Today we head east of Esperance along Fisheries Road until we reach our first planned location, Boyatup 1 (Mud Map SE40). Making our way along the track, then along the edges of the gravel pit, next along the track up to the Hill and finally checking the low granite areas to the SE of the hill/west of the track. Many orchids were found and I have listed them with at least 1 photo for recording purposes.
Jug Orchid
(Pterostylis recurva)
A common species found from Geraldton to Israelite Bay.
Flowers from August to October.
Dancing spider orchid
Caladenia discoidea
A distinctive species found from Kalbarri to Israelite Bay.
Flowers between August and early-October.
Blue Beard
Pheladenia deformis
Common species found from Murchison River to Israelite Bay.
Flower between mid-May and October.
Boyatup china orchid
Cyanicula sp. “Boyatup”
A restricted orchid growing from Condingup to Boyatup Hill.
Flowers in August and September, though usually only in the season following a summer fire.
Green Range donkey orchid
Diuris littoralis
Occurs in coastal and near coastal habitats from Denmark to Esperance.
Flowers between July and early-September.
Common bee orchid
Diuris decrementum
Common species found from Wongan Hills to Israelite Bay.
Flowers between August and early-Octpber.
Esperance king spider orchid
Caladenia decora
Common species found from Bremer Bay to Cape Arid.
Flowering between mid-August and October.
Common spider orchid
Caladenia varians
Widespread orchid found from Kalbarri to Esperance.
Flowers between July and mid-October.
Mosquito orchid
Cyrtostylis robusta
Widespread species found from Perth to Israelite Bay.
Flowers between June and August.
Beautiful donkey orchid
Diuris pulchella
Widespread eastern range from Salmon Gums to Israelite Bay.
Flowers between July and September
Mallee banded greenhood
Pterostylis arbuscula
Short-statured species found from Dalwallinu to Eyre Bird Observatory.
Flowers between June and September.
Cream spider orchid
Caladenia horistes
Common species found from Fitzgerald River N.P. to Balladonia.
Flowers between August and early-October.
Western tiny blue orchid
Cyanicula aperta
Common species found from Dumbleyung to Mt Ragged.
Flowers between August and early-October.
After two and a half hours and 13 species found, we make tracks for the next spot, which is totally unplanned. In the location of Howick we find a new location. (Howick1) Refer to next post for details>>
So today we decide to head north of Esperance to see what the season has produced. We don’t get far before we pull into our first stop of the day. Helms Arboretum is always a favourite stop.
Starting off small the first orchid found was the Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana).
These orchids are found growing between Lancelin and Esperance. They have only recently started flowering as their season commences in August and extends to early-November.
They are recorded as growing to heights of 400mm which would be amazing to find. Our specimens are more around the 200mm range.
Next our targeted orchid the Grass-leafed spider orchid (Caladenia graminifolia) was found.
These orchids also commence their flowering in August, then until September only.
They range from Mt Manypeaks to Israelite Bay so appears restricted to the south coast.
The Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)was represented by a single specimen found nearby the aforementioned orchids.
This king spider orchid is located from Bremer Bay to Cape Arid. Its season is mid-August to October.
We don’t stay longer at Helms as we only popped in here to find a flowering Grass-leafed spider orchid.
Our next stop is near Gibson14. We walk along the tracks and every so often we venture into the surrounding scrub.
This subspecies is the most widespread and ranges between Northampton and Israelite Bay. It also has the longest flowering season; July to early-December.
There are 4 subspecies of the Cowslip orchid. The other 3 are restricted to much smaller ranges that all overlap the range of the subspecies found around Esperance.
We did make an exciting find of a hammer orchid leaf in bud. From the leaf I believe it will be the King-In-His-Carriage orchid (Drakaea glyptodon).
These orchids flower August to October over a range between Eneabba and Esperance.
However, the most prolific orchid found at this location was the Esperance king spider orchid.
It was found either as a lonely specimen or in good size groups.
