel orchid and the Western wispy spider orchid.

This was a much better location, with 10 species found, however we need to keep moving. So off to a new location, along Fisheries Road in Howick. We drive slowly down the track and occasionally spy an orchid, at which time we have a scout around for more orchids, before moving on again. This location proves rather fruitful with 8 species found, including 2 new ones for the day. First up I will mention new species found; Beautiful donkey orchid (Diuris pulchella) which is an easterly occurring orchid, found between Salmon Gums, Esperance and Balladonia. The smaller Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta) is also found over a larger easterly range, Dumbleyung to Mt Ragged.

The other orchids found at this location were the Cowslip orchid, Western wispy spider orchid, Esperance king spider orchid, Lemon-scented sun orchid, Jug orchid and Esperance white spider orchid.

Now our final location for the day, is one of our favourite spots. The area around Boyatup Hill never disappoints. I will start with the new species for the day, then confirm the findings of those previously found earlier today, as also being located this far east of Esperance.

The Custard orchid (Theymitra villosa) is a nice yellow coloured sun orchid which is found flowering between Northampton and Israelite Bay. Then we have the equally brightly coloured Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea) which flowers slightly further north in Kalbarri then south to Israelite Bay.

Another 2 new species for the day include the Rabbit orchid (Leptoceras menziesii) which is another orchid that ranges from Israelite Bay, but only to Geraldton this time and the Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians) which is listed between Kalbarri and Esperance. The maps do show occurrences east of Esperance; however, I have posted images on iNaturalist asking fellow Citizen Scientists to assist me in identification.

Now to list the orchids previously found at earlier locations, that were also found around Boyatup hill. Purple enamel orchid, Lemon-scented sun orchid, Esperance king spider orchid, Heberle’s spider orchid, Cowslip orchid, Dancing spider orchid, Beautiful donkey orchid, Common bee orchid and a lone fertilised Jug orchid. EDIT: Fellow citizen scientists from my iNaturalist post have advised the Bee orchid (Diuris laxiflora) is the correct ID, so it is not the Common bee, which makes this another species found for the day.

Now you can see why this location is a favourite of ours. With at least 13 species found with a white variant of the Pink candy orchid being a special find. Well, it has been a long day, and we have an hour or so drive home. Time to reflect on the 17 EDIT: 18 species found today, making east of Esperance a special spot for orchids.

27/08/2022 ….. Out East – Part 5 – Condingup

Day Trip, Western Australian Orchids

We now move into Condingup townsite and check out the land between Fisheries Road and Parish Street.

Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians)

Distribution: Kalbarri to Esperance

Plant Height: 150-300mm

Southern curly-locks (Thelymitra uliginosa)

Distribution: Busselton to Esperance

Plant Height: 100-300mm

Reclining spider orchid (Caladenia cruscula)

Distribution: Salmon Gums to Mt Ragged

Plant Height: 180-250mm

Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementa)

Distribution: Wongan Hills to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 80-300mm

Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva)

Distribution: Geraldton to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 300-900mm

Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea)

Distribution: Kalbarri to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 100-400mm

No more flowering orchids found however had to record the following finds:

A fertilised Autumn leek orchid (Prasophyllum parvifolium)

The leaf of the Rattle Beaks (Lyperanthus serratus)

A budding King-in-his-carriage (Drakea glyptodon), plus leaf.

Autumn leek orchid (Prasophyllum parvifolium)

Condingup proved a great site, however time moves on and so must we. Off to our next stop, Coolinup Road

27/08/2022 ….. Out East – Part 6 – Coolinup Road

Day Trip, Western Australian Orchids

Condingup proved a great site, however time moves on and so must we. Off to our next stop, Coolinup Road

Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)

Distribution: Bremer Bay to Cape Arid

Plant Height: 250-500mm

Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva)

Distribution: Geraldton to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 300-900mm

Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila)

Distribution: Kondinin to Madura

Plant Height: 90-250mm

Bee orchid (Diuris laxiflora)

Distribution: Gingin to Esperance

Plant Height: 300-800mm

Well, that was a fruitful day trip out East of Esperance. Over 6 locations we found 20 species and 1 hybrid.

27/08/2022 ….. Out East – Part 2 – Beaumont Nature Reserve

Beaumont NR, Day Trip, Nature Reserves, Western Australian Orchids

It is now past 11am, so we move on to our next location, Beaumont Nature Reserve. We find orchids already found today plus some new species and one hybrid, which is exciting.

Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila)

Distribution: Kondinin to Madura

Plant Height: 150-300mm

South coast donkey orchid (Diuris brockmanii)

Distribution: Ongerup to Esperance

Plant Height: 150-300mm

Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata)

Distribution: Paynes Find to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 50-150mm

Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementa)

Distribution: Wongan Hills to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 80-300mm

Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana)

Distribution: Lancelin to Esperance

Plant Height: 150-400mm

Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)

Distribution: Northampton to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 80-200mm

Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia)

Distibution: Kalbarri to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 120-450mm

Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa)

Distribution: Bremer Bay to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 200-500mm

Rigid white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. rigidula)

Distribution: Salmon Gums to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 250-400mm

Beautiful donkey orchid (Diuris pulchella)

Distribution: Salmon Gums to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 200-500mm

Video link

Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile)

Distribution: Shark Bay to Eyre

Plant Height: 60-250mm

Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians)

Distribution: Kalbarri to Esperance

Plant Height: 150-300mm

Spectacular spider orchid (Caladenia x spectabilis)

Distribution: Kalbarri to Esperance

Plant Height: 100-350mm

Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva)

Distribution: Geraldton to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 300-900mm

?? snail orchid (Pterostylis sp)

We make our way back to the Triton and have ourselves some lunch. It was whilst eating lunch we spied the nice Jug orchids flowering, which was great as prior to this we had only found a Jug orchid that had been someone else’s lunch 🙂

From here we head back to Fisheries Road and check out a spot I had checked earlier in the year. Not much found but you never know until you check.

27/08/2022 ….. Out East – Part 1 – Parmango Road

Day Trip, Western Australian Orchids

One week back at work after our 2022 road trip to Mt Augustus, we need to check out our local orchid haunts. So where to? Let us travel east of Esperance and see what is still flowering in late August.

First up we drive as far east as we will go today and call into our favourite spot along Parmango Road. After parking up, we waste no time as orchids are already spotted.

Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementa)

Distribution: Wongan Hills to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 80-300mm