After not too cold a night we awake to a beautiful day in the Ongerup Gardens Caravan Park. After cereal for breakfast, we decide to go exploring the woodlands behind the caravan park. We take what we believe to be a rough track, but it peters out soon enough, so we go bush bashing in an attempt to find it again. We end up curving north and head up past the sporting complex. We cross Jaekel Steet and follow the track/s to the Yongergnow Malleefowl Centre, where we grab a coffee, for the walk back to the caravan park. The orchid count for such a good walk was a bit disappointing, however we did find some, so I will record them now.
Habitat: Growing in sandy or lateritic soils in woodlands and forests.
Season: October and November
Eight species ultimately found, however the numbers found were very low. Time to head toward Jerramungup, where we plan to check out a bush fire location, we spotted on the drive over on Monday.
Next stop on our winding drive back to Esperance is another new location. Anderson Lake Nature Reserve which is 30kms east as the crow flies from Pootenup Nature Reserve, will hopefully produce some different orchids. As we get close to the location it is apparent that it is much drier so let’s see if we actually find anything at all.
As anticipated, we struggled to find any orchids, however the ones found were indeed different. Very close to where we park, we find our first orchid. The Purple veined spider orchid (Caladenia doutchiae) flowers August through October, between Mullewa and Ravensthorpe. References checked indicate it is found growing on rises around salt lakes, which is exactly the habitat we are currently searching. Four sperate flowers were located, which portray the variable colouring to this species.
Smooth margined, variably coloured, red tipped labellum
Narrow band of labellum calli
Flowers 15 to 30mm across
Purple veins to sepals
Long, shortly clubbed lateral sepals
Short, backswept petals
It was another 15mins or so before we stumbled across another orchid. This time it was the Midget greenhood (Pterostylis mutica) that caught Debs eye. The lime green colouring stands out against the otherwise brown foliage. These small orchids flower July through October, between Wongan Hills and the SA border. They are also found in QLD, NSW, Vic, Tas and SA. Florabase mentions they are known to grow around saline lakes, again confirming we are in suitable habitat.
From the latin MUTICUS (without a point, awn less, blunt) alluding to the blunt petals and sepals.
The next orchid found was a pleasant surprise. First up we thought it was a frog greenhood, but as we settled in to take some photos it became apparent that it was another species. After getting back into the Triton we are excited to note that this is a new species for us. The Ruddy hood (Pterostylis perculta) flowers from late September to early November between Kojonup and Cape Arid National Park. It was only formally named in 2015, previously called sp. “Ongerup’ which alludes to its location. It is a small orchid growing to 150mm in height, may have up to 5 flowers per orchid and is found growing in sandy-clay and clay soils.
Almost hairless labellum
Straight to slightly upcurved lateral sepals
70-150mm in height
As alluded to earlier we had returned to the Triton as this location did not prove overly productive, however finding a new species is always amazing. We head north up to Gnowangerup, then west stopping along the roadside in Kebaringup. I believe this is only our 2nd time visiting this location so we will see what turns up this time.
Straight up the large white spider orchids catch our eye. The Stark white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens) is probably the species found, based solely on location. They flower August to early October between Moora and Esperance and can grow to 600mm in height.
Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile)
Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Green spider orchid (Caladenia falcata)
More Purple veined spider orchids are found in better numbers. Then another single specimen on anorchid is found. The Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media) is a widespread orchid being found flowering between Shark Bay and Eyre during the months of September through January. The final orchid found for the day was a good bunch of Jospeh’s spider orchid (Caladenia polychroma), which are found between Boyup Brook and the Fitzgerald River National Park during the months of September and October.
Purple-veined spider orchid (Caladenia doutchiae)
Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media)
Joseph’s spider orchid (Caladenia polychroma)
We decide to move on and look for somewhere to stay the night. As we have 2 vehicles and a camper trailer, we make the decision to check into the Ongerup Gardens Caravan Park for the night. It was a choose you own site sort of place, so we parked up close to the ablutions. This was a great day orchid hunting in our wonderful Western Australian outdoors.
