Orchid Hunting Adventures, Beverley to Greenhills : Pub Crawl Day 5

List of Orchids Found, National Parks, Nature Reserves, Numerous days, Road Trip, Wallaby Hills NR, Wandoo NP, Western Australian Orchids

11/09/2024

Given our next planned pub stay is only 22kms as the crow flies to the NNE we decide to firstly explore Beverley on foot with Jan and Bob.
We check out the old buildings, numerous murals and artworks as well as the Railway Station precinct.

Leaving Beverley around 9am, we headed northwest to Wandoo National Park to visit Mount Observation.
We started by exploring the picnic areas and car park, then wandered along the roadside.
Overall, we were lucky enough to spot the following species:
Blue beard / Blue fairy orchid (Pheladenia deformis),
Green spider / Fringed mantis orchid (Caladenia falcata),
Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva),
Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea),
Candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp hirta),
Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava),
Silky blue orchid (Cyanicula sericea),
Bird orchid (Pterostylis barbata),
Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera),
Big clubbed spider orchid (Caladenia magniclavata) and
Clubbed spider orchid (Caladenia longiclavata).

We are currently as far west as out travels will take us.
Heading back east we call into York for a look and take the opportunity for a bakery lunch.
Moving further east along Goldfields Road we pull over for a photo opp. It is here we part ways with Jan and Bob and will catch up at Greenhills our next overnight stop.
Deb and I continue along the road until we stop at the Wallaby Hills Nature Reserve.
Here we go exploring and stumble across the following orchids:
Cowslip orchid,
Blue china orchid (Cyanicula gemmata),
Jug orchid,
Green spider / Fringed mantis orchid,
Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis),
Western wheatbelt donkey orchid (Diuris brachyscapa),
and finally
a spent Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata).

We leave Wallaby Hills N.R. as we need to start our way back toward Greenhills.
We pull into Doodenanning and check out the sports ground, hall and community sheep dip before moving onto the cemetery. (Doodenanning ¹)
Whilst looking around we uncover the following orchids:
Western wheatbelt donkey orchid,
Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis) and possibly a hybrid?
Tangled white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. redacta),
Candy orchid and
Stark white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens).

Leaving Doodenanning we travel west along the same named road until pulling over to check out a roadside verge. (Greenhills ¹)
As it is now 4.30pm we have a quick wander around and still find the following orchids:
Yellow spider orchid (Caladenia denticulata subsp. denticulata),
Crimson spider orchid (Caladenia footeana) or could it be
Clumped / Strawberry spider orchid (Caladenia denticualta subsp. rubella) due to the less prominent stripes on labellum. Thoughts?
Pouched leek orchid (Prasophyllum cyphochilum) and
unsurprisingly the Western wheatbelt donkey orchid.

It is now past 4.30pm so we make the quick drive to Greenhills where we check into our amazingly restored hotel, the Greenhills Inn.
We found out it had been sold and the new owners are not renewing the liquor licence so it will no longer be a hotel and will be converted to an Artist Retreat.
So glad we got to experience it before it becomes an exclusive place.

21 species found with 1 possible hybrid.

Late Start to Orchid Hunting: What We Found

Day Trip, Nature Reserves, Speddingup East NR, Western Australian Orchids

29/05/2025

Well, we are a bit late in our first orchid exploration this year, as it has been a hectic couple of months. Usually, we head out in late March or early April.
As our usual suspects are found north of Esperance, we head out on Dempster Road for a look.
We will mix it up, though, by visiting new locations, so our Scaddan ¹ location is our first stop.

As with most early-season searches, the results are pretty average.
The first orchids found were specimens of the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata), which is found growing between Perth and Israelite Bay from late-April to early September.

The only other orchid found here was the Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis), which is found between Corrigin and Eucla in WA, as well as in South Australia and Victoria.
It is one of the first orchids of the season in WA, as it flowers from March through to May.

Moved onto another nearby location, Scaddan ²; however, this proved even less successful.
The sole find here was the Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata), which is found between Shark and Israelite Bays from March to June.

We leave Dempster Road and head west along Scaddan Road, where we make another impromptu stop. Scaddan ³.
A rather overgrown sand track that required me to remove fallen branches or hold back overhanging shrubs to try our best not to scratch up the Mighty Triton too much.
OMG, this was nearly a waste of time. Only found another Banded greenhood and a very spent Pygmy orchid.
Pics for recording purposes.

