Purple

22/10/2022 ….. Hop out to Helms

Esperance, Helms Arboretum, Western Australian Orchids

Breakfast enjoyed at the Esperance Bird and Animal Park with my sister Lorraine, brother in-law Ken and Tim, Tian and kids. It was then time to show L&K the Helms Arboretum orchids. Well, the one’s flowering in late October that is.

It has been raining so the orchids are covered in drops of water which makes for some great pictures. First up we find the small but colourful Elegant donkey orchid (Diuris concinna) which flowers from September to early December between Bremer Bay and Cap Arid.

  • Forward projecting lateral sepals hidden under labellum
  • Tapering dorsal sepal
  • Up to 400mm in height
  • Up to 5 flowers per orchid
  • Covered in water droplets

Also, very excited to find some orchids without any colouring other than yellow. These are likely to be lutea or hypochromic versions of the Elegant donkey orchid, as the visually similar Little Esperance bee orchid is listed as a very rare orchid, so is unlikely to be found at Helms.

  • Tapered dorsal sepal
  • Elongated petals
  • Forward projecting lateral sepals hidden under labellum.
  • Up to 5 flowers per orchid

Due to the damp and overcast weather the sun orchids are barely open. Firstly, the Leopard orchid (Thelymitra benthamiana) is found. These orchids flower from September to November between Northampton and Israelite Bay. Next is most likely the Scented sun orchid, however as I overlooked taking photos of the leaf, positive ID will not be possible.

  • Leopard patterning visible
  • ?? sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.)
  • ?? sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.)
  • Multiple flowers

Other random orchids found include the Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) which flowers August to early November between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay; the Rattle beaks (Lyperanthus serratus) which flower September to November between Perth and Israelite Bay; and the White fairy orchid (Caladenia marginata) which flowers late September to November between Juien Bay and you guessed it, Israelite Bay.

  • Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)
  • Rattle beaks (Lyperanthus serratus)
  • White fairy orchid (Caladenia marginata)

Then last but definitely not least, we locate some spider orchids. The Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa) is still found in fairly good numbers, given they are recorded as flowering August to early October. The other orchid is the Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora) which flowers mid-August to October. Both orchids are recorded as occurring from Bremer Bay to as far east as Israelite Bay and Cape Arid respectively.

  • Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa)
  • Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa)
  • Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa)
  • Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)
  • Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)

With at least eight species located it turned out to be quite a successful hunt. Oh, I would love for the yellow orchids to be the Little Esperance bee orchid, however I would require a better person than myself to name them that. However even if they are just a single-coloured variety of D. concinna, that will still be fine. Tomorrow, we head north.

08/10/2022 ….. Burnt Jerramungup

Numerous days, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

OK so we finally arrive at the promised land. The burnt area near Jerramungup. We spend just short of 1hr walking around the burnt-out landscape and find the Red beaks as expected in good numbers, however the other orchids were few and far between. They are recorded below as usual.

Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans)

Habitat: Found between Shark and Israelite Bays, growing in sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and scrublands. With rare exceptions, plants flower only in the season following a summer fire.

Season: August to October

Red beaks en-masse after the summer fire

Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)

Habitat: Found between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay, growing in sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and scrublands.

Season: August to early November

Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)

Habitat: Found between Northampton and Israelite bay, growing in sandy, sandy-clay, lateritic and granitic soils in forests, woodlands and scrublands. In inland areas the subspecies is found in isolated populations on granite outcrops and rocky hills.

Season: July to early December

Blue china orchid (Cyanicula gemmata)

Habitat: Found between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay, growing in coastal heaths, open forest and mallee scrubs, on sandy to clay to gravelly loam soils.

Season: August to early November

Green spider / Fringed mantis orchid (Caladenia falcata)

Habitat: Found between Wongan Hills and Jerramungup, growing in woodlands and shrublands on sandy to clay loam soils.

Season: September & October

?? sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.)

Appear to be from the Sienna sun orchid complex due to the broad leaves.

Nearly 3pm and a bit deflated, we move on westwards looking for our overnight location.

