30/07/2023 ….. A week spent wandering – Part 9 – The End

Numerous days, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

After making and eating our complimentary breakfast, we pack up the Triton on a beautiful sunny winters morning and make tracks towards home. Overall, we enjoyed our stay at the Newdegate Hotel, plus it was great value for money.

About 15kms into our drive we make our first stop and check out the verge vegetation which is quite wide at the section of the road. As has proven common over this last week or so the first orchids found are the greenhoods. However, this time they appear to be another species due to the brown colouring. I feel they are all the Mallee banded greenhood (Pterostylis arbuscula) which is listed as having either brown and white or green and white flowers, is of short stature and has no more that 5 flowers per plant. The location is within their listed range, and they flower during June and July.

Orchids from the Pterostylis genus are the only other orchids found at this location. First up is an almost open Jug orchid (P. recurva) followed by an almost open Frog greenhood (P. sargentii). Then a sole Robust snail orchid (Pterostylis dilatata) is found flowering. These orchids are widespread from Northampton to Toolinna. The lack of a rosette on flowering plants is a distinctive feature.

Nothing more, other than Red Beak leaves and some Caladenia leaves, so we move further along the road before making another roadside stop.

The next stop is also just another patch of pterostylis orchids. The greenhoods this time appear to be the Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea) which are consistently brown and white in colour, have more flowers per plant and are taller in stature than P. arbuscula. However, on closer inspection of my photos I think some of them may be P. arbuscula as they have green/brown and white flowers and 10 or less cauline leaves. What are your thoughts?

More Frog greenhoods (Pterostylis sargentii) are also found however excitedly some of these ones a fully formed. These are the earlier flowering of the 2 species, and I was able to get some good pics of the fleshy, glabrous horn-like structures on the labellum, which are distinctive features.

Only thing else found was a nice patch of Sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.) leaves and a single red backed Pink fairy leaf?
So onward we go to Lake King where we make a toilet stop, before heading out to Frank Hahn National Park. Here we visit Lillian Rock where we eat lunch before exploring the rock area. Only sign of orchids here were also a patch of leaves, identification of which I will not attempt.
Disappointedly we leave here and move south down Cascade Road then right onto West Point Road and left onto Melaleuca Road. Past River Road intersection we make a roadside stop and still no orchids. A 2nd roadside stop at different looking habitat still turns up nothing, so we make a beeline for a known orchid location.

We arrive at one of our favourite and reliable locations on Mills Road. Here we immediately spy the bright yellow donkey orchids. They are found over the entire area we walk around which is quite amazing. Identifying them is difficult as 2 very similar species are listed as occurring in the Ravensthorpe shire and this location is only 20km from the coast. The possible species are the Green Range donkey orchid (Diuris littoralis) and the South coast donkey orchid (Diuris brockmanii). Heights range from 180/150mm to 300mm and flowering season – Jul/Jun to Sep/Aug respectively, which adds to ID confusion. Seems size of the flower may assist with ID so I may need to take photos with tape measure in view to assist with this next time.

Only other orchids found here were further greenhoods and snails. The greenhoods are darker in colour so again may be either P. sanguinea or P. arbuscula. Please assist in the ID if you can.
The snails though appear to be the Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis setulosa) a common inland species, which is extremely variable in appearance.

From here we head into Munglinup townsite where I check out a vacant block while Deb fills up the Triton with diesel. More donkey orchids are found, plus some Caladenia sp. leaves with one in bud. However, the exciting find was a small orchid I nearly stepped on whilst walking over to Deb, who had driven down to pick me up.
A lone tiny Pink bunny orchid (Eriochilus scaber subsp. scaber) was found. This was surprising as this spot had not been recently burnt and over previous visits they had not been found.
These small orchids only grow to a maximum height of 150mm; however, this specimen would have been only 30mm. Nearby a patch of 5 in flower was found with one in particular being a much stronger pink in colour. It would have been great to explore a bit more, but it is nearly 4pm so onwards we go.

From Munglinup we travel east to Coomalbidgup where we check out a burnt-out area. We are knocked over by the patches of Pink bunny orchids found. However other than these the only other flowering orchid found was a poor but recognisable Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata), as well as Red beaks in bud and Caladenia sp. leaves.

Well, we have finally reached the end of our time away and make tracks back to Esperance. Unfortunately, we did not find the elusive Queen of Sheba orchid in flower but may have found it in bud, which is exciting. It will take another trip in another season to locate a flowering specimen. The masses of Pink bunny orchids though were a definite orchid highlight of the trip. Whilst the Lights in Kings Park, revisiting The Gap in Albany and just spending a relaxing time away with my beautiful wife were the non-orchid highlights.