If any of the flowers pictured are the similar C. heberleana, please comment on this post.
We move further north up the highway to another location in the Gibson area 15. A gate had been installed which precluded us for heading down the track. We instead checked out the verge and walked a bit into the scrub.
This unusual but common orchid is found between Geraldton and Israelite Bay.
Flowering season is only from August to October
Deb has her eye in for spying orchids as she stumbles across an exciting find for this location.
The first orchid found is so small. Refer pic with the tip of my index finger for size comparison.
The Reaching spider orchid (Caladenia arrecta) is so named due to its erect petals.
Found between Bindoon and Israelite Bay.
Flowering season from late-July to mid-October.
We now move onto a new location, further north. We turn left at Hawkey Road them immediately right into Swan Lagoon Road. Our first stop 16 along this road is down a track in some bushland. We take this slowly and regularly get out to walk along and into the surrounding scrub. It is along this track that we pull over and have lunch from the back of the Triton.
The orchid that stands out for this location is the Western Tiny Blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta). It was found in huge numbers.
They are found flowering from August to early-October between Dumbleyung and Mt Ragged.
They have horizontally held petals and lateral sepals and can grow up to 150mm in height.
Another very similar orchid is also found, however not is such great numbers.
The Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata) flowers in August and September between Paynes Find and Israelite Bay.
A small number of Midget greenhoods (Pterostylis mutica)were found along the way.
These orchids flower from July to October between Wongan Hills and the SA border.
They can grow to 200mm in height and can have up to 15 small green flowers.
A further Pterostylis orchid is found in small numbers.
The Brittle snail orchid (Pterostylis timothyi) flowers July to September between Lake Cronin and Esperance.
Some distinctive features are having a small rosette of pointed prominently veined leaves and only one or two stem leaves.
The we find one of the newest named Greenhoods. The Mallee banded greenhood (Pterostylis arbuscula) was formally named in 2018.
The flower between Dalwallinu and Eyre bird observatory during the months June and July.
As we are now in August this could explain why we only found two still in flower.
Amazingly we find a Grass-leafed spider orchid in this new location. So that makes a third spot we have found this orchid. Helms and Stokes NP are the other locations.
Another orchid of the Pterostylis genus is found. Only one specimen found, so was very lucky to have spotted it.
This time it is the Dwarf shell orchid (Pterostylis brevichila) which flowers from July to September.
It has an inland southeastern range, occurring from Hyden to Mt Ragged.
The Jug orchid is found at numerous spots in this location.
Pictures taken for registration purposes.
Just before we decide to have a break for lunch, we finally find a donkey orchid.
There are 2 possible ID’s for these orchids. They could be the South Coast donkey orchid (Diuris brockmanii)or the Yellow granite donkey orchid (Diuris hazeliae).
Flowering is June to early August and Aug to September respectively. So, the ones that already have finished flowers could very well be the former.
As both are recorded for the Grass Patch area any assistance in positive ID would be appreciated.
Note the brightness of the yellow is greatest with the mobile phone pics.
Whilst eating lunch we still explore nearby. It is here we find some different orchids than found previously today.
These orchids flower from August to early-October between Jerramungup and Israelite Bay.
The flowers are green, yellow and red in colour and can grow up to 350mm in height.
The prominently upcurved lateral sepals are distinctive to most mantis orchids.
Back on Swan Lagoon Road we travel further north and pull into another track which is much shorter, so we walk it. 17
Blown away by the numbers of Western tiny blue orchids found.
I have posted a video below to show how many occur in say 1 square metre.
So many Western tiny blue orchids
Another previously found orchid is also found in greater numbers.
The Midget greenhood rears it lime green coloured head again.
Also found was another Mallee banded greenhood.
Moving further north again we make a final stop in the Swan Lagoon Nature Reserve. Initially we turn up nothing in the lagoon area however further afield our luck changes.
