I have taken an Rostered Day Off (RDO) today so I can spend some more time with my sister Lorraine and her hubby Ken. Yesterday we went north of the South Coast Hwy and detoured back east of Esperance. Today we are going west and staying within 50kms of the coast.
Our first point of call is along the edge of our famous Pink Lake. Here we discover some Mosquito orchids (Cyrtostylis robusta) growing in the dense undergrowth. These unusual orchids flower during the winter months over an area stretching from Perth to Israelite Bay.
Nothing more found other than Pterostylis rosettes, with some in bud, so we move onwards. Next stop is the Stokes National Park camping grounds. Actually we find orchids before the campground, just growing along the roadside. First up are some wispy type spider orchids. Due to the colouring of the flowers and the larger leaf width, I believe these orchids to be the Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians). As the name suggests it is a common orchid with a large distribution, Kalbarri to Cape Arid National Park. It also has a long season, flowering from July to mid-October.
Intermixed with the spider orchids were patches of yellow. Bright yellow South coast donkey orchids (Diuris sp. ‘south coast’)are found from Denmark to Munglinup during the winter months. They were first recognised as distinct in 1999 when collected near Munglinup, which is approximately 20kms to the west of our current location.
We finally make it to the campground and it was a let down with only a Dark Banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea) in flower and a Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) finished for it’s season. We did however stop and have morning tea overlooking the Stokes Inlet.
We move on further west along the South Coast Hwy, before turning south down Springdale Road. We pullover to the side of the road at Springdale Nature Reserve for a quick check. Straight away we find the Reaching spider orchid (Caladenia arrecta) which blooms from late-July till mid-October between Bindoon and Esperance. Prominently clubbed petals and sepals ,plus the dark red labellum with dark red calli are distinctive features.
Also found were the South coast donkey orchids, with many more to come. However we must push on as it is now past lunch time and we still have Munglinup Beach campground to check out.
Well first up we drive down to the Oldfield River and park up on the granite rock bank, so we can have a quick scout around. Other than one South coast donkey orchid and many leaves in bud, nothing much was found so we quickly move on.
We now venture down to the Munglinup Beach campground (Mud Map SE 33) and I go looking for the elusive helmet orchid, whilst Deb takes Lorraine and Ken down to the beach. I come across loads of leaves and then find some sprouting flowers, however they are not fully open. By this time Deb has made her way into the Agonisflexuosa grove and we both simultaneously find fully open ones in different patches. They are confirmed as being the Crystal helmet orchid (Corybas limpidus) which flowers from July to early-September in coastal locations between Walpole and Esperance. We had to lie flat on the ground to get the photos as they are only 20mm in height.
Very happy to have found these beautiful small orchids flowering as they are listed for the Mud Map reference. Also found underneath the Agonisflexuosa trees are snail orchids. They appear to be the Coastal snail orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘coastal snail’) which is found between Bremer Bay and Israelite Bay during the months of July and August. Distinctive features are bloated appearance and small thickened lateral sepals.
Leaving Munglinup Beach we now drive west towards Hopetoun our planned lunch stop. On the way we check out both Starvation Bay and Masons Bay campgrounds. Choosing the bakery for lunch we walk down to the foreshore and finally fill our bellies.
We now head north to Ravensthorpe where we grabbed a ginger ice-cream from Yummylicious Candy Shack. Sooooo good!! After showing Lorraine and Ken the Grain Silo’s, we head west out to Kukenarup Memorial, one of our regular orchid haunts.
Just past the Eagle Wings to the left is a wonderful little Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea)which is found between Israelite Bay and Kalbarri flowering during August, September and October.
Next up we find the Blue beard (Pheladenia deformis) which flowers over along season, May till October. They can occupy many different habitats, (woodlands, shrublands, granite outcrops and forests) over a range from Israelite Bay to the Murchison River. Many specimens are found at this location today.
On the return leg of the trail we find some donkey orchids. As mentioned in the Esperance Wildflowers blog (refer links) the Green Range and South coast donkey orchids overlap in their distribution and have very similar features which makes identifying them so much harder. I will call those found today South coast donkey orchids as the labellum mid lobe has light patches on the edges. However I am open to correction.
