Quick check on how the sun orchids are progressing @ Helms Arboretum (Mud Map SE35) on the 22/09/2024.
Un-named hybrid sun orchid
Thelymitra antennifera x T. graminea
This was the orchid found back on the 20/09/2024. At that time the flowers had not fully opened.
Shy sun orchid
Thelymitra graminea
Many more in flower however will restrict my pics to this one.
After what seems like forever, we finally get back to check out Helms Arboretum to see what is flowering in mid-September.
As expected, we are not disappointed with many different species found.
Listed in no particular order are the orchids found grouped together for recording purposes.
Purple enamel orchid
Elythranthera brunonis
Flower: Aug to early Nov
Cowslip orchid
Caladenia flava subsp. flava
Flower: Jul to early Dec
Little pink fairy
Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans
Flower: Jul to early Oct
Un-named hybrid orchid
Caladenia flava x C. reptans
Parents flower: July to early Oct / Dec
Lemon-scented sun orchid
Thelymitra antennifera
Flower: Jul to Oct
?? snail orchid
Pterostlyis sp.
Unsure of ID.. Possibly the un-named species assigned to Helms Arboretum
Bee orchid
Diuris laxiflora
Flower: Sept to early Nov
Common bee orchid
Diuris decrementa
Flower: Late Aug to early Nov
Red beaks
Pyrorchis nigricans
Flower: Aug to Oct
Un-named hybrid orchid
Thelymitra antennifera x T.graminea
T. antennifera flowers: Jul to Oct
Shy sun orchid
Thelymitra graminea
Flower: Sept to mid-Nov
Esperance king spider orchid
Caladenia decora
Flower: Mid-Aug to Oct
Heberle’s spider orchid
Caladenia heberleana
Flower: Sept to Oct
Un-named hybrid spider orchid
Caladenia decora x C. longicauda
I have decided name this hybrid the Esperance spider orchid due to both parents being names Esperance King and Esperance White respectively.
Flower: Aug to Oct
Rattle Beaks
Lyperanthus serratus
Flower: Sept to Nov
Zebra orchid
Caladenia cairnsiana
Flower: Aug to early-Nov
Esperance white spider orchid
Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa
Flower: Aug to early-Oct
?? spider orchid
Caladenia sp.
Appears to be further Caladenia longicauda. However, they do not have the usual white colouring or the red labellum of a C.decora hybrid.
Esperance white spider orchid
Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa
Hypochromic variant
Common mignonette orchid
Microtis media subsp. media
Flower: Sept to Jan
Well, it was an amazing day out in the Arboretum, with the finds including 3 different hybrids and a hypochromic variant.
Species from 8 different genera were located which confirms this location to be one of the premier spots in the SE Coastal area of WA.
Unfortunately, in the summer of 2024/25 an uncontrolled bush fire destroyed large areas of the arboretum and to this day (12/06/2026 it is closed to the public.
Fingers crossed it will be open before the 2026 season is finished.