Earlier this season (June) we checked out the burnt area north of Gibson and found greenhoods but nothing else. Now that we are at the other end of the season, we pop out there again to record what is now flowering. After nearly 3hrs searching the area, we were pleased to find so many orchids flowering. I hope you enjoy the photos below, that record what species we found.
Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media)
Season: Sept to Jan
Distribution: Shark Bay to Eyre
Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.
Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media)
Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans)
Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans)
Season: Aug to Oct
Distribution: Shark Bay to Israelite Bay
Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands. Usually only flower the season following a summer fire.
Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)
Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)
Season: Aug to early Nov
Distribution: Kalbarri to Israelite Bay
Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.
Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana)
Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana)
Season: Aug to early Nov
Distribution: Lancelin to Esperance
Habitat: Sandy and sandy-clay soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.
Little pink fairy (Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans)
Little pink fairy (Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans)
Season: July to early Oct
Distribution: Northampton to Esperance
Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.
Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Season: July to early Dec
Distribution: Northampton to Israelite Bay
Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay, lateritic and granitic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.
Little pink fan orchid (Caladenia nana subsp. nana)
Little pink fan orchid (Caladenia nana subsp. nana)
Season: Late Sept to Oct
Distribution: Perth to Bremer Bay. ( 250kms to the West )
Habitat: Sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests and woodlands. Best in the season following a summer fire.
White fairy orchid (Caladenia marginata)
White fairy orchid (Caladenia marginata)
Season: Late Sept to Nov
Distribution: Jurien Bay to Israelite Bay
Habitat: Sandy and sandy-clay soils in seasonally wet flats and runoff areas on granite outcrops. Flowers best in season following a summer fire.
Blue china orchid (Cyanicula gemmata)
Blue china orchid (Cyanicula gemmata)
Season: Aug to early Nov
Distribution: Kalbarri to Israelite Bay
Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay, lateritic and granitic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.
Granite china orchid (Cyanicula nikulinskyae)
Granite china orchid (Cyanicula nikulinskyae)
Season: Sept to early Nov
Distribution: Fitzgerald River National Park and Israelite Bay
Habitat: Shallow soil pockets on granite outcrops. The recently integrated Condingup china orchid (C. sp ‘Esperance”) was listed as growing in shrublands and woodlands.
Heberle’s spider orchid (Caladenia heberleana)
Heberle’s spider orchid (Caladenia heberleana)
Season: Sept to Oct
Distribution: Augusta to Cape Arid
Habitat: Sandy and sandy-clay soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.
Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)
Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)
Season: Mid Aug to Oct
Distribution: Bremer Bay to Cape Arid
Habitat: Sandy-clay and clay soils in woodlands and shrublands.
Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima)
Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima)
Season: Aug to early Oct
Distribution: Jerramungup to Israelite Bay
Habitat: Sandy and sandy-clay soils in woodlands and shrublands.
Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea)
Season: Aug to early Oct
Distribution: Kalbarri to Israelite Bay
Habitat: Sandy soils in woodlands and shrublands.
Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea)
White mignonette orchid (Microtis alba)
White mignonette orchid (Microtis alba)
Season: Oct to Jan
Distribution: Dongara to Esperance
Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and seasonally wet flats. Most common in the season following a summer fire.
Bee orchid (Diuris laxiflora)
Bee orchid (Diuris laxiflora)
Season: Sept to early Nov
Distribution: Gingin to Esperance
Habitat: Sandy-clay and clay soils in seasonally wet areas.
Twisted sun orchid (Thelymitra flexuosa)
Twisted sun orchid (Thelymitra flexuosa)
Season: Sept to Oct
Distribution: Kalbarri and Israelite Bay
Habitat: Seasonally-wet flats and shallow soil pockets on granite outcrops.
Swamp mignonette orchid (Microtis atrata)
Swamp mignonette orchid (Microtis atrata)
Season: Sept – Nov
Distribution: Jurien Bay to Israelite Bay. Also found in SA, Vic and Tas.
Habitat: Sandy-clay and clay soils in seasonally-wet flats.
