Today we have finally decided to tackle the Great Ocean Trail. It is a walk/cycle trail from Pink Lake to Twilight Beach, being around 4.7 kms in length one-way.
As we did not start until after 2pm we only achieved the approximate halfway point before turning back. We plan to walk from the other end another day to enable us to record this trail as completed.
Signage at an intersection
The trail wound around the stabilized sand dunes, so was hilly in patches. It was also very weedy in certain sections which impacted the number of orchids found. I will list the orchids found below, with details of their recorded range and flowering season.
Numerous snail orchids were found along the way. The appearance of the flowers and rosettes varies greatly so positive ID is difficult. Please share your thoughts on possible IDs.
A beautiful Sunday afternoon in Esperance so what better way to spend it than looking for orchids. Where to go today though? Let’s hit some coastal and near coastal locations to see what we find.
First stop is a coastal Esperance location10
Walking around the marked trail from the car park Deb spies some Snail orchids growing in the scrub. These small orchids appear to be the Southern thick-sepaled snail orchid (Pterostylis meridionalis). They are found in coastal locations between Stokes Inlet and Cape Arid. Flowering from July to September in coastal woodlands and shrublands. If my ID is correct this is only the 2nd time, we have found these, which is exciting.
20-100mm in heightBloated appearanceSlightly apically thickened lateral sepalsGreen and white flowers4-6 basal rosette leaves and 3-4 cauline leavesBroadly flared petals
We now head down the dirt track to toward the granite headland. In the scrubby raised edges to the path, we are pleased to find some helmet orchids. These ones appear to be the Sand hill helmet orchid (Corysanthes despectans)which is found between Bunbury and Israelite Bay. They flower from July to early-September and grow in sandy soils in coastal woodlands and shrublands. They also occur in SA, Vic and Tas.
Now this is a newly discovered species for us so really excited.
Dorsal sepal does not form a hood over labellumLarge, incurved labellumSide on perspectiveBirdseye viewSimilar colouring to Crystal Helmet Orchid (C. limpida)Stand 9-15mm in height when floweringMany leaves but few flowersGreen, rounded, ground hugging leaf
Further down the track we come across more rounded leaves. These leaves, however, end up belonging to the Mosquito orchid (Cyrtostylis robusta). This is a widespread orchid which occurs between Perth and Israelite Bay. These flower earlier so are nearing the end of their season, being June to August.
Thin spreading petalsGreen ground hugging leafUp to 8 flowers per plantFull plant shot
At the end of the track/s before reaching the granite another species of snail orchid is found. This one is likely to be the Eastern granite snail orchid (Pterostylis voigtii) which flowers from July to September. It occurs between Stokes Inlet and Cape Arid, growing in shallow soil pockets over granite.
20-100mm in heightShortish lateral sepals1 or 2 cauline leavesFlared petalsNice hood of snailsRosette of 4 to 6 leaves
Moving onto another coastal location 11 . Here we first find some more snail orchids. Some had the slight clubbing to the lateral sepals whilst others did not. I believe the former are Southern thick-sepaled snail orchids whilst the later are Eastern granite snail orchids. Pics of both recorded.
Deb is excited to find a shell orchid. From the location of the orchid, I believe it to be the Curled-tongue shell orchid (Pterostylis rogersii). These orchids flower from June to August between Binningup and Esperance in coastal woodlands and shrublands. Another one is found nearby which is greener in colour but appears to be the same species.
Stands only 70-100mm in heightThe more common brown coloured formThe rarer green coloured formProminent hairy curved labellumWhite striped flowersObvious “Common name”
An orchid found in various shades was the Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia). A common orchid found between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay, flowering during the months August to December.
Can grow up to 450mm in height50 Shades of pink: Pale to ….50 Shades of pink: … to BrightCommon name alludes to the winged labellum and column resembling a fairySide view showing upright dorsal sepal
Another 3 species of orchid are also found. 1 of which have been found previously today: The Mosquito orchid. Newly found are the rosette of a Bird orchid and the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata). Pictures taken for future reference.
Bird orchid emergingBanded greenhoodMosquito orchid – Up to 8 flowers per plantLeaf size. 20 -50 mm wide, 30-60mm longHeight indication 90mm – Can grow to 300mmBroad, elongated labellum
Moving onto our third location for the day.12 Here a quick inspection turns up some more Curled-tongue shell orchids.
Labellum protrudes giving the common nameLong thin upright lateral sepalsBrown or green and white striped flowers
Last location of the day provides wonderful views over Pink Lake. 13 Here we are amazed to find the Beautiful donkey orchid (Diuris pulchella) growing so close to the coast. I believed it was an inland orchid as it’s range is listed as being between Salmon Gums and Israelite Bay. These stunning orchids flower from July to September.
Broadly-oval to rounded petalsNarrow, often crossed lateral sepalsSide view. Lateral sepals not crossed this timeRelatively short mid lobe to labellumBright yellow and mauve flowers
Another less colourful donkey orchid is also found. Due to our location, I believe this to be the Green Range donkey orchid (Diuris littoralis). Florabase’s map indicates they can occur in coastal locations. Also, their range is listed in my orchid books as being between Denmark and Esperance. The flowering season is July to early-September so it all fits.