29/07/2023 ….. A week spent wandering – Part 8

Nature Reserves, Pallinup NR, Western Australian Orchids

All to soon our week away comes to an end. We leave Albany and head northeast along National Highway No. 1 to Wellstead where we make a quick stop at the TransWA bus bay. No orchids found flowering however we did find some Redbeak leaves and the beautiful Silver princess (Eucalyptus caesia) in flower. From here we continue along until we reach a pull over spot in the Pallinup Nature Reserve.

Driving into the parking bay we spy some donkey orchids in flower. A promising start however it did prove to be not so. The Green Range donkey orchid (Diuris littoralis) is the likely species of donkey orchid as they flower from July to early September over a range from Denmark to Esperance in a coastal and near coastal locations. Other than these in flower there are a couple of Banded greenhoods (Pterostylis vittata) in flower and some Jug orchids (Pterostylis recurva) close to flowering. Nothing else found, which is disappointing.

Moving on we head toward Jerramungup, where we plan to check out the recently burnt area again to see what is now in flower. First up though we check out a location shared to us by a friend who used to live in the area. Down Carlawillup Road we go, until we reach the gully. Here we pull over and have a quick scout around. Only Banded greenhoods and other nearly in flower jug orchids were found. Will need to check this location out further into the orchid season to see what is flowering then.

Back to the burnt area near Jerry and again we are a bit disappointed as we find loads of donkey orchids and a few Banded greenhoods. The only other interesting find were some Redbeaks from last season with their charcoal black dried flowers. The Latin “pyr” (fire), “orchis” (pertaining to Orchidaceae) & “niger” (black) show how this scientific name Pyrorchis nigricans was chosen. They flower after fire and the dried flower is black in colour.
The other issue is naming the donkey orchids as they do appear to differ in their appearance. So some may be the Green Range donkey orchid as noted being found earlier today, whilst others could be the South Coast donkey orchid (Diuris brockmanii). The latter orchid flowers between Ongerup and Esperance from June to early August, so they could co-occur.

We now make tracks for Newdegate, where we plan to stay in the local hotel for the night. A rustic hotel which was busy with the locals, so our wonderful meal was eaten in the company of many. Only one more day of travel before we reach home, so we try and get a good night’s sleep, however the heater kept cutting out so needed to be reset many times.

28/07/2024 ….. A week spent wandering – Part 7

Gull Rock NP, Mount Martin Botanical Reserve, National Parks, Numerous days, Other Reserves, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

Today we go on our planned quest to find the elusive Queen of Sheba orchid which has been recorded from Gull Rock National Park by many people in the Western Australian Native Orchids Facebook group. We may be too early however as the one around Albany is recorded as flowering from August, so fingers crossed.
First off, we head down Ledge Beach Rd and check out the beach. From here we walk around the parking area, and it is here we find our first orchids for the day.
Just for a change, NOT, our first orchid found is the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata).

Then some other Pterostylis orchids are found. These small snail orchids could be the Coastal short-eared snail orchid (Pterostylis actites) given the short backswept lateral sepals. They are recorded as occurring from Capel to Duke of Orleans Bay and flower from July to September. The rosette has 4 to 7 leaves, and they stand up to 100mm in height.

Another exciting find here was a further patch of the Common helmet orchid (Corysanthes recurva) hiding under an overhanging shrub. Harder to get a clear shot but tried my best. These orchids are found between Mandurah and Albany and flower from June to September.

We now decide to head off on the Mount Martin walk trail which starts from the Ledge beach carpark which is in the National Park however the majority of the walk trail is in the Mount Martin Botanical Reserve. We do not do the entire trail, so I have attached a snip showing approximately where we walked. Arrows show direction and X marks turnaround spots. First orchids found on the walk were further Banded greenhoods together with Slipper orchid leaves and a Redbeak leaf.

Then we nearly step on those things we have come to find. We find very small spiral leaved orchids in bud. A few patches found however none were in flower. Oh well they may be the Queens or possibly just some Curly Locks. We now know to come early August for a better chance of finding them in bloom. Pics taken as proof of the find.

Orchids may be few and far between however the coastal views and other wildflowers make up for it.

We are heading down toward Coal Basket Bay when at a patch of granite, we find some Autumn Leek orchids (Prasophyllum parvifolium) in flower. These orchids flower over the winter months, so the common name seems a bit off.

It is here we turn around as the track is getting rather steep and as orchids are so rare we decide we need to get back to check out other areas of the National Park. At another granite location possibly called Mount Eileen Lookout we find more Banded greenhoods and a nice patch of spent Mosquito orchids.