Final orchid for the day was the reliable Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) which occurs between Geraldton and Israelite Bay from August to October. As it is now past 5pm the light is fading fast, so the pics are not the best, however they still record the finding.
From here it is a quick dash to the lookout on Mt Desmond, east of Ravensthorpe, to catch the sunset. Another wonderful day showing Lorraine and Ken our beautiful SE coast and surrounds.
Time to visit one of our regular haunts. Dempster Head, sometimes referred to as Rotary Lookout, which is an Esperance Shire Reserve that aims to protect a granite headland. As you can imagine the views from the lookout provide a 360 degree view of the Esperance town, bay and beaches.
We however check out some of the areas off the beaten track, so to speak, and are usually rewarded with orchids. Today proves no exception. We head to where we have found Corybas leaves in previous years. We hope they are flowering as their recorded season is July to early September. We find the leaves as expected and they are in bud, which is exciting, however none in flower were found. A return visit later in the season will be required.
Next up we head back to the walk trail as we have previously found Mosquito orchids. It appears we may be too early for these as well, due to the first location only having orchids in bud as well. However at another spot on the track we find a lone orchid in flower, with 2 flowers fully developed. Mosquito orchids (Cyrtostylis robusta) flower June to August in locations between Perth and Israelite Bay and can have up to 8 flowers per orchid.
Further around the track we come across a Banded Greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) with numerous flowers. These are common orchids found from Perth to Balladonia, which flower from April to September. Also found are some Snail orchids which have yet to fully form so I will not attempt to name them at this stage.
Not a lot flowering yet, so we will need to return at a later date to see if we are more successful. Until next time !!
A weekend away, out East of Esperance, is planned. So after breakfast we hitch up the camper and head out Fisheries Road. Our first point of call is our Coolinup road site. (Mud Map SE 37,38) There is finally some water around, so we make our way into the site and first up find the small Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila) still covered in rain drops. There also appears to be some Cream spider orchids (Caladenia horistes) intermixed in. These orchids flower August to early October in a southerly range from Fitzgerald River National Park to Balladonia. These two spider orchids have overlapping locations and both belong to the Caladenia filamentosa complex. They differ in flower colour and wispiness of petals and sepals.
Western wispy spider orchid
Cream spider orchid
Then underneath the thick tea tree bushes Debbie comes across some Mosquito orchids (Cyrtostylis robusta) which flower between Perth and Israelite Bay in the months June to August. These differ to the similarly located Midge orchid by the broad labellum.
Nearby more spider orchids are found with neighbouring Blue beards (Pheladenia deformis) which are yet to fully open.
Blue beards
Blue beards and Western Wispy spider orchid
Also nearby are the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) and Mallee banded greenoods (Pterostylis arbuscula) which differ in the number of flowers, colouring of flowers and overall height of the plant.
Mallee banded greenhood
Banded greenhood
Mallee banded greenhood
Venturing across the road more greenhoods are found as are many spider orchids in large groupings, especially protected under the tee tree bushes. The surprise finding was a recognisable Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata) way passed its prime, but still another species located for the day. A nice solo Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) is found plus Deb stumbles across a small beautiful Pink bunny orchid (Eriochilus scaber subsp. scaber). This one was only 20mm in height.
Cream spider orchids ??
Hare orchid
Western wispy spider orchids
Jug orchid
Pink bunny orchid
Bee on spider orchid
Clump of Western wispy spider orchids
Western wispy spider orchid
Pink bunny orchid
Such great finds already and we have yet to arrive at our planned camping area, so we can set up and have lunch. So off we head towards Thomas River campground.
Oh no! The road to Cape Arid National Park is closed so we cannot reach Thomas River. Now what?
As we are close to Boyatup Hill (Mud Map SE 40), we decide to go there first and figure out where to camp later. Luckily Deb had pre-made lunch so we quickly have a bite to eat then make tracks for Boyatup.
At out usual first stop, along the track in, we immediately find a Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea) on the right hand side together with an unusually coloured donkey orchid. Both are still covered in rain drops.
Dancing spider orchid
Donkey orchid ??
Moving to the left hand side of the track, as it is less bushy, we find some Cream spider orchids, Western wispy spider orchids, Dancing spider orchids and Jug orchids.