Seems a regular occurrence today. Blue beards are also found in greater numbers than earlier today.
Well, we finally start finding the small spider orchids in flower. Actually, we find loads of them, and they may possibly be 2 species.
This orchid is a common southeastern inland species. It is found between Kondinin and Madura.
Flowers occur July through to early-October.
If another species is apparent from the pictures supplied, can you please enlighten me. I am swaying to C. dimidia or C. horistes
Intermixed with the wispy style spider orchids we also find the Short sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura)standing proud.
These orchids flower between Jerramungup and Israelite Bay during August and September.
The common name refers to the shortened sepal tips, when compared to the similar C. doutchiae.
Larger spider orchids appear as we progress with our exploration of this Nature Reserve.
Due to the shorter length of the petals and sepals, plus the dull white colouring I believe they are the Reclining spider orchid (Caladenia cruscula).
These orchids are found between Salmon Gums and Mt Ragged / Israelite Bay.
Flowering during August and September.
More donkey orchids are found near the large spider orchids.
Positive ID again not attempted. Could be D. hazeliae or D. brockmanii. Thoughts??
Midget and Mallee greenhood orchids were also found at this location. Pics for recording purposes.
Our final orchid of the day was the small Sigmoid spider orchid (Caladenia sigmoidea) which was very exciting.
The name “Sigmoid” refers to the ‘S’ shaped labellum tip.
These orchids grow between Mt Jackson and Mt Ragged.
Flowering during the months of July, August and September.
They are very small, ranging from 50 to 150mm in height. Their colouring blends into their surroundings. This makes finding them difficult.
We were blown away by the numbers found. Previously, we have only found them solo or as spread-out isolated specimens.
Well, this hunt was a great success. So many orchids found, with some in huge numbers. The highlights were the patches of Western tiny blue orchids and the large number of Sigmoid spider orchids found.
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.
After making and eating our complimentary breakfast, we pack up the Triton on a beautiful sunny winters morning and make tracks towards home. Overall, we enjoyed our stay at the Newdegate Hotel, plus it was great value for money.
About 15kms into our drive we make our first stop and check out the verge vegetation which is quite wide at the section of the road. As has proven common over this last week or so the first orchids found are the greenhoods. However, this time they appear to be another species due to the brown colouring. I feel they are all the Mallee banded greenhood (Pterostylis arbuscula)which is listed as having either brown and white or green and white flowers, is of short stature and has no more that 5 flowers per plant. The location is within their listed range, and they flower during June and July.
Orchids from the Pterostylis genus are the only other orchids found at this location. First up is an almost open Jug orchid (P. recurva) followed by an almost open Frog greenhood (P. sargentii). Then a sole Robust snail orchid (Pterostylis dilatata) is found flowering. These orchids are widespread from Northampton to Toolinna. The lack of a rosette on flowering plants is a distinctive feature.
Nothing more, other than Red Beak leaves and some Caladenia leaves, so we move further along the road before making another roadside stop.
The next stop is also just another patch of pterostylis orchids. The greenhoods this time appear to be the Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea) which are consistently brown and white in colour, have more flowers per plant and are taller in stature than P. arbuscula. However, on closer inspection of my photos I think some of them may be P. arbuscula as they have green/brown and white flowers and 10 or less cauline leaves. What are your thoughts?
More Frog greenhoods (Pterostylis sargentii) are also found however excitedly some of these ones a fully formed. These are the earlier flowering of the 2 species, and I was able to get some good pics of the fleshy, glabrous horn-like structures on the labellum, which are distinctive features.
Only thing else found was a nice patch of Sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.) leaves and a single red backed Pink fairy leaf? So onward we go to Lake King where we make a toilet stop, before heading out to Frank Hahn National Park. Here we visit Lillian Rock where we eat lunch before exploring the rock area. Only sign of orchids here were also a patch of leaves, identification of which I will not attempt. Disappointedly we leave here and move south down Cascade Road then right onto West Point Road and left onto Melaleuca Road. Past River Road intersection we make a roadside stop and still no orchids. A 2nd roadside stop at different looking habitat still turns up nothing, so we make a beeline for a known orchid location.