08/10/2022 ….. Warperup East Nature Reserve

Nature Reserves, Numerous days, Road Trip, Warperup East NR, Western Australian Orchids

After leaving Ongerup, the plan was to drive to Jerramungup to check out a burnt-out area we spied on the drive to Albany on Monday, however as per usual we make an unscheduled stop at a new location for us. Warperup East Nature Reserve looked too good an opportunity to just drive by, so after less than 20kms into the drive we turn off, down Corackerup Road and pull over on the roadside to commence our exploration of this area. We spend a good 45mins here checking out various spots along the roadside and were very excited to find our first ever striped sun orchid along with other previously found species.

First orchids found were a couple from the green spider orchid complex. Now due to the calli extending past the mid-lobe of the labellum, I believe these to be the Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima) which is recorded as being found between Jerramungup (20ish kms to the east of current location) and Israelite Bay and flowers from August to early October, which covers off the date as well. Please correct me if I have wrongly identified the species.

Now for the highlight of this morning. We find many specimens of the beautiful Western azure sun orchid (Thelymitra occidentalis). This orchid is recorded as being common over its southern distribution, Cranbrook to Eyre, however as stated earlier it is our first time finding this orchid, so not common to us. They flower from September to November and can reach 400mm in height, plus may have up to 15 flowers per plant. A beautiful sight indeed.

In the middle of all these Azure sun orchids a Shy sun orchid (Thelymitra graminea) is found. A similar sized orchid though only half the numbers of flowers per plant. These orchids range from Perth to Esperance and flower in October and November.

A much smaller orchid from another genus is the next found. The Ruddy hood (Pterostylis perculta) was previously named after the town of Ongerup, prior to being formally named in 2015. These small orchids are found from the Stirling Range to Thomas River, east of Esperance. They are found growing in rocky soils during September through November.

The Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) is the final orchid we find flowering at this location. These orchids range from Kalbarri to Israelite Bay, flowering from August to early November.

We did actually find one other orchid; however, it is only in bud at this time. It appears to be an orchid from the Sienna sun orchid complex, due to the broad leaf.

Not a bad wing it stop I must say, especially given the find of the Western azure sun orchid. 5 species in total found flowering. Time now to move onto the burnt-out area near Jerramungup.

08/10/2022 ….. Ongerup walkabout

Numerous days, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

After not too cold a night we awake to a beautiful day in the Ongerup Gardens Caravan Park. After cereal for breakfast, we decide to go exploring the woodlands behind the caravan park. We take what we believe to be a rough track, but it peters out soon enough, so we go bush bashing in an attempt to find it again. We end up curving north and head up past the sporting complex. We cross Jaekel Steet and follow the track/s to the Yongergnow Malleefowl Centre, where we grab a coffee, for the walk back to the caravan park. The orchid count for such a good walk was a bit disappointing, however we did find some, so I will record them now.

Lazy spider orchid (Caladenia multiclavia)

Location: Borden to Ravensthorpe with rare populations northwards to Wongan Hills.

Habitat: Grows in woodland habitats, especially sheaok Allocasuarina species, on damp sheltered sites, often around rocky outcrops.

Season: September & October

Green spider (Fringed mantis) orchid (Caladenia falcata)

Location: Wongan Hills to Jerramungup

Habitat: Grows in a variety of woodland and shrubland habitats, on sandy to clay loam soils.

Season: September and October.

Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)

Location: Northampton to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Flowers in greater profusion after summer fire. Sand, laterite, granite. Coastal woodlands, winter-wet swamps, forest areas, granite outcrops.

Season: July to December

Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)

Location: Kalbarri to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Grows in a wide variety of habitats, including heaths, woodland, open forest and mallee scrubs.

Season: August to early November

Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera)

Location: Shark Bay to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sand, clay, sandy loam. Seasonally moist flats, creeklines, granite outcrops.

Season: July to October

Frog greenhood (Pterostylis sargentii)

Location: Northampton and Grasspatch

Habitat: Sandy clay & loam, white clayey sand, gravel, laterite, quartz, granite, limestone. Flats, gentle slopes, breakaways, rock cavities.

Season: July to November

Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile)

Location: Shark Bay to Eyre

Habitat: Sand, peaty sandy clay. Coastal swamps and sandhills, granite outcrops, winter-wet areas.

