Spider – WA Orchid Adventures

Helms Arboretum – We did miss you !!

25/09/2017

After a weekend of fishing we head out to Helms Arboretum (Mud Map SE35) on a long weekend Monday, to see what has changed whilst we were away on our Road Trip. First up are the usual suspects : Common bee orchids (Diuris decrementa), Cowslip orchids (Caladenia flava subsp flava), Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera), Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) and Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)

Profile of twins

Pale yellow colouration

Twisted up

Shimmery appearance

Looks very glossy when wet

These guys were all found prior to our Road Trip as well, so the search now is for anything new. Well we are not disappointed, as we find a patch with many White spider orchids. Some appear to be the Rigid white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. rigidula) as the petals and lateral sepals are stiffly spread. One had white fringe segments and the other red, same with the calli. This orchid is found between Ravensthorpe and Israelite Bay from August to early October.

White labellum with 4 or more rows of pale red calli

Relatively, short spreading petals and lateral sepals

Other white spider orchids were found which seem to be another species or subspecies. Some appear to be the Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa) which flowers August to early October as well, but ranges from Jerramungup to Cape Arid. The flowers are larger with broader petals and sepals.

Large white labellum, with narrow fringe segments

Broad spreading petals and lateral sepals

The other appears to be the Reclining spider orchid (Caladenia cruscula) due to its short labellum and short petals and lateral sepals. This one flowers August to September and ranges between Salmon Gums and Mt Ragged. So we are a bit south of this range

Narrow fringe segments

Short labellum

With so many variables and possibilities my naming of the above orchids is quite likely incorrect, so please let me know your thoughts. However the next orchid is more recognisable. The Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana) can only be confused with the Dwarf Zebra orchid which is found in inland areas and has a incurved dorsal sepal.

Lovers dancing

Up-swept, red-striped labellum

Petals and lateral sepals hang down surrounding the ovary

Erect dorsal sepal

Final orchids found were more Cowslip orchids in good numbers. Some pics taken then off we go to have our big catch of fish weighed.

Held up from the ground

Quite a good clumping

This was our final orchid adventure of the 2017 West Australian orchid season. I hope you have enjoyed reading about our adventures as much as we enjoyed having them. 2018 will prove a more challenging year as we move into our newly built home in April/May. So we will be busy painting, putting up fences, laying lawn, landscaping and numerous other tasks. This will reduce the hours available for Orchid Adventures, so we will see how the new year progresses. Until then take care.

Last Hoorah of our Holidays

22/09/2017

As we came home early from our Road Trip we had to finish our holidays with a final orchid hunt. What better place to check out than Boyatup Hill (Mud Map SE40) . Like Helms Arboretum, Boyatup never disappoints. Arriving at 10am we immediately go exploring for orchids. Our first orchid is the Purple enamel orchid ( Elythranthera brunonis). Closely followed by the small Diuris orchid, from the Bee orchid complex. From the habitat found and the small stature of the plants they appear to be the Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementa).

Twins

Small, yellow, brown marked flowers

Two large, black basal calli

Glossy flowers

Forward projecting lateral sepals

Pinkish colour variant

In close proximity we come across a Red beak (Pyrorchis nigricans), Cowslip orchids (Caladenia flava subsp. flava), more Purple enamel orchids and Common bee orchids.

Up to five flowers per plant

Common, red marked yellow flowers

Great family shot

Distinctive red and white flowers

Then prior to hopping back in the Triton we find some Lemon-scented sun orchids (Thelymitra antennifera) and what appears to be an Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora) nearing the end of it’s season.

Small antennae like column lobes

Stiffly held petals and sepals

We now pass through the gravel pit and head up the track to a spot that allows us to turn around, where we get out have morning tea, then head on up the overgrown track on foot, towards the granite outcrop. Along this overgrown track we find some Pink candy orchids (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea), more Cowslip orchids and Esperance king spider orchids, plus some of the small, Zebra orchids (Caladenia cairnsiana).

Short, spreading petals and lateral sepals

Twins

Red tipped labellum

Upright dorsal sepal

As mentioned Boyatup is a great location and as proof we have already found 8 varieties in the first half hour of looking. What will a few hours bring? We can’t wait to find out.

Next orchid found was a Pointing spider orchid (Caladenia exstans) which is only found between Esperance and Israelite Bay from September to early November.

Named after the labellum projecting forwards

Smooth margined labellum

More yellow spied. Cowslips and Lemon-scented sun orchids found.

3 is a crowd

Enjoying the sunshine

Red colouring is varaible

No scrub will stop them finding the sun

Then to our surprise we find a Beautiful donkey orchid (Diuris pulchella), very near it’s season end, but still showing off it’s mauve colouring.

The beautiful mauve colouring

Found north and east of Esperance

The further along we walk the more we find. More Zebra, Cowslip, Pink Candy, Pointing spider and Beautiful donkey orchids, then something new for the day. We break out of the overgrown track onto an open, damp, low granite rock space about the size of a soccer pitch and find a Blue china orchid (Cyanicula gemmata ), but exact identification is uncertain as 3 different species can be found in this location.