?? sun orchid leavesLittle Pink fairy leaf??Lake King pit stopFrank Hahn N.P.?? Caladenia sp. leaves
We arrive at one of our favourite and reliable locations on Mills Road. Here we immediately spy the bright yellow donkey orchids. They are found over the entire area we walk around which is quite amazing. Identifying them is difficult as 2 very similar species are listed as occurring in the Ravensthorpe shire and this location is only 20km from the coast. The possible species are the Green Range donkey orchid (Diuris littoralis) and the South coast donkey orchid (Diuris brockmanii). Heights range from 180/150mm to 300mm and flowering season – Jul/Jun to Sep/Aug respectively, which adds to ID confusion. Seems size of the flower may assist with ID so I may need to take photos with tape measure in view to assist with this next time.
Only other orchids found here were further greenhoods and snails. The greenhoods are darker in colour so again may be either P. sanguinea or P. arbuscula. Please assist in the ID if you can. The snails though appear to be the Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis setulosa) a common inland species, which is extremely variable in appearance.
From here we head into Munglinup townsite where I check out a vacant block while Deb fills up the Triton with diesel. More donkey orchids are found, plus some Caladenia sp. leaves with one in bud. However, the exciting find was a small orchid I nearly stepped on whilst walking over to Deb, who had driven down to pick me up. A lone tiny Pink bunny orchid (Eriochilus scaber subsp. scaber) was found. This was surprising as this spot had not been recently burnt and over previous visits they had not been found. These small orchids only grow to a maximum height of 150mm; however, this specimen would have been only 30mm. Nearby a patch of 5 in flower was found with one in particular being a much stronger pink in colour. It would have been great to explore a bit more, but it is nearly 4pm so onwards we go.
From Munglinup we travel east to Coomalbidgup where we check out a burnt-out area. We are knocked over by the patches of Pink bunny orchids found. However other than these the only other flowering orchid found was a poor but recognisable Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata), as well as Red beaks in bud and Caladenia sp. leaves.
Well, we have finally reached the end of our time away and make tracks back to Esperance. Unfortunately, we did not find the elusive Queen of Sheba orchid in flower but may have found it in bud, which is exciting. It will take another trip in another season to locate a flowering specimen. The masses of Pink bunny orchids though were a definite orchid highlight of the trip. Whilst the Lights in Kings Park, revisiting The Gap in Albany and just spending a relaxing time away with my beautiful wife were the non-orchid highlights.
We awake to a beautiful sunny winters day and enjoy the complimentary breakfast at the Exchange Tavern. Before heading off we go for a walk around the town centre of Pingelly and grab a few pics of the wonderful buildings and parks.
It’s past 10am, so we leave Pingelly and head northwest to our first orchid hunt of the day; Boyagin Nature Reserve. Pulling over on the edge of the road we venture into the bush. First orchid found is the unique and I think special Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) which flowers from late April to early September, over a large range, Perth to Israelite Bay. I never tire of finding these orchids, especially the larger ones with many flowers. They can be inconspicuous due to the green and white colouring, however in this location they stood out against the brown leaf litter.
Nothing else found in the bush so we venture up to the Boyagin Rock parking area, so we could explore the granite outcrop, as an alternative habitat to the bush. Not a great success with the only orchids found being a few snail orchids at the base of the rock in the soggy moss laden leaf litter. The Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis setulosa)is a common inland orchid which comes in many variations in size and hairiness. Only 2 decent pics taken. Maybe later in the season it may be a more productive location.
With a small sense of disappointment, we head off further west and make one final stop in the reserve by making another roadside search. Another Pterostylis orchid is found, this time the small Frog greenhood (Pterostylis sargentii) is found growing near the gravel rock outcrop. These orchids are found flowering from July to early September over an inland range between Murchison River and Mt Ragged.