At the next little patch of granite crossed we are excited to find the Pink bunny orchid (Eriochilus scaber subsp. scaber) flowering. These small orchids are found during the months of July to September and are usually found the season after a summer bushfire. Without a summer fire they are flowering much more rarely.

Upon arriving back at the carpark, we make tracks for Ledge Point Road and checked out Gull Rock Beach carpark. Seemed more peppermint trees around with no picnic table so we again had a tailgate lunch. A quick check whilst eating turned up some snail orchids. These ones however have long thin lateral sepals so are a different species to those found earlier today. Possible ID – Brittle snail orchid (Pterostylis timothyi) or Slender snail orchid (Pterostylis crispula). Both have long lateral sepals, flared petals and flower from July. P.timothyi though is not recorded as being found in the Albany shire, however it is the shorter of the two and has fewer cauline leaves, so I am confused. Any help in the ID would be appreciated.

Now to check out some other spots in the National Park. We pull over at a gate off of Gull Rock Road and go for a hike up the track. The track goes through some differing habitats but unfortunately, we only find a few Banded greenhoods flowering.

Further along the road we get excited to actually find a common orchid but one we had not seen so far today. The Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) is recorded as flowering from August, so we were lucky to find an early twin. Another single specimen was found together with another beautiful Scarlet banksia surrounded by blue flowers.

It was at this sole Jug orchid where we took a very overgrown track into the bush as it provided a much easier pathway off the road. We arrived at a sort of clearing with quite large boulders and pushed up mounds of dirt. It is around this disturbance that we find a few Autumn leek orchids in flower.

Well, that is the last of our orchid finds for today! Back in Albany we have the hard task of where to go for dinner. We decide to try out Little Italy in York Street and enjoy some beautiful pasta.

27/07/2024 ….. A week spent wandering – Part 6

National Parks, Numerous days, Other Reserves, Porongurup NP, Road Trip, Twin Creeks Conservation Reserve, Western Australian Orchids

Today we have decided to head up to The Porongurups to see if we could find the Helmet orchids that we found on a previous visit a few years back. So, we head up Chester Pass Road but as usual we make a stop in a possible orchid location. Napier Hall is surrounded by bush, so we pull up to the gate and make our way on foot to explore the bush surrounding the cleared area that the hall is located on. Unbelievably we only find a solitary Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) in flower.

No need to hang around here so we quickly check out the Yoorlarup Napier Creek parking area but decide we stand a better chance finding orchids in the National Park, so we continue along. We finally make it to the Porongurup National Park and make our way to Castle Rock parking area. First up we decide to walk along the smaller Walitj Meil Walk Trail which is only 1km in length. We find some kangaroos resting but alas no orchids. So back to the Triton where we grab out our lunch. We find a picnic table to have a restful lunch, before the bigger walk to Castle Rock.

OK so now for the longer trek up to Castle Rock where the Granite Skywalk is located. It was along this track we first found the Common helmet orchid, a few years back. We were not to be so lucky this time round unfortunately. All we found were leaves of orchids yet to flower. Oh well back we go to the Triton and move on to the next location.

We leave the National Park and head out to the Twin Creeks Conservation Reserve to try our luck. Well, we were not expecting the place to be so flooded. We were unable to walk along any of the trails so we just had a look around where we could. Only one species was found flowering. The Banded greenhood was found all over with only Redbeak and Slipper orchid leaves breaking up the monopoly.

We leave a bit disappointed however notice a sign at the gate which mentions a Gondwana Link Sculpture is close by, so we make a beeline to check it out. It was an amazing piece of art, just placed in the middle of a paddock.

Pics taken we make our way back to Albany. Tonight, we go out for dinner to Rustlers Steakhouse & Grill on Stirling Terrace. This was another enjoyable way to end a great day out in the great outdoors. Orchids not so great but you get that this early into the season.

26/07/2023 ….. A week spent wandering – Part 5

National Parks, Torndirrup NP, Western Australian Orchids

Our planned adventure commences today as this is our first full day in Albany, our original holiday destination, that is until we decided to head to Perth for the Lightscape in Kings Park.
So where to first?
After weighing up the many options we choose to head out to the Torndirrup National Park.

First up though we check out the Albany Windfarm. There is a great walk trail that winds around the turbines and goes down to the coast for some spectacular views.

Now have a guess as to what the first orchid found is. Not surprisingly it is the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) which is a common wide-ranging orchid that flowers from late April to early September. the first specimen was over 300mm in height and had more than 10 flowers open, whilst those found later in the walk were smaller, under 200mm in height and with only 3 flowers.