Hybrid orchid (Caladenia x sp.)
Hybrid orchid (Caladenia flava x reptans)
Season: July to early Dec
Distribution: Northampton to Esperance
Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay, lateritic and granitic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.
18 species and 1 hybrid found in just over 2 and a half hours of searching in the 1 location. A SUPER SUNDAY!!!!!
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)
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.
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.
Distribution: Watheroo to Ongerup (Our location is outside this range)
Plant Height: 100-200mm
Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta)
Distribution: Dumbleyung to Mt Ragged
Plant Height: 50-150mm
Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile)
Distribution: Shark Bay to Eyre
Plant Height: 60-250mm
Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera)
Distribution: Shark Bay to Israelite Bay
Plant Height: 100-250mm
It is now past 11am, so we move on to our next location, Beaumont Nature Reserve.
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 was 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.
A leisurely morning today as it is our last one for our 2022 road trip. We enjoyed breakfast whilst listening the raucous Galah flock as they ate on the ground then flew up when spooked into the nearby trees. Our first orchid location was not far away so we were in no rush.
Dempster Rock is our first hunt for the day. As per many locations, the first orchid found is the Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis setuloso), which is a common inland orchid. Only a couple found here and no more were encountered at this location, which is interesting.
We find loads of spider orchids which will as usual prove problematic to identify so firstly I will post the pics of other orchids found first. So the first non-spider orchid found was the common inland occurring Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata)which is found in huge numbers later in the search. I will post some individual pics plus a video showing the large expanse of flowers.
Next up we find some Blue beards (Pheladenia deformis) growing sparsely around the location with one small clump in the early stages of flowering found. It is always nice to find a blue orchid as they are a rare colour for our Southwest orchids.
Another vibrant colour found is pink. The lone Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea)stood out in the green grasses. No others found though, so we thank our lucky stars we came across this specimen.
OK, so now it’s time to record the spider orchid finds. I will start with the easier ones first. The Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis) is a unique spider orchid with usually drooping petals and all sepals, plus has a smooth or slightly fringed labellum.
That’s it for easy ID, now it becomes more difficult. These striking red spider orchids are not recorded as occurring this far southeast. The two that have the closest listed range are the Slender spider orchid and the Red thread spider orchid. Both occur in pure red forms, and both are listed as having pendulous or near pendulous petals and lateral sepals. EDIT: With assistance from members of the FB group Western Australian Native Orchids I am now confident in naming this small clump as being the Slender spider orchid (Caladenia pulchra)
So now the identification gets even more difficult. First up I think these orchids are the Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia) due to the backswept petals and whitish colouring to the flowers, however they are variable in colour, so maybe not a great defining feature. 🙂
I have already posted these on iNaturalist and have been advised they may be the Joseph’s spider orchid (Caladenia polychroma) due to the larger flowers than the similar Chameleon spider orchid. Thoughts accepted.
Now many spider orchids with a creamy to yellow colouring confuse me even more. Some have dark filaments to the ends of the petals and sepals, whilst there are also differences in the colours of the labellum calli. They could be more of the species already identified today or possibly another species. Again, any help in ID would be appreciated.
Joseph’s spider orchids dancing in the breeze.
Getting late so we had better move on. We did not get far before pulling into Sugg Rock Road to visit Kathleen Nature Reserve. We just park up on the road verge and head into the reserve to hopefully find some orchids. We do find some but not in great numbers. The first orchid found was another spider orchid, which I believe is another Joseph’s spider orchid. This was followed up by two headed one tangled together. Then yellowish coloured ones are found.
Then we find an orchid that was once included in the Caladenia genus but in Western Australia it has been added to its own monotypic genus, Ericksonella. The Sugar orchid is a distinctive white orchid with horizontally held lateral sepals.
The next three orchids found belong to the genus Pterostylis. First up the ever-reliable Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) is found. Then we find a good patch of Midget greenhoods (Pterostylis mutica) growing in numerous spots. Finally, the equally small Little frog greenhood (Pterostylis occulta) which was only named as a distinct species in 2021.
