Ruddy hood

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.

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.