Short, scattered labellum lamina calli

Mauve-blue to purple flowers

Next orchids found were a small grouping of a Caladenia hybrid. One parent is the Cowslip orchid but deciding the other was proving difficult. The other parent does not appear to be the usual Pink fairy orchids as the dorsal sepal hangs forward over the column, which is a feature of the Pink fans. Reviewing the site esperancewildflowers.blogspot.com.au and the Spider Orchids EBook 2018 it appears the other parent to be the Little pink fan orchid. I would never have picked this due to the recorded location being West of Bremer Bay. So in my research the EBook mentions a hybrid between these two orchids being photographed in Esperance and the Esperance wildflowers blog records finding the Little pink fan orchid within his 160km radius of Esperance. So I am recording these orchids as (Caladenia flava x Caladenia nana) an unnamed hybrid.

View from above

Forward facing dorsal sepal, typical of C. nana

Colours of both parents

Beautiful little hybrid

Before leaving this open area we find our smallest orchid of the day. A Laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum macrostachyum) which is found September through January in a range from Dongara to Cape le Grand. We are 50km East of this range however the flowers appear wider spaced, lateral sepals are shorter and dorsal sepal is wider, than the related Little laughing leek orchid, so I am happy with my classification.

Flowers more widely spaced that the Little laughing leek orchid

Still a very small orchid

The track becomes over grown again and we find a lone spider orchid. Appears to be a Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila) although this is far from certain

The most Eastern spider orchid

Smaller labellum than other wispy’s

Then we come to the low prickly scrub which leads up to the Granite outcrop. Close to the base of the rock is a thick woodland but for now we are searching in thigh high bushes. Amazingly we find a Rattle Beak (Lyperanthus serratus) growing under one of the bushes bordering the track. Further along we find more Rattle beaks pushing through the prickly shrubs.

Up to 10 dull flowers

Single, long, narrow, leathery leaf 200 – 400mm long by 12-16 mm wide

Densely hairy yellow-white labellum

Narrow forward facing petals and lateral sepals

We don’t have time or inclination to bush bash to the granite rock so after a few more minutes finding further Purple enamel, Pointing spider, Esperance king spider and Zebra orchids we back track to the Triton and move on to another location closer to home, only just.

Big brother watching over

Smooth margined labellum

Striking colours

Flower only 15mm high

On a track named Bebenorin Rd we first come across what appeared to be another Esperance king spider orchid, but on closer inspection I believe it to be a Heberle’s spider orchid (Caladenia herberleana) due to the narrow clubbing of the lateral sepals. These flower September and October in a range from Augusta to Cape Arid which causes them to grow in the same area and at a similar time to the Esperance king spider orchid which makes it difficult to distinguish between them.

Long, slender, rather indistinct petal and sepal clubs

4 or more rows of pale to deep red calli

Red-tipped labellum with long fringe segments

Pale red, white and yellow flowers 60-120mm across

Close by we find some Dancing spider orchids (Caladenia discoidea) and more Cowslip orchids, this time with longer, thinner lateral sepals.

Pale green and red rounded labeluum

Longer thinner lateral sepals than the standard shape

Another first for the day is the Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media) which flowers September through January and ranges from Shark Bay to Eyre, one of the largest ranges of the orchid family in WA.

Curled lateral sepals

Each small flower has a hood like dorsal sepal

Up to 100 yellowish-green flowers

Maybe a pollinator

Getting hungry so we head off to Thomas River for lunch, but not before taking a few more pics.

Awesome coloured tips to the sepals and petals

Wonder where they got the Wispy name from?? LOL

Short spreading petals and sepals

King spider orchid

Side profile

Four rows of squat labellum calli

Nice off centre shot

Large spider orchid flowers 60-120mm across

Just at the entrance to the National Park we find some more Rattle beaks, Lemon-scented sun orchids, Purple enamel orchids and Bee orchids, however only got good pics of the Rattle beaks.

Prominent hood-like dorsal sepal

Spread eagled

We decide to have lunch at the top campground as they have undercover seating. First though we check out the beach and take a walk up the trail for a bit, looking for the patch of leaves we found months earlier. Nothing doing, so we head back to have lunch. On the track in, Deb spies some blue and we are lucky enough to find a solitary Coastal sun orchid (Thelymitra granitora) with a Lemon-scented sun orchid neighbour.

Maroon-tipped flower bract

Column with smooth, yellow-crested mid lobe

Broad spreading petals and sepals

Saying hello

We park the Triton in one of the camping bays and quickly look around, finding a Pointing spider orchid and a King spider orchid, species unknown due to it’s petals and lateral sepals being nibbled off.

Upswept lateral seapls

Petals and lateral sepals nibbled away

After lunch we make our way to the Len Otte nature trail. At the base of the first rise we find a small Laughing leek orchid and further up a some Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia) and Common bee orchids.

Smooth tubular leaf

Stiffly spreading petals and sepals

Tri-lobed labellum, short fringe segments, two rows calli

Small, yellow, brown marked flowers

Moving through a wooded part of the trail we find some Western wispy spider orchids, before coming out onto the next clearing. Here we get the fright of our life, with a big, black, curled up snake hiding in the low bushes. We keep to the track from now on, no bush bashing, so to speak.

Stiffly held petals and sepals

Two rows of white calli

Birds-eye view of group

OMG this scared us

Now to add to our day the heavens open up and it starts to rain. We try to hurry back but the I see another Blue sun orchid, which appears to be another Coastal sun orchid. Then just as the rain and wind picks up we find some Rabbit orchids (Leptoceras menziesii) in a new location for this nature trail. Photos with it raining and your lenses fogging up, is not an easy task.