Moving on to our last location of the day, which is located in the Speddingup East Nature Reserve.
Here we spend around 1 hour looking around with not much luck.
This time, only further Banded greenhoods and Hare orchids were found.
Again, pics taken for recording purposes.

Driving back along the Coolgardie-Esperance Hwy, we make a quick check of our Gibson ¹⁵ location.
Here we find our Robust snail orchids, but they are only starting to sprout, so we will need to revisit if we are to catch them flowering.
Oh well, it was not such a great day out, but we did get to enjoy the fresh air and clocked up some steps, which is always good for us.
Until next time!!

Slim Pickings on a Sunny Day: Orchid Hunting Adventures

Mount Burdett NR, Nature Reserves, Sunday Drive, Western Australian Orchids

19/05/2024

It’s past midway of May so we anticipate some other orchids are starting to show themselves. So, northeast of Esperance we head with our first stop being one of our usual haunts in Neridup¹.

The only orchid found during a quick sweep of the location was the Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata).

They are a very distinctive orchid with thin upright petals that appear to be ears and a prominently fringed labellum.

Flowering: March – June
Distribution: Shark Bay to Israelite Bay

Moving on towards our planned destination we pull into a track on a whim and have a quick look around.² Not much found here either.

First up we find the Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis), however they are finished for the season. Pics taken for recording purposes only.

Flowering: March – May
Distribution: Corrigin to Eucla

Then we come across the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) which is the most common of the greenhood orchids.

Flowering: April – September
Distribution: Perth to Israelite Bay

Then a small greenhood orchid is found that is just sprouting its first flower. From the colouring and size, I believe it will be the Mallee banded greenhood (Pterostylis arbuscula).

Flowering: June – July
Distribution: Dalwallinu to Eyre Bird Observatory

Next, we move onto our planned destination, Mount Burdett, which is also located in the Mt Burdett Nature Reserve. We enjoy a late bite to eat for lunch before starting our search.

On the granite rock we locate some bunny orchids growing. By referring to the latest book by Andrew Brown I ID them as the Eastern granite bunny orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus subsp. “eastern granites”).

Flowering: April and May
Distribution: Esperance to Balladonia

Then around the back of the rock I discover the sole Hare orchid growing. Last year there were more but not today 🙁

Well not such a productive day, however it is always wonderful to get out on a beautiful sunny winters day.

Early Season Orchid Hunting Around Esperance

Nature Reserves, Red Lake Townsite NR, Sunday Drive, Western Australian Orchids

14/04/2024

Home alone for the weekend, so of course I head out looking for some early season orchids. Heading north out of Esperance I first pull into one of our regular haunts.
To my dismay, it appears the track we used to check along is in fact a fire break. It had been re-cleared, though unfortunately a little wider this time. Thus, it cleared away the vegetation where we had previously found orchids.
I decided to expand my search in the location. I included the other side of a Salt Lake. I was excited to find some orchids over the entire search area.

The first orchid found was of the Eriochilus genus.
Due to the wavy edged leaf, I believe they are the Blunt-leaved bunny orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus subsp. brevifolius).

These orchids are listed as being found between the Murchison River and Toolinna Cove.

Flowering during the months of April, May and June.

Two specimens of the Leafless orchid (Praecoxanthus aphyllus) were found in the newly explored area past the Salt Lake.

The orchids are listed as occurring between Perth and Condingup.

Flowering during the months of March, April and May.

The common name is actually incorrect. The flowering orchids do have a leaf. However, it is minuscule (Minute bract only) when compared to the non-flowering leaf. Plus, it occurs at the very base of the flowering stem.

A farmer on a quad bike with his two dogs approached me. It appears I have been looking for orchids on his property. After discovering I was not a lost tourist, he was quite happy for me to stay.

I however decide to head back, taking one last hunt for any orchids in the old location.

Woohoo, I find one lone Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata) growing in the shrubs alongside the newly cleared fire break.

These orchids are listed as being found between Shark Bay and Israelite Bay.

Flowering during the months of March, April, May and June.

I decide to head further north to the Red Lake Townsite Nature Reserve. This is a known location for the 4th early season orchid I am chasing today.

As luck would have it after walking along the track for quite a while, I finally find the Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis).