Season: July to October

Shy sun orchid (Thelymitra graminea)

Location: Perth to Esperance

Habitat: Growing in sandy or lateritic soils in woodlands and forests.

Season: October and November

Eight species ultimately found, however the numbers found were very low. Time to head toward Jerramungup, where we plan to check out a bush fire location, we spotted on the drive over on Monday.

07/10/2022 ….. Lake Toolbrunup & Kebaringup

Anderson Lake NR, Nature Reserves, Numerous days, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

Next stop on our winding drive back to Esperance is another new location. Anderson Lake Nature Reserve which is 30kms east as the crow flies from Pootenup Nature Reserve, will hopefully produce some different orchids. As we get close to the location it is apparent that it is much drier so let’s see if we actually find anything at all.

As anticipated, we struggled to find any orchids, however the ones found were indeed different. Very close to where we park, we find our first orchid. The Purple veined spider orchid (Caladenia doutchiae) flowers August through October, between Mullewa and Ravensthorpe. References checked indicate it is found growing on rises around salt lakes, which is exactly the habitat we are currently searching. Four sperate flowers were located, which portray the variable colouring to this species.

  • Smooth margined, variably coloured, red tipped labellum
  • Narrow band of labellum calli
  • Flowers 15 to 30mm across
  • Purple veins to sepals
  • Long, shortly clubbed lateral sepals
  • Short, backswept petals

It was another 15mins or so before we stumbled across another orchid. This time it was the Midget greenhood (Pterostylis mutica) that caught Debs eye. The lime green colouring stands out against the otherwise brown foliage. These small orchids flower July through October, between Wongan Hills and the SA border. They are also found in QLD, NSW, Vic, Tas and SA. Florabase mentions they are known to grow around saline lakes, again confirming we are in suitable habitat.

  • From the latin MUTICUS (without a point, awn less, blunt) alluding to the blunt petals and sepals.

The next orchid found was a pleasant surprise. First up we thought it was a frog greenhood, but as we settled in to take some photos it became apparent that it was another species. After getting back into the Triton we are excited to note that this is a new species for us. The Ruddy hood (Pterostylis perculta) flowers from late September to early November between Kojonup and Cape Arid National Park. It was only formally named in 2015, previously called sp. “Ongerup’ which alludes to its location. It is a small orchid growing to 150mm in height, may have up to 5 flowers per orchid and is found growing in sandy-clay and clay soils.

  • Almost hairless labellum
  • Straight to slightly upcurved lateral sepals
  • 70-150mm in height

As alluded to earlier we had returned to the Triton as this location did not prove overly productive, however finding a new species is always amazing. We head north up to Gnowangerup, then west stopping along the roadside in Kebaringup. I believe this is only our 2nd time visiting this location so we will see what turns up this time.

Straight up the large white spider orchids catch our eye. The Stark white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens) is probably the species found, based solely on location. They flower August to early October between Moora and Esperance and can grow to 600mm in height.

  • Four or more rows of red calli
  • 300 – 600mm in height
  • Spider on spider orchid

Further orchids are found, though not in great numbers. The Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) the Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) and the Green spider orchid (Caladenia falcata) are all represented by sole specimens.

  • Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile)
  • Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
  • Green spider orchid (Caladenia falcata)

More Purple veined spider orchids are found in better numbers. Then another single specimen on anorchid is found. The Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media) is a widespread orchid being found flowering between Shark Bay and Eyre during the months of September through January. The final orchid found for the day was a good bunch of Jospeh’s spider orchid (Caladenia polychroma), which are found between Boyup Brook and the Fitzgerald River National Park during the months of September and October.

  • Purple-veined spider orchid (Caladenia doutchiae)
  • Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media)
  • Joseph’s spider orchid (Caladenia polychroma)

We decide to move on and look for somewhere to stay the night. As we have 2 vehicles and a camper trailer, we make the decision to check into the Ongerup Gardens Caravan Park for the night. It was a choose you own site sort of place, so we parked up close to the ablutions. This was a great day orchid hunting in our wonderful Western Australian outdoors.

25/09/2022 ….. Gibbo re-visited.

