We enjoy a leisurely breakfast with brother Geoff and Robyn before heading down to Dwellingup Cemetery to pay our respects to our dearly departed family. In the parking area alongside the cemetery, we find some banded greenhoods. Appears to be two species. The very tall specimen appears to be the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata), whilst the dark brown coloured one is likely the Cupped banded greenhood (Pterostylis concava). The cupped lateral sepals I feel assist with this identification.
Moving on towards Quindanning we pull into the Quindanning Forest on the Pinjarra-Williams Road and have a quick look in the bush. As we are still within the Jarrah Forest, albeit the eastern boundary, we find the same two species of greenhoods. Some of the brown coloured may be another species but I will leave the positive ID to another day. Posting on iNaturalist for assistance.
Again, we move on, but we decide not to go as far as Williams. Instead, we turn south down the Williams-Darkan road and make our next stop at Culbin Nature Reserve. This reserve appears to contain the original Culbin school reserve which is recorded as being 5 acres. A plaque has been erected confirming the previous existence of the school. We decide to check out the reserve in the fairly cleared areas and find more Banded greenhoods (P. vittata). We were just about to resign ourselves to the fact that greenhoods will be all we find today, when we stumble across some recognisable Hare orchids (Leporella fimbriata) still in flower. Small mercies!!
Further along the Willams-Darkan Road we pull over at a gravelly area with large gum trees in the hope this change in habitat will provide something different for the day. Not to be, only a sole specimen was found of the Cupped banded greenhood. Pics taken for recording purposes.
We make it to Darkan and have a quick look around. Nothing much here so onwards we go. South of Darkan we pull into Towerringing Lake which has an amazing private campground/caravan park on the lakes edge. Maybe for another time. We grab a snack from our supplies as we plan on getting lunch at the Kojonup Country Kitchen. We enjoy a toasted sandwich each before the final leg of today’s drive, to Albany. Here we check into our accommodation and decide to have dinner at restaurant recommended by our B&B host. The Chanya Thai is a nice hidden gem down at the harbour below Stirling Terrace. Here Deb enjoyed a beautiful Prawn dish, and I had a nice Thai curry. A great way to end a long but enjoyable day.
Towerringing Lake day use area Beautiful prawn dish
After breakfast with Richard at his house sit on Rockingham beach we make tracks for Dwellingup via lunch in Mandurah with sister Maxine. We detour along Scarp road for a quick explore as we will catch up with brother Geoff after he finishes work. We touch the boundary of Lane Pool Reserve, so unsure if our locations are in the reserve or not but will record them as so.
Orchids are found which is exciting. First up is the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata)which is a green and white striped orchid which is found between Perth and Israelite Bay. They range in height from 100 to 450mm and can have between 1 and 25 flowers per plant. In fact, one of the orchids found measured over 530mm in height. Pic with tape measure taken as proof.
Also discovered were some Slender snail orchids (Pterostylis crispula)which are found between Perth and Albany growing in sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands. They flower from July through to early October and can grow to 250mm in height. The petals and dorsal sepal are joined and form a hood with the dorsal sepal forming a short point.
The Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva)was also found; however, it was not fully open as yet, which fits with the recorded flowering period being August to October. We then continued on to Dwellingup, however Geoff was still at work so whilst Deb had a relax, I went for a quick walk into the surrounding bush and came across the rosettes of some Bird orchids (Pterostylis sp.) which are also listed as flowering from July/August so just a tad early it seems. Pics taken of both for recording purposes.
Geoff arrives home and takes us for a drive out to the river to show us the Dwaarlindjirraap Bridge over the river constructed for bicycles and pedestrians only. It was an amazing site and a great way to end the day before having a wonderful night at Geoff and Robyn’s place.
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.
Size comparison to index fingertipSpiral leafPlants can grow to 200mm in heightPurple tinge to base of leafSpotted budShowing the base of the spiral leafOrchid budTypical habitat we found them growing in.
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.
Nice double header Hare orchidShort statured Mallee banded greenhood
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.