The orchids are listed as occurring between Corrigin and Eucla.

Flowering during the months of March, April and May.

I finish the day a happy Chappy as I managed to find 4 of the early season orchids flowering.
Each species was from a different genus:
Eriochilus,
Praecoxanthus,
Leporella,
Corunastylis.

06/08/2023 ….. Discovering a Diverse Array of Orchids in East Esperance: A Photographic Journey

Condingup Water Reserve, Other Reserves, Sunday Drive, Western Australian Orchids

After one week back at work we need to get out exploring, so as it’s Sunday we head East to Condingup to see if our Curly locks are flowering. At our townsite location we head to the location I had recorded in my Australian Geology Travel Maps app and we locate one in flower.
The Southern curly-locks (Thelymitra uliginosa) is known to occur from Busselton to Esperance, flowering during August and September. It is distinguished by its spiral leaf and the more purple-coloured flowers, rather than the pinkish colour of the other curly locks species.

Further afield we stumble across the Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea) which is a distinctive spider orchid having forward projecting lateral sepals and a very broad labellum with long fringe segments. They flower between Israelite Bay and Kalbarri during late Autumn to mid Spring.

Another spider orchid found in greater numbers was the Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians) which as the name suggests has a large range from Kalbarri to East of Esperance, similar the C. discoidea mentioned previously. It flowers over a slightly longer season, July to mid-October and as its Latin name suggests is variable in appearance over its extended range.

There was a single spider orchid that has had the tips nibbled off its sepals and petals, so I initially was leaving it out of this post, however after posting it on iNaturalist it appears it is the Cream spider orchid (Caladenia horistes) which occurs between the Fitzgerald River N.P and Balladonia, flowering from August to early-October.

Other orchids found were either at the end of their season or just starting. Those ending were the Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata) and the Scented autumn leek orchid (Prasophyllum sp. ‘early’) and the Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) was just starting. Flowering seasons are March to June, April to June and August to October respectively.

We now move onto our next location, Condingup Peak (Mud Map SE39) which is located in the Condingup Water Reserve. Here we find the small Fawn snail orchid (Pterostylis parva) growing in the moss on or near the granite rocks. These little orchids are found between Albany and Eyre from June to early August and are distinguished by their tiny rosette of stalked leaves, diminutive size and they become reddish with age.

The only other orchid flowering up on the peak was the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) which is found between Perth and Israelite Bay over a longer season that most other orchids, being late April through to early September.

From here we head out to our Parmango Road locations. First up we are knocked over by the number of curly locks found in flower at a patch we had not found them before. Last year we found spiral leaves so were hopeful of finding one in flower, but we found multiple. These ones included one that was pinkish in colour though it still had the usual stripes to the petals and sepals. It is possibly the Curly-locks (Thelymitra spiralis) which is also found east of Esperance during the months of August and September. The species is recorded as having pale pink petals and sepals which are unblotched.

Two others were found with blotches to the markings which may distinguish them to be the related Eastern curly-locks (Thelymitra maculata) which is also known as the Spotted curly-locks, which fits the look. They flower slightly earlier than the Southern species, however, are recorded only as far east as Ongerup, some 375km to the west of our location. Posted on iNaturalist and in the Western Australian Native Orchids FB group for assistance in identification. The responses were mixed so I will leave the ID as tentative.

Walking back to the Triton we stumble across a better Jug orchid specimen and a couple of Curly-lock pairs which may or may not be different species, due to different colouring. But the surprise find here was a good number of more Common spider orchids in flower.

Back in the Triton we move onto another location along Parmango Road where we spy more orchids. We find many orchids on the longish walk so I will group them together in species rather than chronologically. Firstly, more Southern curly-locks are found, with some showing the different shadings to the alternate petal/sepal/labellum.

Next are spider orchids from the Caladenia filamentosa complex. Telling the correct species from one another is difficult within this complex. The Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians) is the most likely to be found however the Cream spider orchid (Caladenia horistes) is another possibility as is the Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila) with all being recorded as being found this far east. You be the judge.

A change in colour is a welcome surprise. The bright yellow Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementum) is found between Wongan Hills and Israelite Bay from Aug through to October. The early flowering period is the easiest way to distinguish it from the Bee orchid (D. laxiflora) which also occurs in the same locale but does not flower until September.