Not fully open given the weather

Narrow, erect, ear-like petals

Broad, forward spreading lateral sepals

Up to 5 red and white flowers

Nearby Deb finds a lone Snail orchid. From location and the length of the lateral sepals I am naming it Ravensthorpe snail orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘ Ravensthorpe’), which is found from Stirling Ranges to Esperance, flowering August and September.

United dorsal sepal and petals forming a blunt hood

Rosette of leaves, 20 to 50mm across

Long, erect lateral sepals, 10 – 25 mm long

Bloated appearance

Still getting wet, but unperturbed, we still search whilst walking quickly back and find some more spider orchids and cowslip orchids. No good photos though, due to rain and fogging lenses, so will not post them. Well this was quite a day of orchid hunting, as our holidays draw to an end. However we did finish on a high – 22 species found in just over 4hours of searching.

Road Trip – Day 20 – Harrismith to Home

20/9/2017

After having breakfast we make our way north to Dudinin which was a quaint little town but with no real prospects for orchid hunting we move on further north to a place called Jitarning. We park next to the CBH wheat bins and head into the bush adjacent. The area proves to be thick with Donkey orchids with a small patch of Pink candy orchids (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea) found.

Pale to deep pink flowers

Upright labellum

Spreading petals and sepals with a narrow upright labellum

Labellum with short fringe segments and four or more rows of calli

The donkey orchids appear to be Yellow granite donkey orchids (Diuris hazeliae) as they are larger and brighter yellow than the ones found in Harrismith.

Tri-lobed labellum with broad, spreading lateral lobes and a broad, flattened to convex mid lobe

Bubble head

Reflexed, usually crossed lateral sepals

Visitor on 1 petal

Broad petals and dorsal sepal

So many donkey orchids but we need to move on. Well not to far as we cross the Williams-Kondinin Road and visit the bush the other side. The only orchid found over this side was the Midget greenhood (Pterostylis mutica). On walking back to the Triton we discover the area we had been exploring was in fact the Jitarning Nature Reserve.

United dorsal sepal and petals form a hood

Flowers only 4.5 to 5.5mm across

Next stop is the North Jitarning Nature Reserve a few kilometres north on the western side of the road. After parking the Triton we make our way west into the bush and our first find is the ever faithful Purple enamel orchid (Elythanthera brunonis). In fact they were everywhere in this reserve.

Glossy purple flowers

Small membranous labellum with two large black basal calli

Spreading petals and sepals

Underside of petals and sepals spotted in colouring

Up to 3 flowers per stem

Further hunting and we found some Frog greenhoods (Pterostylis sargentii) growing underneath some bushes.

50 – 200mm high with up to 10 stem leaves

Green to dark brown, white striped flowers

Short lateral sepals

United petals and dorsal sepal form hood

Then even further hidden under bushes Deb spies a bird orchid. Further specimens found, which all appear to be Dwarf bird orchids (Pterosylis sp. ‘dwarf’) as they are found between Eurardy Station and Peak Charles during August and September. We first found this orchid back in August 2016 near Corrigin.

A distinctive feather-like labellum with fine fringe segments

Short lateral sepals which are joined at the base

Short-beaked bird orchid

Two close neighbours

Further Fringe mantis orchids are found as are more Donkey orchids.

Comb-like fringe segments to labellum

Spreading petals

Greenish-yellow, red-tipped labellum

Up-swept lateral sepals

Unsure of the species of this one

Broad petals and dorsal sepal

Up to 7 flowers per stem

Lateral sepals reflexed and usually crossed

We were also lucky enough to find a spider orchid, which I am naming, Red thread spider orchid (Caladenia erythronema) as they flower August to early October in locations between Nyabing and Mukinbudin.

Variably dull red, pinkish red or dull cream to creamy yellow with dull red markings

Two rows of red to cream calli

Pendulous petals and sepals covered in deep-red hairs

We then make tracks for Kulin, to fuel up, then head off on the Tin Horse Hwy. After checking out some of the great Tin horses we make our way to Buckley’s Breakaway for lunch.

Picture stop

A Charlton Horston Epic

Ned’s Horse

PLC Piping Pony

Erosion artwork

The breakaway is massive

Amazing colours

Harder rock than the surrounding soil

On the walk from the car park / picnic area we find some Donkey orchids. Nothing else found on the walk around the breakaway, however it was an impressive sight.

Tri-lobed labellum with broad, spreading lateral lobes and a broad, flattened to convex mid lobe

Reflexed, usually crossed lateral sepals

2 – 3 basal leaves and up to 7 flowers

Erect petals and reflexed dorsal sepal

Predominately yellow, brown marked flowers

We now head further east, till we again reach Dragon Rocks Nature Reserve. At the northern end of the reserve, whilst earlier on the trip we were at the southern end. We find what we hoped was the road south, which dissects the reserve, and travel along slowly with heads out the windows looking for orchids. They proved more elusive than before but we did find our first ones. A finished Jug orchid then some Frog greenhoods.

Well past it’s best

Green to dark brown, white striped flowers

Petals and dorsal sepal form a hood

It was more than a half hour later, before any more orchids were found. Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) were a surprise find.

Up to 7 red and white flowers

Short spreading petals and lateral sepals

Large fleshy, oval, dark green and red speckled leaf

Prominently curved dorsal sepal forming hood over the column

Further south we come across some spider orchids. From their appearance I will name these Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia) due to the yellowish colouring, dark brownish tail filaments and backswept slightly elevated petals.