Today we plan to catch up with 2 fellow native orchid enthusiasts out at Condingup, which is 69kms or so East of Esperance. We arrive at the townsite location, park up the Triton, then head off on our search, whilst we await the others. As it turns out Kath will be arriving a bit later, so we only meet up with Varena at this location.
After exploring for a while, we finally meet Varena and compare notes from our current and previous visits to this location. We do appear to have found the same species with some possible variation.
Some early season species are found still hanging in there. The Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata) is still recognisable even though it commences flowering back in March, with June listed as its final flowering month. Another early season orchid is the Scented Autumn leek orchid (Prasophyllum sp. ‘early’) which flowers from April through to July. The final orchid found here was a Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) which flowers from late April to September. We were successful in finding some Curly locks in bud; however, we could not find any King-In-his-Carriage orchid leaves or buds. Maybe we will get a chance to revisit later in the season.
Moving on to Condingup Peak (Mud Map SE39) for a quick check. Nothing found other than a very worse for wear Hare orchid. Kath pulls up just as we were leaving, so we make tracks for the Parmango Road location to have a quick bite to eat for lunch, before we take them on the trek to our Curly locks location.
Unfortunately, not a great deal was found flowering here either. More Banded greenhood and Hare orchids were found, with the only excitement being a nice patch of Robust snail orchids (Pterostylis dilatata) being found hiding in the middle of a low-lying shrub. These are large snail orchids that lack a rosette and have clubbed lateral sepals, both being distinguishing features. They flower from May through to August, so are another early season orchid, which appears to be the theme for today.
Final destination to share is our spot in the Beaumont Nature Reserve. A very quick explore which turned up some nice specimens of the Banded greenhood or are they? We still enjoyed our day showing Kath and Varena some of our local haunts. I trust they enjoyed their day as well.
Just a quick trip out to my Pink Lake lookout location to see what is currently flowering. Only one species found which is a bit disappointing however I am always happy to find the unassuming Pterostylis genus. When I first starting my interest in native orchids, I was completely unaware of these very strange, usually green orchids. On first glance they blend in with their surroundings due to the unusual flowers being coloured the same as the stem and leaves. The common name for the complex; Greenhoods, is very apt given the colouring and structure of the flowers. The flowers are usually green and white striped (more rarely fawn and white striped), with the joined petals and dorsal sepal forming a hood over the column. The species found is the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) which is a common orchid found flowering over a wide distribution, between Perth and Israelite Bay from late April to early September. They can grow to over 450mm in height and can have up to 25 flowers per plant. They were named way back in 1839, from specimens collected inland of Albany, from the Latin “vittatus” for longitudinally striped.
What better reason to travel up to Perth and Dwellingup than to help to celebrate 2 milestone birthdays. This will be the first road trip in my new car, a hybrid Toyota Corolla I have named Fili, due to its red colouring matching the Blood spider orchid (Caladenia filifera).
FILI – My new Hybrid Toyota Corolla – Pit stop in Corrigin
Travelled up Friday by taking another RDO, which gives us time to make a quick orchid stop, firstly near Corrigin (Mud Map E12). Not a very successful location this early in the season with only 1 bunny orchid found. Given the location and the small stem leaf I will name this one the Blunt-leaved bunny orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus subsp. brevifolius), which flowers April to June over a range from Murchison River to Toolina Cove, as previous subspecies orientalis and undulatus have now been combined into brevifolius. Refer this BioOne article.
One other location checked quickly was Williams Road where we found a shell orchid in bud; most likely the Red-veined shell orchid (Pterostylis hamiltonii) which flowers late May to early August over an inland range from Toodyay to Stirling Range.
Now to get to Perth for the 60th Birthday Party for a High School and Youth Club friend, Kim. Next morning, Saturday the 13th we head up to Dwellingup to catch up with my sister Lorraine and her family, who was celebrating her 70th birthday by having a weekend away. As the road bridge over the Murray River was closed for repairs we parked on the North bank and walked over and then onto Nanga Bush Camp where my sister and family were staying. After enjoying a wonderful Birthday breakfast, we said our goodbyes and got drenched on the walk back to our cars due to a freak rain shower. Welcome back to Dwellingup 🙂
Back in Dwellingup we pop up to the Forest Discovery Centre to say hello to Megan, my niece and it is in the carpark we find some bunny orchids. It was fun showing people these unusual small orchids for the first time. The orchids found are now known as the White bunny orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus subsp. dilatatus) as per the beforementioned article on BioOne. Subspecies magnus and multiflorus, which these orchids would have most likely have been identified as, have been absorbed by dilatatus.