A solitary Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa) is found along the track. These large orchids are found between Bremer Bay and Israelite Bay from August to October.

Another solitary orchid found appears to be a Green Range donkey orchid (Diuris littoralis) which flowers between Denmark and Esperance during July to early September. The only other possibility is the South coast donkey orchid (Diuris brockmanii) which occurs over a similar range but flowers earlier, June to early August. I will leave the positive ID to those more qualified than I.

Unsure why we are finding solo specimens, but the Bluebeard (Pheladenia deformis) is also found all by itself. This is a tiny specimen but is a nice discovery, nonetheless. This is a widespread species, ranging from Murchison River to Israelite Bay in WA, as well as being found in other states.

Leaving Parmango Road we head southwest to a granite outcrop at the Cape le Grand National Park turnoff on Merivale Road. Here we find lots of Bluebeard orchids which is nice, however it was exciting to find a new species for the day. The small Mosquito orchid (Cyrtostylis robusta) is found by searching under bushes for the distinctive round ground hugging leaf. Once you find the leaves you then take a closer look and luckily for us today, we find some in flower. These orchids flower between Perth and Israelite Bay from June to August.

Final orchid of the day is a small snail orchid. Bases on location, size and colouring I will be naming this species as the Fawn snail orchid which was found earlier today at Condingup Peak.

The east of Esperance rarely disappoints and today was no exception. At least 14 species found.

25/07/2023 ….. A week spent wandering – Part 4

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

We enjoy a leisurely breakfast with brother Geoff and Robyn before heading down to Dwellingup Cemetery to pay our respects to our dearly departed family. In the parking area alongside the cemetery, we find some banded greenhoods. Appears to be two species. The very tall specimen appears to be the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata), whilst the dark brown coloured one is likely the Cupped banded greenhood (Pterostylis concava). The cupped lateral sepals I feel assist with this identification.

Moving on towards Quindanning we pull into the Quindanning Forest on the Pinjarra-Williams Road and have a quick look in the bush. As we are still within the Jarrah Forest, albeit the eastern boundary, we find the same two species of greenhoods. Some of the brown coloured may be another species but I will leave the positive ID to another day. Posting on iNaturalist for assistance.

Again, we move on, but we decide not to go as far as Williams. Instead, we turn south down the Williams-Darkan road and make our next stop at Culbin Nature Reserve. This reserve appears to contain the original Culbin school reserve which is recorded as being 5 acres. A plaque has been erected confirming the previous existence of the school. We decide to check out the reserve in the fairly cleared areas and find more Banded greenhoods (P. vittata). We were just about to resign ourselves to the fact that greenhoods will be all we find today, when we stumble across some recognisable Hare orchids (Leporella fimbriata) still in flower. Small mercies!!

Further along the Willams-Darkan Road we pull over at a gravelly area with large gum trees in the hope this change in habitat will provide something different for the day. Not to be, only a sole specimen was found of the Cupped banded greenhood. Pics taken for recording purposes.

We make it to Darkan and have a quick look around. Nothing much here so onwards we go. South of Darkan we pull into Towerringing Lake which has an amazing private campground/caravan park on the lakes edge. Maybe for another time. We grab a snack from our supplies as we plan on getting lunch at the Kojonup Country Kitchen. We enjoy a toasted sandwich each before the final leg of today’s drive, to Albany. Here we check into our accommodation and decide to have dinner at restaurant recommended by our B&B host. The Chanya Thai is a nice hidden gem down at the harbour below Stirling Terrace. Here Deb enjoyed a beautiful Prawn dish, and I had a nice Thai curry. A great way to end a long but enjoyable day.

02/07/2023 ….. Sharing the Orchid Fever

Beaumont NR, Condingup Water Reserve, Sunday Drive, Western Australian Orchids

Today we plan to catch up with 2 fellow native orchid enthusiasts out at Condingup, which is 69kms or so East of Esperance. We arrive at the townsite location, park up the Triton, then head off on our search, whilst we await the others. As it turns out Kath will be arriving a bit later, so we only meet up with Varena at this location.

After exploring for a while, we finally meet Varena and compare notes from our current and previous visits to this location. We do appear to have found the same species with some possible variation.