Cream spider orchid
Western wispy spider orchid
Dancing spider orchid
Jug orchid
Cream spider orchid
Western wispy spider orchid
Finally a different spider orchid is found. Appears to be from the King spider orchid complex. From it’s appearance I believe it to be a Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora), which flowers August to October between Bremer Bay and Cape Arid. May be the closely related Heberle’s spider orchid which has a similar appearance and range.
Heberle’s spider orchid
Time to walk further along the track towards the old gravel pit. Mallee banded greenhoods, another spent Hare orchid and some Western tiny blue orchids (Cyanicula aperta) are found. These little blue orchids flower from August to October between Dumbleyung and Mt Ragged.
Mallee banded greenhood
Hare orchid
Western tiny blue orchid
Western tiny blue orchid
As we reach the other side of gravel pit the landscape turns black. A bush fire had swept through the area last summer, so this is why we planned a visit to this location. We have yet to witness the orchid bloom after a summer fire. Fingers crossed the devastation of the bush fire does lead to new life and we will finally get to observe this.
Immediately to the left as we exit the gravel pit is a lonely Dancing spider orchid growing in the blackened soil. Deb finds some Blue beards nearby which stand out easily against the black.
Dancing spider orchid
Blue beard
Then the first pink speck is sighted. Pink bunny orchids begin to appear in scattered groups all over the place. Many more blue beards are found, some growing in clumps. Other Mallee banded greenhoods and Western tiny blue orchids are also found. We are able to explore a much greater area as the fire has cleared away all the undergrowth, leaving just blackened bushes and trees.
Pink bunny orchid
Pink bunny orchid
Pink bunny orchids
Blue beard
Mallee banded greenhood
Western tiny blue orchid
Blue beards
Pink bunny orchids
We reach the spot we usually park the Triton as the track gets very thin and would scratch the hell out of the paintwork. However we have the camper in tow, so cannot turn around here. So we have to drive further up the track to the granite rocks so we can attempt to turn around. Not that we drive only, as we park and go exploring every five minutes or so. We chew up time but get to explore so much more ground.
Our usual orchid at this part of the track is the Mosquito orchid however only a few leaves are visible in the burnt bushes at the edge of the track. It is not until we venture further afield do we locate some in flower. Also found in this part of the search were more Blue beards and Western wispy spider orchids.
Mosquito Orchid
Mosquito Orchids
Blue Beards
Mosquito Orchid with friend
Western wispy spider orchids
Western wispy spider orchid
We make it to the turn around spot of the flat granite however the ground between the rock is very soft, so it is a very boggy event, however Deb as always gets us through. Now we are facing the way out we can breathe a bit easier. So why not keep on expanding our search towards the hill itself.
Woohoo we have found our first Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) of the day. These bright yellow beauties always brighten up the day. Then at the base of the hill we discover a vast patch of Western Wispy spider orchids growing under the protection of a bush.
Cowslip
Western wispy spider orchids
Moving back down towards the Triton we find more Pink bunny orchids, Cream spider orchids, Mallee banded greenhoods and Blue beards.
Pink bunny orchid
Cream spider orchid
Mallee banded greenhood
Blue beard
Drove of Pink bunny orchids
Then another yellow orchid is found. The Green Range donkey orchid (Diuris littoralis) is recorded as being located between Denmark and Esperance, however http://www.esperancewildflowers.blogspot.com records this orchid as being found east of Esperance and the Orchids of South-West Australia (4th Edition) range map indicates occurrence in Cape Arid, so I am confident is this classification.
Green Range donkey orchid
Green Range donkey orchid
Green Range donkey orchid.
Then in an area that would have been impenetrable prior to the fire we find a fully open Esperance king spider orchid. A neighbouring dual headed specimen though appears to be the closely related Heberle’s spider orchid (Caladenia heberleana) due to it’s narrowly clubbed petals and sepals. They flower September and October in a range from Augusta to Cape Arid, so this must be an early flowering one or a mis-classification. Both are very attractive large spider orchids non the less.