Petals backwards, elevated to horizontal

Petals and sepals with dark brownish tail filaments

Dorsal sepal erect to incurved, lateral sepals deflexed to drooping, petals backswept, usually elevated

Small white, red striped labellum with dentate fringe segments and two rows of white, sometimes red-tipped calli

Creamy-white to pale-yellow flowers

A solitary Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) and Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) were found a little further down the track, however as time was slipping away and we had previously visited the south of the Dragon Rocks N. R., we headed straight for our last stop of the day, being the Rock View Nature Reserve.

Bright distinctive orchid

Short spreading petals and sepals

United petals and dorsal sepal forms hood over the column

Green, brown and white flowers

It is now past 5.30pm when we arrive at Rock View N. R. so we quickly have a look around. First orchid I find is the Midget greenhood, whilst Debbie finds more spider orchids.

Midget greenhood

100 – 200mm high

Midget greenhood

Pterostylis mutica

From the appearance I believe these to be further Chameleon spider orchids.

Relatively small labellum

Spreading petals and lateral sepals

Two rows of white or red-tipped calli

A common variable inland spider orchid

White, red-striped labellum with dentate fringe segments

Creaming white to pale yellowish flowers, occasionally with variable reddish toning

Due to the inclement weather we did not wish to set up camp, however as we were unable to find overnight accommodation, this stop proved to be the final stop of our 2017 Road Trip.

11 orchid species found on the final day.

Road Trip – Day 19 – Tutanning Nature Reserve to Harrismith

19/9/2017

After breakfast we go for a more leisurely search around our campsite for any orchids we may have missed in our late search yesterday. Ant orchid (Caladenia roei), Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata), Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) were again located as was one Fringed mantis orchid (Caladenia falcata) with a dangling labellum. Also found was a yet to open Thelymitra species.

No hint as to the type

Dangling labellum

Prominently tri-lobed labellum

Yellow, red marked flowers

Smooth margined labellum

We then hurried back to camp, packed up a headed back along the track we drove down late yesterday afternoon. First up were some Donkey orchids, which due to the location they must be Western wheatbelt donkey orchids (Diuris brachyscapa).

Short, broad dorsal sepal

Broad spreading lateral lobes to the labellum

Top down view

Further along we find more Cowslip orchids plus better specimens of the Fringed mantis orchid.

Shorter lateral sepals

Group with long lateral sepals

Colourful trio

No right way up to the photo, taken looking directly down onto the flowers

Comb-like fringe segments to the smooth labellum

Upswept, narrowly-clubbed lateral sepals

Spreading petals

Large green yellow and red flowers

Red-tipped labellum, with long comb like fringe segments

And finally after a very long spell we finally find another Pterostylis specimen, the Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva).

Looking into the Jug

The glistening flower

Showing the colour variations

Our final stop along the bush track was at a small granite outcrop, where we found some Lemon-scented sun orchids (Thelymitra antennifera) and some yet to flower Elbow orchids (Spiculaea ciliata)

Antennae like labellum appendeges

Broad, spreading petals and sepals

Getting close to flowering

Leaf is shrivelled at time of flowering

We leave Tutanning N. R. and head on down to Wickepin, where we have a yummy lunch, before heading over to visit Toolibin Lake N. R.. On the track in we spy many Fringe mantis orchids, some with two flowers per stem.

Size comparison to my fingers

1 – 2 reclining flowers

Dorsal sepal horizontal basally, the curved upwards and forward

Twin headers were common at Toolibin Lake N.R.

Red tipped labellum

Size comparison of the entire plant. Another twin header

The lateral sepals up curved to almost vertical

Moderately long, indistinct clubs on the sepals

Looking top down shows how reclined the flowers are. Twins on one stem

We decided to take a walk alongside the track to see what other orchids may be around. We came across Cowslip orchids, Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea) and Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia).

Yellow flower with red markings

Small, squat flowers

Very broad labellum, with 4 – 6 rows of short, thick, crowded calli

Can have up to 4 flowers per plant

Horizontally spreading petals and lateral sepals

Prominently tri-lobed labellum

Stiffly spreading, petals and sepals

Up to 4 flowers per orchid

We then drove to the parking area and attempted the lake walk, however it was closed due to flooding from recent heavy rain, which had washed away some of the infrastructure. I decided to walk back along the track and Deb drove the Triton, which proved fortuitous as I found some Ant orchids and Deb found some spider orchids.

Pale yellow to yellowish-green with variable reddish stripes.

Lateral sepals tapering to thickened tips rather than a narrow tail before the clubs

Smooth-margined, greenish-yellow, red tipped labellum

This one lacks the usual red colouring but the calli give it away

Easily distinguishable due to the short, thick, rounded, glossy black calli

Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis) is the obvious specie as it has a smooth margined labellum with distinctive striping.

Cream coloured, red-striped labellum

Reddish-brown to dark brown tails to petals and sepals

Drooping petals and lateral sepals

Red-striped smooth-margined labellum

Up to 2 red and cream flowers

Final find before hitting the Wickepin-Harrismith Rd is a great Pink fairy twin.

120 – 450mm high

Twin fairy

As soon as we got on the Wickepin-Harrismith Road we took a track near Dulbining Lake, that seemed to run adjacent to the road and drove along in 1st gear with our heads hanging out the window looking. Some spider orchids are seen on the left hand side of the track, so we alight from the Triton to check them out. They appear to be Common spider orchid (Caladenia vulgata).