Further Banded greenhoods are found; however, some have brown colouring to them so they may be the Mallee banded greenhood (Pterostylis arbuscula) which is a smaller orchid with variably coloured flowers. Unlike P. vittata which is noted as having translucent flowers, P. arbuscula is noted as having semi-translucent flowers. The flowers with brown colourings do seem less translucent so I am confident they are P. arbuscula. Any comments in agreement or not are welcome.
Getting peckish, so we move on and pull into our Williams Road location, where we enjoy lunch on the tailgate of the Triton. Satisfied, we go exploring and finally in a location with many orchids, however still only of the Pterostylis genus. More Mallee banded greenhoods, Banded greenhoods, Hairy-stemmed snail orchids and Frog greenhoods are found. Unsure of the ID of some greenhood orchids but will post more pics as a record of all of these orchids.
Now for the exciting part. We find a good number of the Red-veined shell orchid (Pterostylis hamiltonii) which flowers from late May to early August over a range between Toodyay and the Stirling Range. There are also some greener coloured shell orchids which may be P. scabra but I will not confirm that ID as yet.
For the first time ever at this location, we met a fellow orchid hunter. I was able to show him the Frog greenhood, which was a first for him. We said our goodbyes and headed off towards Perth but pull over at the Midgegooroo National Park for one last quick hunt. Not too much found, just a solitary greenhood orchid. Actual ID unknown so will post pic for record purposes. ID with assistance required!!!
OK so now it’s time to reach the city and get ready for the Kings Park Lightscape experience. Went with my in-laws and completed the 2km walk trail set throughout the park. It was an amazing experience, though pushing a wheelchair the whole way was tiring, but well worth the effort, so that dad could enjoy the lights.
Our one week’s holiday is upon us, and we had planned a trip to Albany, however plans do change and so we are actually heading up to Perth first, to see the Lightscape Show in Kings Park.
Today we make our way to Pingelly, where we have booked a room in the newly re-opened Exchange Tavern. We will of course make a few stops to check for orchids. the first stop being in the Dragon Rocks Nature Reserve. Our plan here was to check some previously found orchids to see if we have timed their flowering. Unfortunately, we were a tad early, plus it was a very overcast day, so no sunshine to encourage the orchids to open. From the leaf structure and the spotted markings to the buds we believe them to be the Eastern Queen of Sheba (Thelymitra speciosa) which flowers from late June to September, over a range from the Stirling Range to Condingup.
Orchid budPurple tinge to base of leafSpiral leafTypical habitat we found them growing in. Showing the base of the spiral leafPlants can grow to 200mm in heightSpotted budSize comparison to index fingertip
We also found some Hare orchids (Leporella fimbriata) still flowering and a few past their prime greenhoods. They are most likely some Mallee banded greenhoods (Pterostylis arbuscula) due to their small stature.
Short statured Mallee banded greenhoodNice double header Hare orchid
Time is getting away, so we move onward. We head west and make our next stop near the Pingaring Nature Reserve. We make our way up the track to the granite rock which is another one which is used as a water catchment. It was a nice walk however the only orchids found were some Hairy-stemmed snail orchids (Pterostylis setulosa) which is a common inland species. Still a new species for the day so not disappointed. This may prove a great location for later in the season.
Petals and dorsal sepal fused to form hood over column.Rock catchmentDistinctive hairy stem
Nearly 2pm so again we move on. Still heading west, we decide to check out Jilakin Rock, which we have planned to do many times before but have never had the time. We pull into the bay on the roadside and as usual it looks pretty rundown and weedy, which has put us off before. This time though using Google Maps we note a track that heads around the rock nearer the lake. Here we come across an abandoned gravel/sand pit area, so we pull up and go exploring. First orchid found is another Hairy-stemmed snail orchid, with more of them found further afield as well.