We spend the afternoon with Geoff and Robyn and sister; Maxine which leads into an evening catch-up and sleepover. Next morning, we make the start of our long drive home to Esperance. Only one orchid hunt is completed on this leg and that is checking a location near Hyden for the elusive Winter spider orchid. No luck with them but we did find some more bunny orchids. This time round they appear to be the now defunct Crinkle-leafed bunny orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus subsp. undulatus)which is now subsp. brevifolius as per the previously mentioned article.
It was a great weekend catching up with family and friends and being there to celebrate Kim’s 60th and Lorraine’s 70th birthdays. Orchid wise not so great, but we did find some.
IMPORTANT NOTE It was only when writing this blog in Jan 2024 that I realized Florabase had removed the following subspecies from the dilatatus group: magnus, multiflorus, orientalis and undulatus. Only 2 subspecies remain: dilatatus and brevifolius. I then checked online and found the BioOne article dated 16/04/2020, which advises which subspecies were combined. I have now named my orchids based on this change. My latest reference book: The Complete Orchids of Western Australia (Andrew Brown) however still includes a total of 8 subspecies, which adds to confusion with Identification.
Today is a much sunnier day than yesterday, so our drive north will be nice and warm. After around 1 hr in the Triton we arrive at Mount Ridley where we first venture up to the Rock Art. Here we show Lorraine, my sister and brother-in-law Ken the art hidden on the underside of the hollowed-out boulder. It is quite amazing.
Providing a size perspective
The unique rock art
Returning from viewing the art
We then go exploring the nearby boulders and other interesting rocky features. It is during this walk around that amazingly, we find an orchid growing in the very hot, dry foliage, in a shallow soil pocket on the granite. The orchid is from the Rufous complex of the Pterostylis genus. The rosette is completely dried as are three of the five flowers. Another similar specimen is found further along which also has a dried rosette and four of the seven flowers are finished. The 2nd specimen appears to match the description for the Striped rufous greenhood (Pterostylis zebrina) which is recorded as flowering in September and October over a range between Karlgarin and Mt Ridley, the latter being our current location.
?? rufous greenhood – Shriveled rosette to flowering orchid.
?? rufous greenhood – 5 flowers to this orchid
?? rufous greenhood – Differing stripes to P. zebrina
?? rufous greenhood – Translucent hood
P. zebrina – Typical habitat
P.zebrina – Long hairs to labellum
P. zebrina – Up-curved lateral sepals
P. zebrina – Uniformly striped hood
We explored a bit more, enjoying the unique rock formations of the area and unexpectedly we came across some other orchids. Orchids from the Microtis genus were found growing with the “Borya” in shallow soil on the granite, with taller ones found growing in the scrub at the base of the rocks. As they had finished flowering it is not possible to positively identify them so will just leave them assigned to their genus.
?? mignonette orchid (Microtis sp.)
?? mignonette orchid (Microtis sp.)
Moving back to the carpark at the base of the rock, we enjoy a bite to eat for lunch at the old well site. Back on foot we walk around to the rock wave, for some quiet contemplation, before heading home for a coldie.
Upon leaving the Jerramungup burnt are we head east looking for somewhere to park up for the night. We make it about 35kms when we pull into the Jacup Highway Park at the Fitzgerald River crossing. This will do, so we set up the camper and I do my best to drive over a log in my Ford Falcon, not the greatest idea 🙂 I’ve had.
Now we still have the late afternoon to go orchid hunting. As per our previous visit to this location, we are not disappointed. First, we find the Green spider/Fringed mantis orchid (Caladenia falcata) flowering in isolation and in small groups over the entire area we checked out.