Narrow, often crossed lateral sepals. though not is this case.Yellow, brown and mauve flowersOblong to elliptic petalsBroad dorsal sepalRange in height from 180 – 300mmTri-lobed labellumUp to six flowers per orchid
Further along the track we come across some more Pink fairies. These ones seem to be pink and white striped which is interesting. Also found a lone Snail orchid, ID unknown. Pics take for recording purposes.
Bloated appearance, thin lateral sepals and 2 cauline leavesRosette of unknown snail orchidInteresting pink and white striped appearanceSide view highlighting the coloured stripesSmaller flower, same interesting colouringUp to 4 flowers per orchidTwo converging rows of yellow lamina calli
The final orchids found for the day were the large white spider orchids. I now need to decide if they are all the Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa) or maybe different species. What are your thoughts?
We spend several hours exploring our coastal and near coastal locations. Then, we return home happy as we have located so many different types of orchids.
The Sand hill helmet orchid being the find of the day.
I’ll finish this post with one of the beautiful scenes we enjoyed today…
Debbie is working this afternoon. I am now retired, so I decided to explore two locations close to Esperance solo. Helms Arboretum and Myrup.9 Not much to report so I will just list the orchids found.
?? Snail orchid (Pterostylis sp.)
Found at Helms and is un-named. Have posted numerous pics of orchid flower, full plant and the rosettes to assist identification.
These orchids vary in their appearance. This can make positive ID difficult as the co-occurring (C. heberleana), also flowers during September and October. They also hybridise with (C. longicauda subsp. crassa) producing various coloured flowers. This also confuses identification
Another school holiday day with the grandkids. We decide to go out and check Monjingup Reserve. First up we check out the reserve on the town side of Telegraph Road. Here we have a picnic lunch and check out the large chess game. It had seen better days.
After a quick look around, we move onto to the Lake part of the reserve. Located on the other side of Telegraph Road. Here we take the boardwalk to the bird hide. As the water level is low the birds were a long way away so could not tell what they were. However, there was a nest in the bird hide, which was a good find. The grandkids decide to play on the lake banks for a bit. Then we continue on the walk trail which goes over the lake via a boardwalk. Here we see some little colourful birds.
Disappointingly only one orchid species was found flowering. The Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) is a common widespread orchid which flowers from late April to early September. The are listed as occurring between Perth and Israelite Bay.
To finish the day off with the grandkids we took them to the creek crossing on Quarry Road. Here we attempted to catch some more fish for our outdoor pond. As these are introduced fish to Australia, we are happy to do this as an adventure.
Another wonderful day spent with the grandkids in the great outdoors.
On the hunt for that elusive Winter Spider Orchid. To improve our chances, we are heading over to Lake King. To provide as much time as possible we have booked into the Lake King Tavern Motel for Saturday night.
However, as is usual for us we never go anywhere directly. Orchid hunting stops will be made along the way, plus we like to venture paths not previously travelled.
First up we check out a location in Coomalbidgup3 where we come across some bunny orchids.
Pictures of two findings only taken with the leaf not visible in one. The second pics show very small smooth margined leaves.
Unable to give a positive ID based on these pics so will leave as ??? bunny orchid (Eriochilus sp.)
The next couple of locations, one in Coomalbidgup4 and one in Munglinup,5 did not turn up any orchids.
I did come across a large Beehive located under a rocky overhang. I gave it a wide berth.
Another 2 stops made on the roadside verge of Lake Ace Nature Reserve followed by Kathleen Nature Reserve.
No luck in finding any orchids in flower.
We then visit a previously visited site nearby6 and here we only find some spent Pygmy orchids (Corunastylis fuscoviridis).
Oh well that was not a very successful day, orchid wise, however getting out in the bush is always enjoyable.
After spending a wonderful night at Lake King, we enjoy a leisurely morning. The after the 10am check-out we finally head out for further exploration.
Damnosa and Pallarup Nature Reserves are both checked. Unfortunately, nothing other than further spent Pygmy orchids are found.
Oh well time to go home and back to work on Monday.
The Winter spider orchids will have to wait for another year.
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.
It is Mother’s Day, so we head out to the Esperance Bird and Animal Park for breakfast. We are joined by our two son’s and their little families.
After a very enjoyable morning with family, we decide to check out Helms Arboretum. As we are in the Corolla, we will stick to the gravel tracks only. It will be interesting to see what orchids make an appearance.
As expected, the first orchids found are the bunny orchids. These little orchids flower from March in some areas all the way to June in others.
The White bunny orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus subsp. dilatatus) is the most widespread of the species. They are found between Shark Bay and Israelite Bay.
Leaf is sometimes red backed
The only other orchids found were those of the Greenhood family.
The also widespread Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) is found flowering in a few isolated spots.
They flower from April till September between Perth and Israelite Bay.
Not too many orchids currently to be found out at Helms Arboretum. Rather a slow start to the season.