This location though turns up more than just snail orchids. We find many Blue beard (Pheladenia deformis) flowering all over the location. These bright orchids are always a pleasure to find, as they always provide the chance of finding a white variety. No such luck this time though. Their season is from late May to October, and they range from the Murchison to Israelite Bay. They are also referred to as the Blue fairy orchid by some references.
View from aboveUpright labellumBroad spreading petals and sepalsCalli on labellum give the BEARD appearance.Leaf up to 100mm in length. Orchid up to 250mm in heightThin, sparsely hairy leaf and stem
Now for the hard part. Trying to identify the many wispy type of spider orchids found. Using the ‘Explore Your Area” function of Atlas of Living Australia website there are a few possibilities which does help to narrow it down. First up is the Chameleon orchid (Caladenia dimidia)which is a variably coloured orchid found flowering from July to early October, between Paynes Find and Scaddan.
Drooping lateral sepals Backswept, elevated to horizontal petals.Dark brownish tail filamentsLabellum with reddish radial stripesSize comparison to my handSpreading lateral sepalsUsually, creamy white to pale yellowish in colour.
Just thought I would post a video to show how the wind makes getting great photos of these small spider orchid very difficult.
Hold still please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Other orchids do not seem to fit the descriptions in my references so I will post some pics of them and please let me know your thoughts on the identification.
Just after 3pm so we move on as we need to get to Pingelly for our planned overnight stop at the Exchange Tavern. We enjoy a wonderful pub meal, play video games on a sit-down console in the TV room and settle in for a comfortable night’s sleep. A great finish to our first day.
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.
Well, the 2nd month of winter rolls around and I am home alone for the weekend. I only have the Ford so have to stick to decent roads and tracks on my orchid hunting adventures. I decide to head out East to see if anything new has started to bloom.
1st stop: Track off Old Smokey Road – Had to walk the track as it was not decent enough to tackle in the Ford. Firstly, I will mention the orchids found that had finished their season and the ones found yet to bloom. White bunny orchid (Eriochilus sp.) had finished, whilst the Mignonette orchid (Microtis sp.) was a remanent from last season. Next up Sun orchids (Thelymitra sp.) with leaves only currently growing are found.
The first orchids found flowering were the greenhoods. Possibly both the Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea)and Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) were found, however with both having varying colours it is hard to distinguish. Some P. sanguinea are all green/white whilst rarely some P. vittata are found fawn coloured. The other orchid found was the Fawn snail orchid (Pterostylis parva) which also has fawn toning plus pointed leaves to its rosette.
P. sanguineaP. sanguinea and/or P. vittataP. vittataP. parvaP. sanguineaP. parvaP. sanguineaP. sanguinea or P. vittataP. vittata
2nd stop: Coolinup Road – More greenhoods are found flowering, possibly a mixture of P. sanguinea, P. vittata and Mallee banded greenhood (Pterostylis arbuscula). Another snail orchid is also found flowering, however this time they appear to be the Brittle snail orchid (Pterostylis timothyi) due to it’s thinner, taller stature.
P. sanguineaP. vittataP. arbusculaP. timothyiP. timothyiP. timothyi rosette
Also found were some Caladenia sp. leaves, Bird orchid rosettes and Mosquito orchids in bud, tempting another visit, later in the season.
Caladenia sp.Pterostylis sp.Cyrtostylis sp.
3rd stop: Track off Fisheries Rd before Parmango Rd – This is a new location and not too much is found this time. I am lucky to stumble across a Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila) in flower. A lot of dumped rubbish in the area, which is terrible, however I did locate 3 old Cottees bottles, to add to our collection. I wandered into the dried-up lake area, which was almost devoid of any growth, just a bed of leaf litter. On the slow drive back along the track to Fisheries Road I did find some spent Hare orchids (Leporella fimbriata) still distinguishable.