Red striped labellum

Index finger a bottom of photo for size comparison

Narrow, usually pendulous petals and lateral sepals

Moving slowly along this track we find many other orchids, starting with Cowslip orchids, Fringed mantis orchid and Pink candy orchids (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea).

Erect flowers

Deformed lateral sepal on both flowers

Bright yellow variation

3 flowers in close proximity

Size comparison to index finger

Up to 2 green, yellow and red flowers

Brighter pink colouring

Location gives up name not the colouring

Deep pink colouring

Pale pink colouring

Twin flowers

Short, spreading petals and lateral sepals

Labellum with short fringe segments and four or more rows of calli

Then we find what we initially thought were more Ant orchids. However on closer inspection we have found Purple-veined spider orchid (Caladenia doutchiae) which flowers August to October between Mullewa and Ravensthorpe. In the middle of all these is a lone Ant orchid.

Down-swept petals

Smooth-margined, greenish-yellow, rep tipped labellum

Long, shortly-clubbed lateral sepals

Greenish to greenish-yellow and red flowers

Short petals and long lateral sepals

Greener version

Joined by spider web between the dorsal sepals

Appear to be dancing

Possible pollinator

Lack clubbing of sepals

short red calli

A common wheatbelt spider orchid

Final orchids found before getting back on the sealed road were what appeared at first to be Common spider orchids. However the flowers had much broader labellum’s and if they were fully unfurled, long petals and sepals. I am going to name these Pendant spider orchid (Caladenia pendens subsp. pendens) which flower August to early October in a range from Wongan Hills to Walpole.

Nearly fully unfurled

Up to 3 flowers per stem

Broad labellum

Relatively broad, red-striped labellum with serrate to dentate fringe segemnts

2 rows of white, sometimes pale-red-tipped calli

Once fully unfurled the petals and sepals will be long and pendulous

Travelling west we arrive at Harrismith and as the weather was looking like rain we decide to book a room rather than risk getting our canvas camper wet. Rather than a room we take the donger which has its own shower and toilet. Was really cheap and rough but was sufficient for 1 night. After unpacking into the bedroom we decide to take a drive around the self drive wildflower tour. Our first orchids were more Fringed mantis orchids. (Mud Map SE 10)

Common wheatbelt orchid

Greenish-yellow, red tipped labellum

Lateral sepals are narrowly clubbed

Prominently up-swept lateral sepals

Spreading petals

Also found were Western wheatbelt donkey orchids, Sugar orchid and Jug orchids.

Short, broad dorsal sepal

Spreading petals and sepals

Dark green, fawn and white flowers

Back just before sunset, so we have a shower and get changed into fresh clothes, then make our way over to the Oasis Hotel for a meal, game of pool and a few drinks to celebrate finding 15 different orchids.

Road trip – Day 3 – Kwolyin to Marshall Rock

03/09/2017

After a great night catching up around the camp fire we wake to a beautiful spring morning. After breakfast we pack up camp then go for a wander around our campsite where we come across a few Ant orchids (Caladenia roei). Then we walk back towards Coarin Rock, which Richard and I climbed late afternoon yesterday, to show Deb the donkey orchids we found. However before this a fellow camper directs our attention to a lone spider orchid. NEW FIND – It appears to be a Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis) as the petals and both lateral and dorsal sepals all droop and the labellum is smooth margined. This orchid flowers August to early December and range from Northampton to Jerramungup.

Smooth-margined labellum

Great little nest of ants

Drooping petals and sepals, both dorsal and lateral

Prominently red-striped, shortly-fringed or smooth-margined labellum

Two dense bands of red or cream calli

Past the ablutions on the track to the rock we find the patch with many Western wheatbelt donkey orchids (Diuris sp. ‘western wheatbelt’)and then backtrack to the Tritons for our drive to Kokerbin hill.

Twins

Great herd of donkeys

Kokerbin Hill / Kokerbin Rock is claimed to be the third largest monolith in Australia, so was a definite stop. We took a walk around the northern face to Devils Marbles and found some Sugar orchids (Ericksonella saccharata), Ant orchids, Donkey orchids and a lone Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis sp ‘inland’)

Short, spreading petals and sepals

Green and white flower 10-20mm long

Petals and lateral sepals form crucifix

Rounded to elongated petals

Time to head north so we make tracks to Kellerberrin and have lunch at the lookout. A quick check around located more Western wheatbelt donkey orchids and other donkey orchids I cannot identify plus some Lemon-scented sun orchids (Thelymitra antennifera).

Brighter yellow with purple markings

Pale yellow flowers

Species name “antennifera” – to bear antennae

Time is slipping away so we head further north and pulled over to an area of woodland on the off chance of finding some orchids. The area was signposted Forsyth Woodland and it proved to be great off chance location. Deb, Richard and myself all head off in different directions to see who would find the first orchids. Deb won by finding some Blood spider orchids (Caladenia filifera). I am confident with their identification, this time. NEW FIND

Uniformly blood-red flowers

Small blood-red labellum with serrate to dentate fringe segments and 2 rows of red calli

Blood-red flowers 30 to 50mm across

Long pendulous petals and lateral sepals

Next up Deb comes across a small Mottled donkey orchid (Diuris suffusa) which flowers late August to late September in the shires of Trayning, Wyalkatchem, Koorda and Mount Marshall. NEW FIND I find a lone Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta) and Deb finds a lone Fringed mantis orchid (Caladenia falcata).