Esperance king spider orchid
Heberle’s spider orchid
We just noticed it is now after 3.30pm and we have yet to decide where we will camp the night, so quickly head back to the Triton and drive back to Fisheries Road. Our thought s were to head into Alexander Bay and camp at the shire campground, but then decided the way in will be wet and slippery, given the closure of Cape Arid National Park, so we decide we will instead go home and sleep in our own bed.
That being decided we breathed a sigh of relief and headed back West. A detour via Condingup Lookout (Mud Map SE 39) though could not be bypassed. We drive up to the Telstra tower and park up. First spot to check is the granite rock outcrop. However on the way there we discover some beautiful snail orchids hiding on the edge of the track. These little guys appear to be the Fawn snail orchid (Pterostylis parva) which are found from the Stirling Ranges to Israelite Bay. They darken with age and flower June through to August, hence the reddish tinge.
Fawn snail orchid.
Fawn snail orchid
We arrived at the granite outcrop and the large hood of snails had already been and flowered and the nearby mosquito orchids were nowhere to be seen. Disappointed I was walking back to the Triton when Deb decides to go into the scrub on a wide berth back. I’m glad she persevered as she stumbled across many Fawn snail orchids and Pink bunny orchids flowering in the moss on the flat granite rocks. Also found were some Green range donkey orchids, Blue beards and Western wispy spider orchids. Not a bad detour Deb!
Western wispy spider orchids
Blue beards
Green range donkey orchids
Pink bunny orchids
Fawn snail orchids
Finally back in the Triton we make our way down the hill, stopping to check on the Bird orchids growing alongside the road. The rosettes are still growing up but still a way off flowering yet. Also found a finished Scented Autumn leek orchid.
Bird orchid rosettes
Scented Autumn leek orchid
Moving on as it it now 5pm we park down on our usual spot on the Lookout Road and have a quick scout for anything in flower. We find a possible Cream spider orchid, a very old Hare orchid and some Pink bunny orchids. One pink bunny was found flowering in a field of non flowering bunny leaves. I took a photo to show how the leaves change when they flower.
Hare orchid
Cream spider orchid
Pink bunny orchid
Pink bunny orchid.
So as the light fades we make our way back to Esperance, thankful that we got to witness how some orchids thrive after a summer bush fire. Pink bunny orchids were very prolific at Boyatup Hill as were the Blue beards. It was hard to walk around without feeling like you are stepping on some, but we did our best to minimise this by treading carefully. All up we found 16 orchid species flowering with 1 yet to flower (Bird) and 1 finished (Leek). 14 of the found orchids were located at Boyatup so the bush fire did produce a bounty for us to discover. Well worth the day trip, it is a pity the weekend planned did not occur.
You may have noticed some of the photos have a Scale card produced by the Wild Orchid Watch (WOW) a citizen science project arranged by the The University of Adelaide. Please refer to their web page at http://www.wildorchidwatch.org plus their Facebook and Instagram pages. If you are based in Australia please register your interest, as an App is close to being released which will allow you to record your findings.
Waking up to a beautiful morning, we stoke up the fire so we can have our usual cooked breakfast. This time though we take it slow as we have all day to explore.
On our previous visit in mid- July so many Cyrtostylis leaves and Pterostylis rosettes were found, however nothing was yet in bloom. So we venture up the same gully, with Richard in tow this time, to see if we will be lucky to find loads in flower. Before we had reached the gully however a little orchid catches our eye.
Seems we have found ourselves another Sigmoid spider orchid (Caladenia sigmoidea) which is an unexpected bonus.
Sigmoid spider orchid
Sigmoid spider orchid
Sigmoid spider orchid
Sigmoid spider orchid
Next up as we cross the gully we find the reliable Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘inland’)
Hairy=stemmed snail orchid
Hairy-stemmed snail orchid
Hairy-stemmed snail orchid
Then nearby another Sigmoid spider orchid is found. After searching up the steep gully slope only one spent Mosquito orchid (Cyrtostylis robusta) is found. A bit disappointing as there are so many leaves. The rosettes appear to be snail orchid ones, as that is all we find as well.
Sigmoid spider orchid
Mosquito orchid
Mosquito orchid
Hairy-stemmed snail orchids
Then back on levelish ground near the gully a lone Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila) is found. On further investigation 2 other specimens are located nearby.