C. microchilaC. microchilaC. microchilaC. microchila in budL. fimbriata L. fimbriata
4th stop: Under powerlines off Parmango Road – I revisit one of our newer locations and walk up to the gravelly area to see how the spiral leaf orchids are faring. Along the track and at the targeted patch I did stumble across some spent Hare orchids, Caladenia sp. leaves and the spiral leaves of a Thelymitra sp. A highlight of this patch was the couple of small Scented Autumn leek orchids (Prasophyllum sp. ‘Early’) found in flower.
L. fimbriata Caladenia sp. in budThelymitra sp. spiral leaf and budPrasophyllum sp. ‘Early’Prasophyllum sp. ‘EarlyPrasophyllum sp. ‘Early
Well, this certainly turned into a day of being too early for some orchids, late for others and only a few in flower. As the season progresses so will the numbers of orchids in flower increase. I look forward to a re-visit later on with Debbie in tow.
We awake to a crisp winters’ morning at the Chicken Ranch in Varley. After a leisurely breakfast, we break camp and head straight for Dempster Rock to look for orchids. Nothing in bloom found. Disappointed, we move on and stop at a new location for us, in the Lake Hurlstone Nature Reserve.
This location may prove fruitful in later stages of the season, as it has a few different habitats to check out. We did locate some orchids this time as well, so all is good. First up appears to be the Mallee banded greenhood (Pterostylis arbuscula) due to its small size and colouring. Further specimens are found with more stem leaves, taller plants and more flowers, so some may be the Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea). I will post pics of all, so please assist with the identification if you can.
Also found lots of spent White bunny orchids, with a lone one still identifiable as such. This one had a crinkled edged stem leaf, so I initially thought it to be the Crinkled-leafed bunny orchid(Eriochilus dilatatus subsp. undulatus)which flowers during April and May, hence why only spent flowers were found, except for this late flowering one of course. However, using Florabase, the only listed bunny orchid found in both the Shire of Kulin and the Shire of Kondinin is the Blunt-leaved bunny orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus subsp. brevifolius) which flower May and June and only have up to 3 flowers. The leaf is also crinkled-edged so I am happy with this identification. Seems subsp. undulatus has been cancelled in Florabase and the common name of Crinkled-leaved bunny orchid given to subsp. brevifolius. The name game is never ending with native orchids. Also found on the way back to the Triton was a nice specimen of the Dark banded greenhood.
Leaving this new location, we head north to Hyden, where we enjoy an amazing hamburger for lunch. As Richard is running late, we make tracks for Anderson Rocks, our planned destination for this long-weekend.
Anderson Roack campingReflectionsDinner, camp styleGnamma holes??
During the weekend I would climb the rock and record the sounds of the frogs in the FrogID App and then attempt to upload my recordings. I received a reply from the Frog ID App on the 20/07/22 advising they had identified 2 species, so my uploads were successful. The species found were the Bleating Froglet (Crinia pseudinsignifera)and Crawling Toadlet (Pseudophryne guentheri).
Monday 06/06/2022
After a great long-weekend camping with Richard, Sandy and Noel at Anderson Rocks, it is time to travel home. As per usual we do not travel home in a straight line and try our best to take roads yet travelled. So, from Hyden we make our way to Allen Rocks Road, where we stop at an old rubbish dump it seems, as there is so much rubbish lying around. We found some old Gest cooldrink bottles and an old enamel pot to add to our collection. The only orchids found here were some yet to fully open shell orchids.
Next stop was on Dragon Rocks Road in the Dragon Rocks Nature Reserve. This roadside stop turned up some Dark banded greenhoods. Then further south on the Newdgate Road North at another roadside stop we only found some spent Pygmy orchids (Corunastylis fuscoviridis) which are also an early flowering orchid.
Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea)Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis)
Final stop for the day other than to fuel up in Lake King and a toilet break in Munglinup. Arrived back in Esperance around 6.15pm and had dinner at our sons’ house, before heading home to unpack. A great weekend but not so great on the orchid front.