We are getting a pit peckish and plan on a counter lunch at Lake King Tavern, so we push on. However, on reaching the main road we notice a sign pointing west indicating Sugg Rock dam, so we cross the road to check it out. We did not find the dam but decided to check out the bush as it was a bit more open than in the Nature Reserve. We find some familiar orchids so take a photo to record the location and keep searching.
More spider orchids are found which appear to be more Joseph’s spider orchids.
Final couple of orchids found were more Pterostylis ones. A lone greenhood that was fertilised a while ago and a lone good quality shell orchid. The shell orchid is possibly a Green-veined shell orchid (Pterostylis scabra) which flowers May through August over a range from Kalbarri to Esperance.
Now finally it’s time to go and grab some lunch. We enjoy a cold bevvy and hot counter meal at the Lake King Tavern, before heading south to our last planned stop of the 2022 road trip, Pallarup Nature Reserve. Our particular spot is Pallarup Rock picnic area, where we park up and head off on foot to find some orchids. First up the colourful Pink candy orchids are found. Quickly followed up by the Sugar orchids and Blue beards.
Then we moved along the track toward the rock, where we came across some spider orchids. First up were the small Joseph’s spider orchids, however we also found the larger Pallarup white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. ‘Pallarup’)which grows over a restricted range between Lake King and Ravensthorpe, growing in sandy soil on the margins of granite outcrops.
Joseph’s spider orchid (Caladenia polychroma)Joseph’s spider orchid (Caladenia polychroma)Pallarup white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. ‘Pallarup’)Pallarup white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. ‘Pallarup’)Pallarup white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. ‘Pallarup’)Pallarup white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. ‘Pallarup’)Pallarup white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. ‘Pallarup’)
We venture onto the rock but not much catches our eyes, so we loop back into the surrounding bush and we find more orchids, this time from the Diuris genus. The South-coast donkey orchid (Diuris brockmanii) is found between Ongerup and Esperance during the months of June to August. I feel confident on this ID based on the location and the bright yellow colouring of the flowers, as the other possibility is a pale yellow in colour (D. brachyscapa).
More various orchids found including more Sugar, Bluebeard and Pink Candy orchids, plus a nice Jug Orchid and a very special Lutea or hypochromic candy orchid. As usual Pallarup Rock area always has something flowering during the season. It was a fitting place to end our 2022 Road Trip.
I trust you have enjoyed travelling with us on our 2022 Road Trip which had some exciting, scary, amazing and awe-inspiring times. There was a patch of no orchid hunting but there are areas of this great state of Western Australia that still need to be seen. 2023 will be similar as we venture across the desert to Coober Pedy in South Australia. Well, that is the plan for now.
We wake up to a fine, sunny but cold morning. As we are in no rush today, we have breakfast then go exploring the area for orchids, whilst our campers dry out in the sunshine. As we venture toward the granite rock, we discover a large number of Hairy-stemmed snail orchids (Pterostylis setulosa) growing under the sheoaks. Further snail orchids are found later on as well.
Also, at the base of the rock we find a Blue beard (Pheladenia deformis) which stands out in its vibrant blue colouring. Others are found later in the bush surrounding the rock.
From our previous visit to this location, we are aware most of the orchids are found in the bush surrounding the rock however we always have a bit of a climb just in case, plus the views are always amazing from atop these isolated granite outcrops. Usually growing on the rock as well as along the base are the bright yellow donkey orchids. Only a few were located this time round, so the Yellow granite donkey orchid (Diuris hazeliae) is recorded for posterity.
Back on ground level we wander throughout the bush surrounding the rock and immediately come across numerous Drooping spider orchids (Caladenia radialis). These particular spider orchids are so called due to their usually drooping petals and sepals, including the dorsal sepals. They occur between Northampton and Jerramungup and are known to occur in clumps.
Another orchid found in good numbers was the Ant orchid (Caladenia roei)which is a common, widespread orchid. The labellum can range in colour from nearly all green to nearly all red. Their petals and sepals are said to be positioned in a crucifix shape.