Western wispy spider orchid
Western wispy spider orchid
Western wispy spider orchid
Western wispy spider orchid
Western wispy spider orchid
We then find ourselves back on the actual walk trail that leads from the campsite up to Peak Charles summit. Crossing the gully at the base of the rock we skirt eastwards crossing back over this gully and onto another granite plateau. During this scramble we find our first donkey orchids. Yellow granite donkey orchid (Diuris hazeliae) is found spread over the granite.
Yellow granite donkey orchid
Yellow granite donkey orchid
Yellow granite donkey orchid
It was a long time before we came across another orchid. Actually it was more than 30mins when a green spider orchid is found. From the location it must be the Granite mantis orchid (Caladenia attigens subsp. ‘granite’) which flowers August to early October on granite outcrops from Peak Charles to Balladonia. Another distinguishing feature that sets it apart from the other mantis orchids is the lateral sepals are horizontal rather than being upswept.
Granite mantis orchid
Granite mantis orchid
Granite mantis orchid
Granite mantis orchid
Then it’s another 30mins before a Frog greenhood (Pterostylis sargentii) pops into view. This one has 3 flowers and whilst getting low to take a photo 2 other plants appear. One with a single flower and the other with 2.
Frog greenhood
Frog greenhood
Frog greenhood
Not to far away we come across some more spider orchids. A nice group of 3 Western wispy spider orchids then a lone, what seems to be, Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia) which flowers July to late September in an inland range from Paynes Find to Norseman. It’s habitat includes seasonally moist areas on granite outcrops.
Western wispy spider orchids
Western wispy spider orchid
Chameleon spider orchid
Chameleon spider orchid
Then a spider with the longest petals and lateral sepals I have ever seen is found. Appears to be another Western wispy spider orchid, the eastern form of which can have long, often pendulous petals and lateral sepals.
Western wispy spider orchid
Deb then finds something other than an orchid. In fact it is a Roe’s Jewel Beetle (Stigmodera roei) and Mardi Gras Cockroach (Polyzosteria mitchelli) both brightly coloured in a single Pincushion or Resurrection Bush (Borya nitida Labill).
Roe’s Jewell Beetle
Mardi Gras Cockroach
Close by these colourful little friends a small patch of yellow catches our eye. We find our first and only Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) which flowers July to early December in a large range from Geraldton to Israelite Bay. Seems to be the day for solo orchids, as the very next one found isa lone Shy Greenhood (Pterostylis allantoidea) which flowers August and September in a triangular range from Ravensthorpe to Coolgardie to Israelite Bay.
Cowslip orchid
Shy greenhood
Last orchid found before we head back for lunch is a newly emerging Rufous greenhood sp. name unknown.
Rufous greenhood sp.
Richard wishes to climb the peak, Debbie wishes to stay at camp to relax and bake some bread in the camp oven and I’m easy either way. However as we are heading off tomorrow, I accompany Richard as far as Mushroom Rock. While he goes climbing I look around for more orchids.I amrewarded with more Western wispy spider orchids, Yellow granite donkey orchids, Shy greenhoods , Hairy-stemmed snail orchids and Sigmoid spider orchids.
Sigmoid spider orchid
Western wispy spider oprchids
Hairy-stemmed snail orchid
Western wispy spider orchids
Shy greenhood
Western wispy spider orchid
Western wispy spider orchid
Shy greenhood
Sigmoid spider orchids
Yellow granite donkey orchid
Western wispy spider orchid
Well Peak Charles did not disappoint. A total of 11 orchid species located with 10 named. The Rufous greenhood sp. could be any 1 of 4 that are located in this area.
So it was a happy orchid hunter and crew, who after eating a hearty campfire cooked meal, crawl into bed for a well earned sleep.
On a fine but windy afternoon we decide to spend a couple hours traipsing around Dempster Head (Mud Map SE34) with the hope of finding some orchids in flower. I finally find a Mosquito orchid (Cyrtostylis robusta) in flower, underneath an overhanging bush in the quite bushy area just above the steps from the gazebo. Not that we walked the steps, we came from the other direction 🙂 Mosquito orchids flower June to August in a range from Perth to Israelite Bay.