List of Orchids Found, Sunday Drive, Western Australian Orchids

Earlier this season (June) we checked out the burnt area north of Gibson and found greenhoods but nothing else. Now that we are at the other end of the season, we pop out there again to record what is now flowering. After nearly 3hrs searching the area, we were pleased to find so many orchids flowering. I hope you enjoy the photos below, that record what species we found.

Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media)

Season: Sept to Jan

Distribution: Shark Bay to Eyre

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media)
Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans)

Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans)

Season: Aug to Oct

Distribution: Shark Bay to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands. Usually only flower the season following a summer fire.

Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)

Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)

Season: Aug to early Nov

Distribution: Kalbarri to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana)

Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana)

Season: Aug to early Nov

Distribution: Lancelin to Esperance

Habitat: Sandy and sandy-clay soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Little pink fairy (Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans)

Little pink fairy (Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans)

Season: July to early Oct

Distribution: Northampton to Esperance

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)

Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)

Season: July to early Dec

Distribution: Northampton to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay, lateritic and granitic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Little pink fan orchid (Caladenia nana subsp. nana)

Little pink fan orchid (Caladenia nana subsp. nana)

Season: Late Sept to Oct

Distribution: Perth to Bremer Bay. ( 250kms to the West )

Habitat: Sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests and woodlands. Best in the season following a summer fire.

White fairy orchid (Caladenia marginata)

White fairy orchid (Caladenia marginata)

Season: Late Sept to Nov

Distribution: Jurien Bay to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy and sandy-clay soils in seasonally wet flats and runoff areas on granite outcrops. Flowers best in season following a summer fire.

Blue china orchid (Cyanicula gemmata)

Blue china orchid (Cyanicula gemmata)

Season: Aug to early Nov

Distribution: Kalbarri to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay, lateritic and granitic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Granite china orchid (Cyanicula nikulinskyae)

Granite china orchid (Cyanicula nikulinskyae)

Season: Sept to early Nov

Distribution: Fitzgerald River National Park and Israelite Bay

Habitat: Shallow soil pockets on granite outcrops. The recently integrated Condingup china orchid (C. sp ‘Esperance”) was listed as growing in shrublands and woodlands.

Heberle’s spider orchid (Caladenia heberleana)

Heberle’s spider orchid (Caladenia heberleana)

Season: Sept to Oct

Distribution: Augusta to Cape Arid

Habitat: Sandy and sandy-clay soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)

Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)

Season: Mid Aug to Oct

Distribution: Bremer Bay to Cape Arid

Habitat: Sandy-clay and clay soils in woodlands and shrublands.

Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima)

Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima)

Season: Aug to early Oct

Distribution: Jerramungup to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy and sandy-clay soils in woodlands and shrublands.

Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea)

Season: Aug to early Oct

Distribution: Kalbarri to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy soils in woodlands and shrublands.

Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea)
White mignonette orchid (Microtis alba)

White mignonette orchid (Microtis alba)

Season: Oct to Jan

Distribution: Dongara to Esperance

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and seasonally wet flats. Most common in the season following a summer fire.

Bee orchid (Diuris laxiflora)

Bee orchid (Diuris laxiflora)

Season: Sept to early Nov

Distribution: Gingin to Esperance

Habitat: Sandy-clay and clay soils in seasonally wet areas.

Twisted sun orchid (Thelymitra flexuosa)

Twisted sun orchid (Thelymitra flexuosa)

Season: Sept to Oct

Distribution: Kalbarri and Israelite Bay

Habitat: Seasonally-wet flats and shallow soil pockets on granite outcrops.

Swamp mignonette orchid (Microtis atrata)

Swamp mignonette orchid (Microtis atrata)

Season: Sept – Nov

Distribution: Jurien Bay to Israelite Bay. Also found in SA, Vic and Tas.

Habitat: Sandy-clay and clay soils in seasonally-wet flats.

Hybrid orchid (Caladenia x sp.)

Hybrid orchid (Caladenia flava x reptans)

Season: July to early Dec

Distribution: Northampton to Esperance

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay, lateritic and granitic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

18 species and 1 hybrid found in just over 2 and a half hours of searching in the 1 location. A SUPER SUNDAY!!!!!