Often reflexed petals, a broad reflexed dorsal sepal, narrow, reflexed, crossed lateral sepals

Short spreading petals and sepals

Single, erect, hairy leaf 100 to 200 mm long by 5 to 15 mm wide

Further Donkey orchids and Pink candy orchids groupings were found followed by a grouping of Ant orchids and a sole Sugar orchid.

Crucifix shape adopted by the petals and lateral sepals

Single, erect, hairy leaf and up to 3 greenish-yellow and red flowers

Up to 6 cream to pale yellow , brown marked flowers.

Widespread, clumping orchid

Small flowered donkey orchid 200 to 350 mm high

Short spreading petals and lateral sepals.

Found between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay

Many more Fringed mantis orchids in better shape than the first were found as was a patch of very tall Hairy-stemmed snail orchids.

Greenish-yellow, red-tipped labellum with 4 or more rows of deep red calli.

50 to 150 mm high with a rosette of leaves 20 – 50 mm across

Single, erect, hairy leaf 100 – 200 mm long by 5 – 15 mm wide

Green and white flower 10 – 20 mm long by 5 – 8 mm across

United dorsal sepal and petals forms a hood over the column, erect, narrow-ended lateral sepals

Narrow petals and up-swept, narrowly-clubbed lateral sepals

So Forsyth Woodland proved a very fruitful stop with 7 orchid species found. Sunset is looming and we have yet to settle on where to camp overnight. Our first choice, Durokoppin Nature Reserve was not suitable, so we headed north, passing through Trayning and made tracks for Marshall Rocks near Bencubbin. This was a great spot with only one other camper in residence, so we set camp for the night. I decide to quickly check the rock out for any orchids and only find some Hairy-stemmed snail orchids, as the rock and surrounding area was very weedy.

Growing in a bed of moss

Rosette 20 – 50 mm across

Erect, narrow-ended lateral sepals

A great 3rd day with 10 species found.

Road Trip – Day 2 – Wagin to Kwolyin

02/9/2017

After a quick breakfast and a long hot shower we make up the thermos and head off to fuel up, then make tracks for the North Wagin Nature Reserve, our first planned stop of the day. Just off the road, on the track chosen to push into the reserve, I spy a group of Jug orchids (Pterostylis recurva) which we will check out on the way back. We park the Triton and camper near a dam and head out on foot to check out this new location. First find is the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata), quickly followed by Western wheatbelt donkey orchid (Diuris sp. ‘western wheatbelt’).

Green and white banded flowers, 8 to 10 mm across

Mostly found east of the Albany Hwy. Between York, Tenterden and Ravensthorpe

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Many donkey orchids were found and mixed in with these we found some Little pink fairy orchids (Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans) distinguished by their leaf having a red coloured underside. Another common orchid found here was the Fringed mantis orchid (Caladenia falcata) which competed with the donkey orchid to be the most common orchid in this location. As planned we took pictures of the Jug orchids as we made tracks for our next location.

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Short spreading petals and sepals with a prominently tri-lobed labellum

Spreading petals, up-swept, narrowly clubbed lateral sepals

Greenish-yellow, red tipped labellum with comb-like fringe segments

Down curved lateral sepals

Looking into the jug of the aptly named orchid

Tow to three basal leaves with up to four flowers per stem

View looking down into the labellum

Piesseville was our next location and we finally found flowering orchids, after other visits turned up leaves and buds only. As with the Wagin location the Fringed mantis orchid was very common, as were the Sugar orchids (Ericksonella saccharata), however the later were restricted to a few metres in from the road. Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) was also plentiful, but further into the bush.

Size comparison with my index finger

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Short, stiffly spreading petals and sepals

The first spider orchid found is a Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia) and nearby a reddish version of the same flower.A very different spider orchid is then found. The Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea). Unlike previous specimens found this season near Esperance,this one finally looks like the ones in the books.

Closer shot of the small labellum

Small, pale white or pale yellow, red-striped labellum

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Long, fine fringe segments and dark purplish-black calli

Short, horizontally spreading petals and lateral sepals

In the northerly section of the location we find some Western wheatbelt donkey orchids and in the swampy section I find some Blue beards (Pheladenia deformis) of varying shades. I track down Deb who has crossed to the other side of the road and took her back to where the Blue beards were located.

Elongated petals, a short broad, dorsal sepal

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One (rarely two) blue or more rarely white, flowers 20 – 30 mm across

Narrow, upright labellum with short fringe segments and a dense mass of calli

On the way back to the Blue beards more spider orchids were found. Chameleon spider orchid, Crimson spider orchid (Caladenia footeana) which flowers July to early October between Cranbrook and Binnu and Chapmans spider orchid (Caladenia chapmanii) which flowers September to mid-October between Boyup Brook, Kojonup and Northam, all within a few metres of each other.

Spreading petals and lateral sepals

Contrast of colours

Yellow, cream or red-pink flowers

Lateral sepals yet to be released

Prominently red-striped labellum with serrate to dentate fringe segments

Spreading petals and lateral sepals of uniform colour

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Large, white, red-striped labellum with serrate to dentate fringe segments and two rows of white or red-tipped calli

Then an OMG moment, when Deb spies an all red spider orchid. Appears to be Blood spider orchid (Caladenia filifera) NEW FIND!!!! These are found between Tenterden and Wongan Hills and flower August to early October. Not 100% certain as it was not clumping, but single flowers. Edit: After locating Blood spider orchids at Forsyth Woodland this one appears to be a red variant of another species.