Narrow petals and sepals
Full length plant shot
Broad, elongated labellum
Back towards where the boardwalk steps down I find the wonderful little Eastern granite snail orchid (Pterostylis voigtii) which only occurs between Esperance and Israelite Bay in the months July to early September. These are the smallest of the snail orchids in WA, reaching a height of only 50mm.
.
Rosette
Other snail orchids and mosquito orchids found. We did not find the Shell orchids from the previous year though 🙁
Mid morning we head off along Fisheries Road east to Boyatup. Our first point of call is a gravel pit just past where the bitumen runs out. After driving slowly in and checking the spot where we found Redbeaks last year, we come up empty, with nothing worthy found. So we head back to Boyatup Hill ( Mud Map SE 40 ) and head in on the track. First find is a Donkey Orchid which has something foreign stuck on it’s labellum, while his stem mate has his labellum nibbled off a bit. Green Range donkey orchid (Diuris sp. ‘Green Range’).
Imperfect twins
Labellum nipped
Labellum with a foreign object wedged in
Further along the track Deb spots the first Spider orchid, so we park up and have a good look around. Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila) is the only species I am certain of that is included in our finds, however they would all belong to the Filamentosa complex.
Note the very small labellum
Caladenia microchila
Size comparison to a 50c coin
Exact species ???
Profile comparison photos – Wispy spider orchids, unsure of exact species though.
Another profile for comparison
Profile shot
Whilst I am on the ground taking photos Deb yells with excitement. She has found the first King Spider orchid of this season, in full flower. Only the one, but a great find. Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)
Close-up
Caladenia decora
Many more variations of Wispy spider orchids found so had to take more snaps
great iPhone pic
Only found in 3s never more
Size comparison with 20c coin
Short petals and sepals
Species???
Stiffer petals and sepals
Showing the roughness of the petals and sepals
Exact species????
Further along the track we finally find some different orchids. Deb spots the first fully formed Jug Orchid (Pterostylis recurva). A sole snail orchid of unknown species is also found.
Pterostylis recurva
Unknown species
Unknown species
Then a patch of blue grabs our attention. A Blue beard (Pheladenia deformis) which appears to be double headed, however two very close stems prove this to be two individuals flowers.
Back to back flowers
appears to be double headed flower ..not so
Also known as Blue Fairy orchid
This is how we get our photos. Very close to the subject. Wind and shadows can be tricky
Shot of a Blue Beard
Blue beard
The track is getting a bit overgrown so Deb parks the Triton up and whilst waiting for me, who is walking the track, she finds some Mosquito orchids (Cyrtostylis robusta) . A bite to eat then we both set off on foot towards Boyatup Hill.
Cyrtostylis robusta
Profile showing pointed labellum
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First finding is another Jug orchid which is nearly fully opened, followed by some more Mosquito orchids and then a Robust snail orchid (Pterostylis dilatata).
Upturned labellum
Looks like a pair of storks
Triplet yet to be born
Very broad hood
Size comparison to 5c coin
Further along more Jugs, Mosquitoes growing in the median strip of the track and Blue beards in a wet mossy area.
Lighter colouring
Four flowers.. most I’ve seen this season
One open , waiting for his twin
Darker colouring
We then break out from woodlands into open health and find some more donkey orchids and a patch of snails Fawn snail orchid (Pterostylis parva) again in the median strip of the track. Also a lone Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata) and some more Spider orchids are found.
Enjoying a brief spot of sunlight
Pushing up into a branch
Well past it’s best
Little beauty
Trio compared in size to 5c coin
Alongside the track
Trio
Very broad labellum compared to others found today
Busy inflorescence
We now keep trekking along and start skirting the hill looking for a way up as the rocks look very steep from this side. Unfortunately the track runs out so we bash our way through and scramble onto the rock only to be driven back by a bees nest. So we push around the base of the rock and cross over a vegetated gully, where we find some Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata), to finally get on the rock.
Two quite large plants
Appear to have been fertilised
After looking around the rock we make our way to the side where our bush track is and Deb finds a likely way down. No orchids were found on the rock which was disappointing however the views are amazing. We made the way down the rocks on our backsides as it was very steep and slippery. Safely on the ground we now bash through the bush and find the track back to the Triton. More photos of Spiders, Snails and Blue Beard orchids taken on the walk back along the track.