17/09/2022 ….. Fishing Trip Findings

Cape le Grand NP, National Parks, Weekend away, Western Australian Orchids

It is the Esperance Offshore Fishing Club Classic and my brother, Geoff and Deb have entered the competition as have friends Bob and Tammy. So, a little group of 6 head out to Dunns Beach for an overnight beach camp, with some to try their luck. I am not a fisherperson so during Saturday afternoon I head into the dunes behind the beach to see if I can locate any orchids. Our son Tim turned up as well to fish into the night.

Beach camping Dunns Beach

OK, so into the dunes I head. Immediately behind the first set of dunes the land was flooded, so had to work my way around this to get into the more stabilised dunes where some orchids may be found.

Flooding between the dunes

Finally made it to the stabilised dune system, which was densely vegetated, so it proved difficult to transverse. However, I was rewarded with great views, plus I actually found some orchids. Some were finished, others were in bud, but I still found 3 species in flower. I took photos of them all, however they are not great.

Firstly, found is a sole Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) at the end of its flowering cycle. These orchids are known to flower in coastal heath between Perth and Balladonia. Next were orchids in bud, still to flower, which was frustrating. They appear to be Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia) which are also listed as growing in coastal heath, though over a larger range, Kalbarri to Israelite Bay. Another orchid in bud was one from the Thelymitra genus plus another finished orchid from the Pterostylis genus, which seems to be a Snail orchid.

Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata)
Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia)
?? sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.)
?? snail orchid (Pterostylis sp.)

The next 3 orchids listed were found flowering … So happy to find flowering orchids. The Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta) was found first. These small orchids are found between Dumbleyung and Mt Ragged, which seems to be more inland, so finding one in a coastal environment is special. A single Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) is found growing in a tangle of dead branches of a shrub. These bright orchids flower between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay which indicates coastal shrublands are an included habitat. Final orchid for the day was the Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera) which is listed as flowering between Shark Bay and Israelite Bay, growing in seasonally wet areas and creek lines, which covers off on the habitat I found it in.

Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)
Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera)
Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta)
Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta)
Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)

I was not expecting to find 7 species to record as being located in the stabilised dunes behind Dunns Beach, which is located in Cape Le Grand National Park, which is great as I don’t have many records for that park listed in my previous blogs.

Back at camp the rest had started fishing with a few small fish caught. It was a beautiful sunset as is common out here on the beach, but I never grow tired of them. Deb does catch a nice sized Gummy shark later in the night. We are so spoilt to live in this beautiful and remote part of the country.

11/09/2022 ….. Sunny Sunday

Sunday Drive, Western Australian Orchids

What better way to spend a beautiful sunny spring September day that to go exploring for orchids. A decision needs to be made on which direction: North, East, West or maybe a combination.

East wins the day, so off we head directly to Condingup townsite, as we wanted to see if the Drakaea leaves had produced orchids. We were in luck, as the King-in-his-carriage (Drakaea glyptodon) was in flower. These interesting looking orchids are found flowering from Eneabba to Esperance during the months of Aug, Sept and Oct. Condingup is in the Shire of Esperance and approx 70kms east of the Esperance townsite.

More orchids from different genera are found in this location as well. Caladenia is represented by 3 different species. Firstly, the Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa) is found. As the name suggests this orchid ranges from Bremer Bay to Israelite Bay, so includes a vast area of the Esperance shire. Then the equally large Heberle’s spider orchid (Caladenia heberleana) which ranges between Augusta and Cape Arid, is found scattered around. A single specimen of the Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila) with a wonky labellum is the last species found. These smaller spider orchids are found over a much wider range, from Kondinin and Madura.

Next, we found various orchids, each representing their genus. First up the Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) which ranges from Kalbarri and Israelite Bay. Then the Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) which ranges from Shark Bay to Israelite Bay and finally the Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementa) which ranges from Perth to east of Esperance.

Next location checked is one our spots along Parmango Road, a few clicks east of Condingup. Parking up the Triton, we go for a quick look and find some Common bee orchids and a few Heberle’s spider orchid, which were both located back in Condingup previously.