Some early season species are found still hanging in there. The Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata) is still recognisable even though it commences flowering back in March, with June listed as its final flowering month. Another early season orchid is the Scented Autumn leek orchid (Prasophyllum sp. ‘early’) which flowers from April through to July. The final orchid found here was a Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) which flowers from late April to September. We were successful in finding some Curly locks in bud; however, we could not find any King-In-his-Carriage orchid leaves or buds. Maybe we will get a chance to revisit later in the season.

Moving on to Condingup Peak (Mud Map SE39) for a quick check. Nothing found other than a very worse for wear Hare orchid. Kath pulls up just as we were leaving, so we make tracks for the Parmango Road location to have a quick bite to eat for lunch, before we take them on the trek to our Curly locks location.

Unfortunately, not a great deal was found flowering here either. More Banded greenhood and Hare orchids were found, with the only excitement being a nice patch of Robust snail orchids (Pterostylis dilatata) being found hiding in the middle of a low-lying shrub. These are large snail orchids that lack a rosette and have clubbed lateral sepals, both being distinguishing features. They flower from May through to August, so are another early season orchid, which appears to be the theme for today.

Final destination to share is our spot in the Beaumont Nature Reserve. A very quick explore which turned up some nice specimens of the Banded greenhood or are they? We still enjoyed our day showing Kath and Varena some of our local haunts. I trust they enjoyed their day as well.

28/05/2023 ….. Frozen weekend wanderings – Bromus Dam.

Peak Charles NP, Weekend away

After a long working week, we jump into the Triton, hitch up the camper and make tracks for Bromus Dam, where we catch up with friends Jan and Bob. We are enjoying a weekend away camping. It is bloody cold when we arrive so after setting up camp, we sit very close to the campfire for a drink and a yarn.

After a freezing cold night (minus 2), we awake to clear blue skies and a cold morning. After enjoying breakfast, we check out the dam before jumping in our vehicles for a trip to Peak Charles. We arrive late morning and pull into the day use area. We go for a brief walk and climb a little way up the rock. All the while I am checking for orchids. None found in flower, so somewhat deflated I join the others and head back down to enjoy a picnic lunch.

Bromus Dam
Peak Charles from the North
Peak Charles from the Day Use Area

After lunch we check out the camping area before making tracks back to Bromus Dam. It is just past 4 PM, but it is already so cold outside that we have got thre campfire cranking. I walked over to the dam to capture the beautiful sunset, and it is so peaceful here. Another great night spent around the campfire having a few drinks and solving all the world’s problems. 🙂

Next morning after breakfast I go for an exploration of the pipeline that feeds the dam. It takes me up to a large granite rock outcrop which has a water tank at the summit. I have a quick scout around for any orchids, but alas none found. I decide to walk back along the track to the south of the rock and it is along here I find a spent Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis) which flowers from March to May over an inland range between Corrigin and Eucla. These small orchids are some of the first to flower in the season and reach no more than 250mm in height.

Once I get back from my walk, we are able to pack up the camper as it had now dried out in the sun; after becoming very damp overnight. Jan and Bob head off home whilst we intend to take a detour to check for any orchid currently flowering.

Our planned detour was to our usual Fleming Grove Road location. Here we found our track had been widened, we assume for a firebreak. This however destroyed a lot of the previous orchid locations which was devastating. Not one Leafless orchid was found, whilst last year we found a good number. Luckily the Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata) was still located is ok numbers. The highlight was finding a triple headed one. These do flower later than the Leafless orchid; into June rather than May, however the numbers were still affected by the track widening. 🙁

Survived the pushed up earth.
Triple header
The much more common, double header
Size comparison to my hand
Possible pollinator

We backtracked easterly along the widened track looking for some bunny orchids. After nearly giving up we found one lone specimen. I forgot to take a pic of the leaf so will not attempt to formally identify it other than to call it a Bunny orchid (Eriochilus sp.)

Nothing to spectacular found however the 3 headed Hare orchid was a highlight. It was a great weekend away, spent with good friends, even though it was a tad cold at night. Roll on the 2023 orchid season.