Other random orchids were also found growing in the bushland. The common Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva)and a fertilised ?? Greenhood (Pterostylis sp.) represent their Genus whilst a lone Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata)and a newly unfurled spider orchid (Caladenia sp.) are the representatives for their Genuses. EDIT iNaturalist members have named my spider orchid the Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia)
P. recurvaPterostylis sp.E. saccharataC. dimidia
We get back to camp and decide to have an early lunch before packing up the campers. Then Richard pulls out the mini-Magnums as a reward for surviving the adventurous road trip. We then head south and say goodbye at the Mount Walker Road intersection. It is now just Deb and me for the rest of the trip back to Esperance.
Knock up lunch including leftovers from Narembeen Cafe.Mini-Magnum Reward
We venture further south, making a left turn into Calzoni Road and drive slowly along looking for access to a granite rock I had discovered searching Google Maps. The access road is signposted Twine Reserve. We make our way down and park up to investigate. The rock is covered in pools of water and very thick damp patches of moss. It is growing in this moss that we find our first orchids. The Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) can grow up to 200mm in height and can have as many as 40 inverted flowers per plant.
We venture back into the vegetation/bush surrounding the rock and come across some more spider orchids. Now for the hard task of identifying them. However, after considering the location and the stance of the orchids they are most likely more Chameleon spider orchids (Caladenia dimida). Please correct me though if I am wrong.
One however did not meet the above criteria due to the size of the leaf and the overall yellow colouring. Please help me to name this one.
Similarly, to Roe Dam, other orchids are found, though usually only a single specimen, so I will record them together again. First up we have a Donkey orchid, then the Jug orchid, Sugar orchid, Greenhood, Ant orchid and Snail orchid are found.
D. hazeliaeP. recurvaE. saccharataP. sanguineaC. roeiP. setulosa
Moving back to Calzoni Road we head east to another chosen location. Gibb Rock is surrounded by farmland and has the obligatory water tank at its base. We park up at the tank and head into the bush at the base. Nothing to be found in the 10 mins of searching so we decide to push on. However, just before reaching the Triton Deb spies a lone Chameleon spider orchid growing in a patch of resurrection bush surrounding a pool of water. Whilst getting photos of this a Little laughing leek orchid also comes into view.
C. dimidiaP. gracileGibb Rock tank
Leaving Gibb Rock, we head south and call into Mulka’s Cave for a look. The handprints were visible which was great, however did not bother with looking for orchids as it was so weedy.
Turnoff to the cave and The Humps walk trailOpening at the back of the caveHand prints
We pass through Hyden and keep heading south, where we finally pull over at Lake Hurlstone Nature Reserve. First up we head across the road to the west and then venture towards the gully. First up we find some colourful donkey orchids. Now using the location as a guide, I feel these orchids are one of two possible species. However, the bright yellow colouring leads me to name them the Yellow granite donkey orchid as they are also found along drainage lines below rocky breakaways, which feels like the habitat we are currently in. The other option, Western wheatbelt donkey orchid, is listed as being pale yellow.
Further along we find some still flowering Dark banded greenhoods (Pterostylis sanguinea) which I am confident to name now, which I was not so with the greenhoods found earlier in the day. They start to flower in June and are recorded as flowering into September.
A couple of Sugar orchid are found, followed by 2 decent Jug orchids. Not many for what can be very common orchids. On the other side of the gully, I stumble across some small spider orchids. Possible two different species found. First up some look like the familiar Chameleon spider orchid and the other orchid may be the Ironcaps spider orchid (Caladenia paradoxa) which is described as having wispy, often pendulous petals and lateral sepals with a white, red striped labellum.
A final small orchid is found over both sides of the road. The Little frog greenhood (Pterostylis occulta)was only named in 2021. It differs to the Frog greenhood by the shape of the horn like structures on the labellum. This was a great little find to end our day.
It is now past 4pm so we grab one last view over the woodland to the lake then jump into the Triton and head down to Varley, where we set up camp in the so-called Chicken Ranch.