However, our luck was about to change as I discovered a small patch of Common helmet orchids (Corysanthes recurva) flowering on an open slope in the surrounding heavily vegetated dunes. These small orchids reach 30mm in height and have a ground hugging leaf 10-30mm in diameter. The Latin name alludes to the way the flower is arched backwards to expose the labellum. They are found flowering in forests, woodlands and shrublands between Mandurah and Albany. Prior to 2002 the orchids were included in the Corybas genus.

Next, we head into the National Park and make tracks for the location that includes both The Gap and Natural Bridge, which are both famous landmarks. Beautiful blue skies add to the views, but it is chilly as it is very windy.

Driving back along The Gap Road we pull into the track leading to the Cave Point Lighthouse and Cable Beach. We pull up at the gate and walk up to the lighthouse looking for orchids along the way. We find what we believe to be Mosquito orchid leaves, spent bunny orchids and some Pterostylis rosettes and buds. No photos taken though. On the way back we check out the rocks above the wooden steps down to Cable beach. Here we find sun orchid leaves all over the place.

Time for a bite to eat, so we head off to Goode Beach where we enjoy a picnic lunch. So now where to go? Back to the National Park and first stop is the lookout over Salmon Holes a popular beach fishing location. However, we need to find some orchids, so we move on to the Bald Head carpark and start the walk trail. We are definitely not walking the whole trail as it will take 5 or more hours. We decide to walk to Isthmus Hill for starters then see how much further we go.
The walk trail is very steep in places with overhanging branches, shrubs etc, so glad we are only going a short distance. Looking at the map of the trail it seems we make it to about the 1km mark, so not too shabby.

Now to record the orchids found on our trek. First up we found some snail orchids, which are hard to ID as they are not fully formed. The long lateral sepals rule out quite a few options, however the rosettes are quite different between the orchids found at the lower section of the track compared to those found higher up in the moss of the granite. So possibly two species found.

Now an unexpected find up on the hill was the Scented Autumn leek orchid (Prasophyllum sp. ‘early’) which is found flowering from April to July between Bunbury and Israelite Bay. The related Autumn leek orchid (Prasophyllum parvifolium) is also found during July over a larger region, including Albany. They are distinguished by their colouring with the latter being more coloured. Both may actually be found in my pics.. Thoughts??

Leaves of other orchids were found, so I will post pics of them just for the record. Leaves from the Thelymitra, Caladenia, Pyrorchis, Diuris and Cryptostylis genus were found. So, a return later in the orchid season should produce results.

We trek back to the Triton and move on to the Albany Historic Whaling Station where we enjoy afternoon tea and buy some gifts for the grandies. Next up we head out to Stony Hill which was the location during World War II of a Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Signal Station (1939 – 1943) and a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Air Warning Radar Station (1943 – 1945). Just foundations on the granite rock remain.

Orchids were found in the scrub surrounding Stony Hill. The Mosquito orchid (Cyrtostylis robusta) was found hiding on the edges of the track under the overhanging foliage of the coastal scrub. These orchids have a near circular ground hugging leaf and a very unique flower with thin sepals and petals with a very broad labellum in comparison.

As with Isthmus Hill there are also leaves and buds of other orchids found. This time it is some Diuris, Cryptostylis, Prasophyllum and Pterostylis orchids.

Another spot close by is Peak Head carpark. We trek along the trail a bit and make tracks for some more granite rocks. More Mosquito orchids found plus some greenhood orchids and finally some snail orchids that are fully formed. These little guys appear to be the Fawn snail orchid (Pterostylis parva) which flower from June to early August. They occur from Albany eastwards to Eyre, so we find these back in Esperance as well.

It is now after 5pm so we make tracks back to our B&B. We decide to walk to a nearby fish’n’chip shop for dinner. So glad we made this choice as the Buttermilk chicken salad we had was amazing. Would highly recommend Ocean and Paddock on Middleton Beach Road.

25/07/2023 ….. A week spent wandering – Part 4

Culbin NR, Nature Reserves, Numerous days, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

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.

24/07/2023 ….. A week spent wandering – Part 3

Lane Pool Reserve, Numerous days, Other Reserves, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

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.

22/07/2023 ….. A week spent wandering – Part 2

Boyagin NR, Midgegooroo NP, National Parks, Nature Reserves, Numerous days, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

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.

21/07/2023 ….. A week spent wandering – Part 1

Dragon Rocks NR, Numerous days, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

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.

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.

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.**

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.

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.

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.

WA Orchid Adventures

Come with me on my Orchid Adventures in Southern Western Austalia

Western Australia