Not a hugely fruitful location, so we move up a few hundred metres to another favoured location and immediately encounter many more orchids. First up are more Common bee orchids, in good numbers here and further along the track.

Luckily some new species for the day are encountered as well. First up is the Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) which is a widespread orchid, being found from Geraldton to Israelite Bay. Then the much smaller Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana) is found, with these orchids being found between Lancelin and Esperance. Another new species for the day is the ever popular and spectacular Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) which is one of the most, if not the most widespread orchid in WA. Including the 4 subspecies, it is found south of the line Shark Bay to Israelite Bay. Then a very local new species is found, the Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora). These orchids are found between Bremer Bay and Cape Arid.  

Other new species for the day include the Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea) and the Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera) which both range from north of Geraldton to Israelite Bay. Then some others found previously today are found again, including Red beaks, the Purple enamel orchid and the Western wispy spider orchid.

This was a much better location, with 10 species found, however we need to keep moving. So off to a new location, along Fisheries Road in Howick. We drive slowly down the track and occasionally spy an orchid, at which time we have a scout around for more orchids, before moving on again. This location proves rather fruitful with 8 species found, including 2 new ones for the day. First up I will mention new species found; Beautiful donkey orchid (Diuris pulchella) which is an easterly occurring orchid, found between Salmon Gums, Esperance and Balladonia. The smaller Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta) is also found over a larger easterly range, Dumbleyung to Mt Ragged.

The other orchids found at this location were the Cowslip orchid, Western wispy spider orchid, Esperance king spider orchid, Lemon-scented sun orchid, Jug orchid and Esperance white spider orchid.

Now our final location for the day, is one of our favourite spots. The area around Boyatup Hill never disappoints. I will start with the new species for the day, then confirm the findings of those previously found earlier today, as also being located this far east of Esperance.

The Custard orchid (Theymitra villosa) is a nice yellow coloured sun orchid which is found flowering between Northampton and Israelite Bay. Then we have the equally brightly coloured Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea) which flowers slightly further north in Kalbarri then south to Israelite Bay.

Another 2 new species for the day include the Rabbit orchid (Leptoceras menziesii) which is another orchid that ranges from Israelite Bay, but only to Geraldton this time and the Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians) which is listed between Kalbarri and Esperance. The maps do show occurrences east of Esperance; however, I have posted images on iNaturalist asking fellow Citizen Scientists to assist me in identification.

Now to list the orchids previously found at earlier locations, that were also found around Boyatup hill. Purple enamel orchid, Lemon-scented sun orchid, Esperance king spider orchid, Heberle’s spider orchid, Cowslip orchid, Dancing spider orchid, Beautiful donkey orchid, Common bee orchid and a lone fertilised Jug orchid. EDIT: Fellow citizen scientists from my iNaturalist post have advised the Bee orchid (Diuris laxiflora) is the correct ID, so it is not the Common bee, which makes this another species found for the day.

Now you can see why this location is a favourite of ours. With at least 13 species found with a white variant of the Pink candy orchid being a special find. Well, it has been a long day, and we have an hour or so drive home. Time to reflect on the 17 EDIT: 18 species found today, making east of Esperance a special spot for orchids.

09/10/2022 ….. Memorial Memories

Cocanarup Timber Reserve, Numerous days, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

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.

Three new orchids for the day are found: Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) which flowers August to early November between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay, the Common dragon orchid (Caladenia barbarossa), which flowers September to mid-November between Bindoon and Esperance and Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) which flowers August to October between Shark and Israelite Bays.

Further confusion from more blue sun orchids. The thick leafed one must be the Scented sun orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla) which flowers from August to October between Perth and Bremer Bay, however, it is listed as being found in the Ravensthorpe shire on Florabase. The others found growing together in the reeds could be the Slender sun orchid (Thelymitra vulgaris) which flowers during September and October, between Geraldton and Esperance. The thinner leaf is visible in a reddish tone in the picture below.

Not such a bad way to spend travelling back from a week away with work. This last stop just before reaching Ravensthorpe, was later in the season than when we usually visit, however it still turned up some nice orchids. Homeward bound for Esperance as it is 1pm and we still have 2hrs of driving left.