View from the rock towards the track leading in
Nice front on shot
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Late afternoon sunshine
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Arrived back at the Triton and had a cuppa then decided it was time to head home as it is getting on to 4pm. We get back onto Fisheries Rd and head west, when we decide to check out the track just before the line of pine trees. This patch was shared with us by Deb Witt, a fellow orchid and nature lover. A short way in we pull over for a look but nothing grabs our attention. I decide to walk ahead whilst Deb continues her search on the opposite side of the track. Only found a few rosettes before I see a flower that looks orchid like so I check it out.. WooHoo it is a Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea).
Caladenia discoidea
Profile shot
Red n green colouring
The further along we go the more we find, however some look at little different with longer sepals and colour variations. Hybrids??? It is now getting late so we turn around and on the way back we even find some Wispy Spider orchids. Then low and behold a solitary Donkey orchid. Being 5pm the light is fading fast so last photos taken with flash.
Very reddish specimen
Side view of possible hybrid
Damaged petal
Very long petals and sepals
Appears to be waiting for his sibling to bloom
Possible 3 headed hybrid
Taken with flash as the light was fading fast
Flash again due to fading light
Very long sepals which hang down a brighter colouring
Boyatup Hill lives up to the reputation of my Mud Map reference book as we found:
Green Range donkey orchid (Diuris sp. ‘Green Range’).
Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila)
Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)
Jug Orchid (Pterostylis recurva)
Blue beard (Pheladenia deformis)
Mosquito orchids (Cyrtostylis robusta)
Robust snail orchid (Pterostylis dilatata)
Fawn snail orchid (Pterostylis parva)
Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata)
Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata)
Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea)
plus snail and wispy spider orchids which I was not confident to name and the possible Hybrid Dancing spider orchids.
Again we head Eastwards but this time we head out to Condingup with a detour down to the coast at Duke of Orleans Bay (The Duke). On the drive down to The Duke we pass the boundary of Cape Le Grand National Park, which has been burnt off, so we find a track and go in to check it out. We find nothing driving North so we venture deeper into the park by following a track West. Amazingly I spied a Snail orchid so we stop to investigate this are a further. Not real sure of the species and only one decent pic taken however Deb finds a lone Spider orchid further into the scrub.
Unknown species
caladenia microchila
With it’s small labellum it may be a Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila) or a Common spider orchid (Caladenia vulgata) due to white calli.
Closer shot of the small labellum
Western wispy leaf
Close-up
Looking further afield nothing much is found, however on moving back to the Triton I find a lone snail orchid which appears to have been knocked over by a kangaroo or other animal. Standing him back to attention I grab some snaps and then realise he is a Robust snail orchid (Pterostylis dilatata) due to having no rosette. A non flowering rosette though is very close by.
With non flowering rosette nearby
Non flowering rosette
Pterostylis dilatata
Deb them gives me a call as she has found some more Spider orchids. These now appear to be Western Wispy’s.
Showing the long sepals and petals
Full flower shot
Red tipped calli
We move down to the coast and even though we go to numerous different locations we find nothing in flower. The closest we get is a large spider orchid close to the creek so I just had to record this.
Yet to bloom
Full length shot
So we leave the coast and head back inland to Condingup, however we decide to take a track just south of town and follow this till we reach a dead-end in a gravel pit. Nothing in flower again so we make tracks to our old stomping ground, Condingup Peak. (Mud Map SE 39)
First point of call is the rocky outcrop at the top of the hill. Leaves spotted again so we are getting a bit disheartened, when I spy this wonderful hood of snail orchids growing in the moss on the rock. It appears to be a hood of Brittle snail orchids (Pterostylis timothyi)
Possibly Cowslips
Hood of snail orchids
Close by are some smaller snail orchids which appear to be Eastern granite snail orchids (Pterostylis sp. ‘miniature’) . I capture a photo of a possible pollinator as it disappears into the orchid after I capture the shot.
Size comparison to my index finger tip
Captured the pollinator
Full length shot
Pterostylis sp. ‘miniature’
Whilst I busy taking photos of the snails Deb looks around and finds a sole Mosquito orchid (Cyrtostylis robusta) in flower in a patch of many leaves.