View toward Lake HurlstoneVarley’s chicken ranch – Free overnight campingBird watching during sunset
We are packed up and ready to leave by 10am on a beautiful sunny day. The Westonia Caravan Park is an awesome place to spend a few nights as the area around has so much to offer. Travelling south to the Great Eastern Highway, we turn west and make our way to Merredin. We decide to check out the reserve around Merredin Peak as this could be a great spot for some orchids. We were not disappointed.
We parked up at the RV Parking area closest to the rock as that was our main focus. However, to ensure we checked out a variety of habitat we venture along the Bush Trail first. (Due to time constraints, we only walked the trail I have highlighted in RED on the above map snip). Excitedly the first orchids found are some spider orchids. A trio of small clumps are found, with all appearing to be the Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia), which is a common inland orchid of variable colourings; yellow, cream or pink-red flowers with white or pale-yellow labellum with red markings. Now you can see why these smaller spider orchids are so hard to positively identify.
Nearby we also find a little group of Ant orchids (Caladenia roei) growing. These are cheerful looking orchids, so are also commonly known as Clown orchids. They are a common widespread orchid, being found from Eurardy Station to Ravensthorpe.
Soon enough another spider orchid is found. These have a smooth-edged labellum with dense bands of calli plus the dorsal sepal is drooping. From these features it is the Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis) which is also a common orchid across inland locations, from Northampton to Jerramungup.
Donkey orchids are found at the base of the granite rock growing in the wet areas. The Yellow granite donkey orchid (Diuris hazeliae) is a common inland orchid growing between Paynes Find and Salmon Gums. It is possible some may be a different species. Please let me if you think so.
Up on the rock in the mossy area we luckily find a few small Little laughing leek orchids (Prasophyllum gracile) growing. Not the best photos taken but still a record of their location. These small orchids are very widespread, growing between Shark Bay and Eyre. They grow on granite inland but in scrublands, woodlands and swamps nearer the coast.
Now we did come across many more spider orchids on the track, but I am struggling to identify them confidently. They range in colour, stance and size of both flower and leaf. For that reason, I will post the best pictures taken and will for now just call them Caladenia sp. Any ideas on the actual species please let me know and I will post an edit. EDIT 2 iNaturalist members have agreed they are all colour variations of the Chameleon spider orchid.
We move on as it’s now after 12 and lunch is calling as is the need to get some kilometres driven. Prior to leaving Merredin though we have to grab a look at and take a photo of the painted silos.
Leaving Merredin, we head west along the highway to Hines Hill where we turn south, down Hines Hill Road. It is at the intersection of Jura West Road that we pull over and check out a patch of vegetation. We all head off in different directions and my first orchid found is the common Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis setulosa). Not common here today but some others were found later in the search. Another Pterostylis orchid is found but has already been fertilised and has closed up. The Mallee banded greenhood (Pterostylis arbuscula)is a recently named species which as the name suggests is restricted to mallee regions. It is listed occurring from Dalwallinu to the Eyre Bird Observatory.
P. setulosaP. setulosaP. setulosaP. setulosaP. arbuscula
Deb as usual has the more exciting find. She comes across some small spider orchids. However, after the initial excitement it appears they are all Chameleon spider orchids. Nice to find, but a new species would have been great.
Chameleon spider orchids in the breeze
And to end the search of the area, a record of the one and only Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta)is still to be posted, so here it is. It was found in the middle of all the spider orchids. As the common name suggests, these little guys only grow to 15omm in height and the flowers are 20 – 25 mm across.
C. aperta
Past lunch time and we need something to eat, so off we head into Bruce Rock. Unable to secure a counter meal at the local pub, we venture down to the local cafe, Bruce Rock Cafe (Love that Food) where we were surprised with the choices available. We sat outside to eat as the weather was mild. Well fed, we then move on.
With no real direction planned we head into Narembeen, so that Richard can change his tyre, on a solid flat surface, as the spinout north of Bullfinch seems to have caused the tyre to wear very badly. Narembeen has a great overnight campsite in the town, but we decide to head out to Roe Dam for our last joint overnight camp of the trip. We don’t have the site to ourselves, but we set up as best we can, light a campfire and enjoy the wonderful evening.