09/07/2022 ….. Afternoon wander Northeast of Esperance

Day Trip, Mount Burdett NR, Mount Ridley NR, Nature Reserves, Western Australian Orchids

Solo again as Deb is still in Perth with Ollie visiting relatives and having a ball. So, after enjoying a sleep in, I have breakfast, do some washing, then pack up and head off for an exploration northeast of Esperance. First stop is on Wittenoom Road at our usual spot (Neridup¹). I immediately check out where the spider orchids flower and was shocked to see the area had been pushed up to increase the space. There was only one small Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila) Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians) in flower, with no others found, not even leaves. (ID was altered after posting on iNaturalist)

Then I wander around the site, plus also across the road and not too much is flowering. I find some very small donkey orchids which I am not confident to name. Then of course I find the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) and Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea) growing under the scrub.

And the final orchid found at this location was the small Brittle snail orchid (Pterostylis timothyi) which was hard to photograph due to the wind. So I will post a video of it instead.

Time to move on, but only as far as Scaddan Road, where I pull into a section of reclaimed scrub to see if there is anything flowering. Only found a single greenhood growing as well as some more snail orchids. Both named previously.

Past lunch time, so I head off to Mount Burdett, which is located in the aptly named Mount Burdett Nature Reserve. I parked up halfway as the track is badly washed out, however the view was still great whilst eating my nuts and drinking my coffee. I then walk up the last of the track and first up come across some more snail orchids, but this time they are growing in lush green moss.

Then I hit the usual rock edge where we find most of the orchids on the previous visits. This time however all I find are the faithful Banded greenhoods. This is looking poor, however I push further along the base and come across what appears to be a great patch of non-flowering Pink bunny orchid leaves. Could not see anything flowering though. Just as I was about to head up the hill, I stumble across a small patch of Robust snail orchids (Pterostylis dilatata) which is one of the larger snail orchids and it does not have a rosette, which is quite unique.

Climbing up I come across the Dark banded greenhood again plus a patch of Caladenia leaves. Then found some Hare orchids (Leporella fimbriata) which were in a reasonable state given the listed flowering period is March to June.

Further towards to summit I reach the access track which is very rough and would be a test for your 4WD. At the first turnaround area I discover some further Brittle snail orchids. Then finally at the summit clearing I find a few Green-veined shell orchids (Pterostylis scabra), with only one fully formed. These are a widespread orchid, being found from Kalbarri to Esperance. After taking some pics, I have a quick search for any donkey orchids in flower, but alas none were found. So, it’s back down I head.

Nothing more really comes to my attention before making it back to the Triton. So back to Norwood Road, where I turn right. On the left side of the road, it had been burnt out, so I pull alongside the road, park up, then venture into the blackened scrub. After walking around for about 15 mins, with not an orchid in sight, I despondently jump back into the Triton and head toward Dempster Road. Just before the intersection of the roads, I pull into a layby, which is actually the boundary of the Mount Ridley Nature Reserve. Mount Ridley though is actually some 20kms to the north and is not included in a reserve, which I find bizarre. I decided to check out the reserve bush first, but didn’t get very far in, as it was fairly thick. I did however find some small greenhoods, one of which may be the Midget greenhood (Pterostylis mutica), which commences it’s flowering in July. The I checked out the other side of the road but again, no orchids found. Then just before I reach the Triton, I notice some very spent Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis), so had to grab a pic for recording purposes.

Moving on, I turn left onto Dempster Road and head south toward Fisheries Road. This part of the road is another boundary of the Nature Reserve, so when another layby catches my eye, I do a U-turn and park up for my final exploration of the day. It is getting dark pretty quickly, but I notice some Dark banded greenhoods and grab some pics, then come across some small rosettes with 3 little buds growing from the bare earth in between. Due to this they are going to be some Shell orchids. I take a pic for record purposes, then make a beeline for the Triton.

Then out of nowhere, hiding under a small bush, a large patch of Dwarf shell orchids (Pterostylis brevichila) catches my eye. Now this is an awesome last find for the day. These wonderful orchids are found from Hyden to Mt Ragged, growing in eucalyptus woodlands. The rosette is listed as being compact with rounded leaves, which confirms the buds found earlier will be more of these.

Time to head home as the light is fading fast, however I pull over to grab a shot of the sunset over one of the many clay pans in the area. Amazing day with 2 species of Shell orchids being found together with other Pterostylis species, A sole Wispy spider orchid represents the Caladenia genus and spent Pygmy and Hare orchids close out the list. Winter is moving on slowly, so we can look forward to more orchids flowering in the weeks to come.

WA Orchid Adventures

Come with me on my Orchid Adventures in Southern Western Austalia

Leporella