Small blood-red labellum with serrate to dentate fringe segments and tow rows of red calli

Uniformly blood red flowers

Other orchids found at this location were Jug orchids and Banded greenhoods.

We moved on and called into Narrogin to buy some supplies and an extra gas cartridge for the shower unit. We then drove north-east and stopped off at North Yilliminning Nature Reserve for lunch and checked out this new location. Not far into our search and we were bombarded with yellow from so many Cowslip orchids. Various shapes, patterns and sizes with some having very long lateral sepals.

Grouping with long sepals. Deb’s hands for size comparison

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Another herd of Cowslips with redder markings

Nice family herd of Cowslips

Next orchid found was the small Sugar orchid followed closely with some Donkey orchids. Most likely, Western wheatbelt donkey orchids. Also found were some Banded greenhoods

Horizontally held petals and lateral sepals.

Last two flowers for this orchid

Up to 4 flowers

A very unusual colour catches Deb’s eye as she has found a Hybrid orchid. A Spectacular spider orchid (Caladenia x spectabilis) which is a hybrid formed by a Cowslip and Pink fairy cross pollinating. Further colour variations were found. However to muddy the waters, the Little pink fairy orchid is found which may be a parent of the hybrids, in which case the orchid is unnamed and referred to as (Caladenia flava x C. reptans). For now I will leave the judgement open.

First hybrid found

3rd colour variation. Brightest of the bunch

Another variation in colour

Dorsal sepals have both been eaten.

A 2nd colour variation

Single, relatively broad, hairy leaf 40 – 80 mm long by 8 – 10 mm wide

These little beauties may be the parents of the Hybrids found nearby

Edit: 29/10/2017 – From further investigations it appears all Hybrids found were Spectacular spider orchids due to the longer lateral sepals. Blooms August to October and found from Kalbarri to Esperance

Final orchids found were a sole Hairy stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘inland’) and some further Jug orchids.

Green and white flower 10-20mm long and 3-10mm across

Hairy flower stem

Dark green, fawn and white flowers

Narrow-ended prominently recurved lateral sepals which are joined at the base

Quick toilet stop in Wickepin, which was a very neat little town with a museum for Albert Facey, who is famous for his autobiography “A Fortunate Life”. We make one final stop, before catching up with Richard, at Malyalling Nature Reserve. Along the road that dissects the N.R. I spot some Ant orchids (Caladenia roei) which flower August to October between Eurardy Station and Ravensthorpe, and when taking photos also noticed Fringed mantis orchids nearby.

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Crucifix shape adopted by the petals and lateral sepals

Upswept lateral sepals

Some Donkey orchids were also found and at the Eastern boundary of the N.R. we found a patch of Fringed mantis orchids. Too many to count.

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We made our way back to the low granite outcrop and Deb immediately finds some purple variants of the Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile) which is quite rare according to my orchid book, so a great find Deb!! Also found on this rock were Lemon-scented sun orchids (Thelymitra antennifera) which flower from July to October between Shark Bay and Israelite Bay and very small donkey orchids.

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Up to 40 yellowish-green, or, more rarely, purplish, flowers

Size comparison to my index finger

A distinctive column with a yellow crested mid-lobe and reddish-brown, ear like lateral lobes

After finding 18 orchid varieties it is now time to head off for Kwolyin campground, where Richard is waiting for us. … Trio travelling begins.

Caladenia – Spider orchids, dragon orchids, zebra orchids, candy orchids, fan orchids and fairy orchids.

A list of the orchids from the Caladenia Genus that I have been lucky enough to find.

Caladenia filamentosa complex (Wispy spider orchids)

Flowering – Late June to early December

There are 43 Western Australian species

A single, usually narrow, hairy leaf with in-curved margins.
Up to 3 flowers.
Most species have long wispy petals and lateral sepals.
Labellum with short, serrate or dentate fringe segments and two rows of calli.

Caladenia chapmanii (Chapman’s spider orchid) 02/09/2017

Caladenia dimidia (Chameleon spider orchid) 11/08/2017

Caladenia erythronema (Red thread spider orchid) 20/09/2017

Caladenia filifera (Blood spider orchid) 02/09/2017

Caladenia footeana (Crimson spider orchid) 02/09/2017

Caladenia microchila (Western wispy spider orchid) 16/07/2017

Caladenia pendens (Pendant spider orchid) 01/09/2017

Caladenia paradoxa ( Ironcaps spider orchid) 20/09/2017

Caladenia vulgata (Common spider orchid) 16/07/2017

Caladenia xantha (Primrose spider orchid) 28/07/2015

Caladenia longicauda complex (White spider orchids)

Flowering – Late June to early December

There are 14 Western Australian species

Long hairy leaf with flattened or in-curved margins.
Up to 4 (rarely 5) predominately white flowers.
Long wispy, spreading to pendulous petals and lateral sepals.
Labellum with long fringe segments and four or more rows of calli.

Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa (Esperance white spider orchid) 27/08/2017

Caladenia longicauda subsp. rigidula (rigid white spider orchid) 26/09/2015

Caladenia longicauda subsp. australora (Southern white spider orchid) 27/08/2017

Caladenia huegelii complex (King spider orchid)

Flowering – August to December

There are 22 Western Australian species

Long, hairy leaf with flattened or in-curved margins.
1 to 4 flowers with clubbed sepals.
Most have shorter petals than lateral sepals.
Labellum with short to long, often thickened fringe segments and four or more rows of calli.

Caladenia decora (Esperance king spider orchid) 30/07/2017

Caladenia heberleana (Heberle’s spider orchid)

Caladenia longiclavata complex (Clubbed spider orchids)

Flowering – August to November

There are 6 Western Australian species

Long, hairy leaf with flattened or in-curved margins.
1 to 3 flowers with clubbed sepals.
Most also have clubbed petals.
Labellum with narrow fringe segments with pointed ends and four or more rows of calli.

Caladenia arrecta (Reaching spider orchid) 31/07/2015

Caladenia falcata complex (Green spider orchids)

Flowering – August to early December

There are 9 Western Australian species

Long, hairy leaf with flattened or slightly in-curved margins.
Up to 3, rarely 4 flowers with clubbed sepals.
Some have up-swept lateral sepals.
Four or more rows of labellum lamina calli.
Most have long labellum fringe segments with pointed tips

Caladenia attigens (Small mantis orchid) 13/09/2014

Caladenia falcata (Fringed mantis orchid) 02/09/2017

Caladenia exstans (Pointing spider orchid) 23/09/2017

Caladenia hoffmanii complex (Hoffman’s spider orchids)

Flowering – August to early February

There are 4 Western Australian species

Long, hairy leaf which is flattened or has in-curved margins.
Up to 2 flowers.
Shortened petals and sepals.
Long, fine labellum fringe segments and four or more rows of calli.

Caladenia graminifolia (Grass-leafed spider orchid) 27/08/2017

Caladenia roei complex (Small spider orchids)

Flowering – August to early October

There are 7 Western Australian species

Hairy leaf that may be flattened or have in-curved margins.
Up to 2, rarely 3 flowers.
Shortened petals and sepals.
Large, rounded labellum with smooth margins and a dense central band of calli.

Caladenia brevisura (Short-sepaled spider orchid)

Caladenia doutchiae (Purple-veined spider orchid) 19/09/2017

Caladenia roei (Clown orchid, ant orchid, man orchid, jack-in-the-box) 02/09/2017

Caladenai cairnsiana complex (Zebra orchids)

Flowering – July to early November

There are 2 Western Australian species

Long, hairy leaf with slightly in-curved margins.
Petals and lateral sepals of similar length and both hang downwards.
Distinctly up-swept labellum with smooth margins, and glandular tip.
Dense central band of labellum lamina calli.

Caladenia cairnsiana (Zebra orchid) 27/08/2017

Caladenia pachychila (Dwarf zebra orchid) 27/08/2017

Caladenia barbarossa complex (Dragon orchids)

Flowering – August to mid November

There are 4 Western Australian species

Relatively short, broad, green leaf. Often lies flat on the ground.
1, rarely 2 flowers
Shortened petals and lateral sepals, down-swept to hanging.
Dorsal sepal often bend backwards.
Densely hairy labellum with a large gland at it’s highest point.

Caladenia barbarossa (Common dragon orchid)

Caladenia hirta complex (Candy orchids)

Flowering – Late June to early November

There is 1 Western Australian species, comprising 2 sub-species

Broad, flattened hairy leaf.
1 to 3 (rarely to 6) white or pink flowers.
Short, spreading petals and sepals.
Narrow, upright labellum with short fringe segments and four or more rows of calli.

Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea (Pink candy orchid) 01/09/2017

Caladenia nana complex (Pink fans)

Flowering – Late September to November

There is 1 Western Australian species, comprising 2 sub-species.

Broad, hairy leaf.
Up to 3 (rarely to 5) usually pink flowers.
Petals and sepals form a fan-like arrangement.
Lateral sepals are united near the base.
Labellum with short fringe segments and calli confined near the base.

Caladenia latifolia complex (Fairy orchids, cowslip orchids)

Flowering – July to December

There are 4 Western Australian species

Colony forming habit.
Relatively, broad hairy leaf.
1 to 4 (rarely to 6) pink, yellow or white flowers.
Short, stiffly spreading petals and sepals, lacking clubs.
Tri-lobed labellum with a raised plate near the base.
Calli extend from either side of the plate.

Caladenia flava subsp. flava (Cowslip orchid) 13/08/2017

Caladenia flava subsp. maculata (Kalbarri cowslip orchid)

Caladenia latifolia (Pink fairies) 26/08/2017

Caladenia marginata (White fairy orchid)

Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans (Little pink fairy, dwarf pink fairy) 13/08/2017

Caladenia reptans subsp. impensa (Pale pink fairy)

Caladenia – mixed

Caladenia creba (Arrowsmith spider orchid)

Caladenia discoidea (Dancing spider orchid) 30/07/2017

Caladenia multiclavia (Lazy spider orchid)

Caladenia radialis (Drooping spider orchid) 19/9/2017

Caladenia wanosa (Kalbarri spider orchid)

Caladenia Hybrids

Caladenia x spectabilis (Spectacular spider orchid) 02/09/2017

Caladenia flava x C. reptans

Caladenia flava x C. nana 23/09/2017