Calli extend to mid lobe only
Clubbed sepals
Parent and hybrid child
As can be seen in the picture above the hybrid, Wheatbelt spider orchid (Caladenia x cala) was also found. It was amazing how many were actually found, as we usually find one or two only in each location.
Attractive hybrid
Red hockey stick shaped calli
Regularly found in twins
Standing up to 400mm in height
Long fringe segments to greenish-white, red-tipped labellum
Long pendulous lateral sepals
Another parent and hybrid child
And of course, we also found the other parent for the hybrid. The Stark white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens) occurs as far east as Ravensthorpe and grows in open woodlands so seems to fit the bill.
Broad labellum
Broad bases to lateral sepals
May be found in tight groups
Bright white in colour
Labellum yet to curl under
Next, we find the very special Lazy spider orchid (Caladenia multiclavia) which is recorded as occurring between Wongan Hills, Borden and Ravensthorpe. This unusual looking orchid is known for its upright petals and sepals plus the smooth striped labellum with a dense band of bristly headed calli.
Tied up with cobwebs
All sepals and petals held upright
Horizontally held flowers.
Lazing with friends
Greenish-yellow flowers with heavy red striping and shading
Striped diamond shaped labellum
Can stand up to 250mm in height
A mobile labellum – Vertical to Horizontal
Dorsal sepal and petals almost joined.
Lazing in the late afternoon sunshine
We also come across a mixture of other orchids but not in great numbers, so I will record then with only 1 pic each. Firstly, there is the ever-reliable Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) and Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media). Both are common, widespread orchids. Then the more rarely found, without a recent summer fire, Red Beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) is discovered with a nine-flower inflorescence. Finally, a pale coloured Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea) and possibly a Ravensthorpe rufous greenhood (Pterostylis leptochila) yet to fully flower are found.
Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media)
One orchid not expected was the Common dragon orchid (Caladenia barbarossa)which is found flowering between Bindoon and Munglinup. There are only 4 species of dragon orchids, and all are endemic to WA. Only 2 specimens found but still very happy.
Column overlooks the large major callus
Standing up to 300mm in height
Spreading petals and lateral sepals
Distinctive hairy labellum
However, one final orchid is found in decent numbers. The Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis), is found flowering between Northampton and Ravensthorpe from August to October. The labellum can have smooth margins or tiny marginal teeth.
Drooping petals and lateral sepals
Dorsal sepal can be held erect.
Two distinct bands of calli
Dorsal sepal can also droop
Red striped labellum
Stand up to 350mm in height
Back to camp due to the fading light.
Small campfire lit
We awake to a beautiful sunny morning, have breakfast then decide we will take some time this morning to complete a search down to the river. Fingers crossed for something new.
First up though I will post pictures of those orchids we come across that we also found in our afternoon search yesterday.
Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis)
Wheatbelt spider orchid (Caladenia x cala)
Stark white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens)
Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media)
Lazy spider orchid (Caladenia multiclavia)
Now for the new findings of the location. The Short-sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura) is found between Jerramungup and Israelite Bay from August to October. Only one specimen found, and not the best picture, but a record non the less. Another sole specimen found was that of the Bee orchid (Diuris laxiflora) which flowers September to early November between Gingin and Esperance.
Short-sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura)
Bee orchid (Diuris laxiflora)
Blue sun orchids are found in good numbers closer to the river. Now identifying them is needed. As I am writing this account over 12mth later I am identifying them from pictures taken. Based on these I feel some to be Scented sun orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla) due to the broad leaf and large numerous flowers. Others though have thin leaves with fewer flowers, so are most likely the Shy sun orchid (Thelymitra graminea). Both are recorded as flowering in the Shires of Ravensthorpe and Jerramungup during the month of October.
Shy sun orchid (Thelymitra graminea)
Shy sun orchid (Thelymitra graminea)
Shy sun orchid (Thelymitra graminea)
?? sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.)
Scented sun orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla)
Scented sun orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla)
Scented sun orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla)
Scented sun orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla)
?? sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.)
Sun orchid with Green spider orchid
?? sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.)
It is 11am so we had better push on as we need to arrive home in Esperance today. One last stop is made at Kukenarup Memorial, where we enjoy a spot of lunch before one last exploration for orchids.