Cyrtostylis robusta
Broad labellum
Profile shot
Away from the rocks now on a sandy track are more snail orchids. The rosette is small and bluish with small flowers, so appears to be Fawn snail orchid (Pterostylis parva).
Colouring, height and lateral sepals point to classification
Bluish colouring and pointed tips
Nice brown cap
We then make our way back to the Triton for arvo tea, then I walk back along the sand track towards the gravel road down the hill and notice some more snail orchids at the side of the track. As I stand upright I glance to the other side of the track and there all on it’s lonesome is a Beautiful donkey orchid (Diuris pulchella).
Diuris pulchella
Such vibrant colours
Deb then comes along in the Triton, so I hop in for a drive down the gravel road to a spot we have found Bird orchids before. Deb jumps out and finds 4 small rosettes of sprouting bird orchids, quite a way from flowering yet, so we need to revisit in a few weeks to try and catch the flower in full bloom.
We then move down to our usual spot on the hill, but as we only have 15 mins to spare we only find a late Hare orchid (leporella fimbriata). Time to make tracks as Deb starts work at 5pm.
We move to a different location on the other side of Coolinup Road and have a bite to eat for lunch. Whilst eating and having a cuppa after taking a selfie on a mound of gravel, we notice some snail and greenhood orchids. On closer inspection they are Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea) and Fawn snail orchid (Pterostylis parva). Then right next to the Triton Deb spies another Spider orchid which appears to be a Western Wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila) as the calli on the labellum have red colouring to them. This is promising!!!!
Pterostylis sanguinea
Pterostylis parva
Caladenia microchila
On the walk around we locate more snails, spiders and greenhoods. I even came across a dodgy looking hare orchid.
Yet to fully unravel those petals and lateral sepals
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Long straight sepals
Twins
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Nice specimen
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
We then move onto the small granite rock area on Coolinup Road. (Mud Map SE 38) We again had to bush bash our way in as the recent rain had created a large puddle over our access. Once through Deb finds some Mosquito orchids (Cyrtostylis robusta) in flower under the bushes so we do the best we can to get some photos. Only 1 OK one though taken.
Finding access
Cyrtostylis robusta
The we head home via one more stop. The granite rock at the corner of Le Grande Road and Merivale Road. The east side track was taken up to an abandoned picnic area. Here I find a solitary snail orchid well past its prime.
Burnt out by bushfire… Never to return by the looks of it
End of the line for this solitary fellow
We then venture up the incline and find many many Cyrtostylis leaves, a few Pyrorchis leaves and groups of Caladenia leaves. Finally find some Mosquito orchids in flower and one Red Beak orchid budding up.
first one found at this location
Very upturned labellum
Budding away
Furry leaves in a bed of moss
The wind is blowing a gale and it is freezing with light fading fast so we make tracks back to the Triton and head back down the track to Merivale Road. One lone Spider orchid I spy so jump out for some quick photos as the rain starts. Great timing to finish the day.
Unknown species
Unsure of species
Final orchid of the day but today confirms the time of the SPIDERS has arrived
Quick visit to Dempster Head ( Mud Map SE 34 ) to check on the progress o the orchids found last visit and to see if anything new has popped it’s head up. First batch of round leaves had buds growing but nothing in full flower. From the buds they will be a Cyrtostylis species. Found the spot where the Mosquito orchid (Cyrtostylis robusta) was last time and on the other side of the bush I found some better specimens.
Close profile shot
.
Grouping of 3 in flower
Still more flowers to come
The shell orchid found partially out was located now fully in bloom and confirmed to be a Curled-tongue shell orchid (Pterostylis rogersii) with a few more partially formed neighbours. I then took into the bush on a wider inspection of the area in the hope of finding something new. Found more shell and mosquito orchids and a large area of what appears to be Rabbit orchid leaves.
Nice profile shot
Fully formed now
One of the new neighbours
Brighter coloured specimen
More orange coloured
Almost forgot to check on the Eastern granite snail orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘miniature’ ) to see if he had any buddies yet. Located him and he happened to have one new friend. Nothing new found today so will re-visit in a few weeks to see what can be found as there were many leaves of what appear to be Diuris and Caladenia species.
The only 2 in flower with a lot of rosettes surrounding them