So, we awake in Yealering on the Sunday after enjoying the Regatta on the lake the previous day. We are in the local caravan park with friends Sandy, Noel and Richard. After breakfast we all pack up our respective campers and make our separate way home. For us this will be an excuse to go orchid hunting. Fancy that!!!
I do not have a record in my little black book, and I am writing this record more than 12mths after the fact, so my memory fails me. So, this record will record locations and finds only, with no commentary, which some may find refreshing.
Upswept lateral sepalsComb-like fringe segments to labellum
Green spider orchid
(Caladenia falcata)
200 – 400mm in height
Flowers – Late Aug to Oct
Location – Wongan Hills to Jerramungup
Double-header
Smooth yellow crested mid lobe to columnUp to 10 flowers per orchid
Granite sun orchid
(Thelymitra petrophila)
100 – 350mm in height
Flowers – Aug to Nov
Location – Mullewa to South Australia
Grows in shallow soli pockets on granite or breakaways
Elongated petals
Small flowered donkey orchid
(Diuris porrifolia)
150 – 350mm in height
Flowers – Late July – Sept
Location – Moora to Albany
Narrow, sometimes crossed lateral sepals
Elbow orchid
(Spiculaea ciliata)
100-180mm in height
Flowers – Oct to Jan
Location – Kalbarri to Grasspatch
Not fully open
EIGHTY SIX GATE ROAD – UNNAMED NATURE RESERVE
Inverted flowers- Lateral sepals pointing upwards
Little laughing leek orchid
(Prasophyllum gracile)
60 – 200mm in height
Flowers – Jul to Oct
Location – Shark Bay to Eyre
Up to 40, 2-3mm wide flowers per orchid
Granite sun orchid
(Thelymitra petrophila)
Leaf – Narrow, 4-6mm in width
Colour – Blue, purple or pink
Yellow, red marked flowersTri-lobed labellum with short fringe segments and 2 rows of calli
Cowslip orchid
(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
100 – 250mm in height
Flowers – Jul to early Dec
Location – Geraldton to Israelite Bay
Spreading petals and sepals
Labellum has been triggeredUsual position of labellum
Green spider orchid
(Caladenia falcata)
Another common name – Fringed mantis orchid
Leaf – Single, erect, hairy leaf 100-200mm in length
4 or more rows of deep red calli
Dull, straw-coloured flowers
Elbow orchid
(Spiculatea ciliata)
Habitat – In the north sandy soils over sandstone, In the south soil pockets on granite
Leaf – Fleshy, green and red infused leaf, which is shriveled at time of flowering
Loosely-hinged labellum
Mauve-blue to purple flowersFlattened labellum with numerous calli
Blue china orchid
(Cyanicula gemmata)
40 – 150mm in height
Flowers – Aug to early Nov
Location – Kalbarri and Israelite Bay
Single, short, broad, flattened leafLeaf is purple-suffused underneath
Harrismith / Dudinin area
Granite sun orchid
(Thelymitra petrophila)
Neendaling
Green spider orchid
(Caladenia falcata)
Up to 8 flowers per orchid
Shy sun orchid
(Thelymitra graminea)
150 – 350mm in height
Flowers – Oct to Nov
Location – Perth to Esperance
Column has smooth yellow crested mid lobeThin leaf, 4-5mm in width
Little laughing leek orchid
Little laughingleek orchid
(Prasophyllum gracile)
Common mignonette orchid
(Microtis media subsp. media)
Common mignonette orchid
Newdegate
Upswept, narrowly clubbed lateral sepalsDeep red calli on labellum
Small mantis orchid
(Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima)
170 – 350mm in height
Flowers – Aug to early Oct
Location – Jerramungup to Israelite Bay
Backswept, deflexed to dropping petals
Little laughing leek orchid
(Prasophyllum gracile)
Inverted flowers
You can tell we are moving into the last few months of the Western Australian orchid season as we only located 9 species over multiple inland locations. The Southwest corner has a much longer season than both the inland and Southeastern areas.