Western Australia

Exploring Orchids and Celebrating in Perth

Road Trip, Weekend away, Western Australian Orchids

15/06/2024 – 17/06/2024

I am heading up to Perth to attend a 60th birthday party. I will also catch up with Debbie as she is currently in Perth with her work.
I will try and make some quick orchid stops along the way if time permits.

Well, no time to search for orchids on trip up to Perth so will try on the way back.

The birthday party on the Saturday night was held at the Ye Olde Narrogin Inne. It was a surprise for a long-time friend Sandy. To ensure I could have a good night I booked a room at the nearby Heritage Country Motel. In fact, it was walking distance. To save on costs Richard another longtime friend and I shared a room.
Sunday was spent catching up with my daughter Kristie and granddaughter Bonnie. Then heading with Debbie to Fremantle to play tourist. We visited the West Australian Maritime Museum which took a few hours to check out. The exhibits were varied and interesting.
After a wonderful lunch at Moore and Moore Cafe in Fremantle it was time to head to Dwellingup.
I am staying the night with brother Geoff and his wife Robyn. We will catch up and I will be closer to home for the long drive tomorrow.

Woke to a cold winters’ morning. Enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and hit the road around 10am. The road was still very foggy in patches between Dwellingup and Quindanning.
Finally, pulled over to a fav spot in the Piesseville7 locale to have a quick orchid hunt.

The only orchid found flowering in my quick 10min check was the Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea).

Flowering: June to September.

Distribution: Eneabba to Israelite Bay

No further stops made as I did not wish to travel at dusk. Arrived home just after 5pm.

Weekend wander to Lake King

Nature Reserves, Weekend away, Western Australian Orchids

25/05/2024 – 26/05/2024

On the hunt for that elusive Winter Spider Orchid. To improve our chances, we are heading over to Lake King. To provide as much time as possible we have booked into the Lake King Tavern Motel for Saturday night.

However, as is usual for us we never go anywhere directly. Orchid hunting stops will be made along the way, plus we like to venture paths not previously travelled.

First up we check out a location in Coomalbidgup3 where we come across some bunny orchids.

Pictures of two findings only taken with the leaf not visible in one. The second pics show very small smooth margined leaves.

Unable to give a positive ID based on these pics so will leave as ??? bunny orchid (Eriochilus sp.)

The next couple of locations, one in Coomalbidgup4 and one in Munglinup,5 did not turn up any orchids.

I did come across a large Beehive located under a rocky overhang. I gave it a wide berth.

Another 2 stops made on the roadside verge of Lake Ace Nature Reserve followed by Kathleen Nature Reserve.


No luck in finding any orchids in flower.


We then visit a previously visited site nearby6 and here we only find some spent Pygmy orchids (Corunastylis fuscoviridis).

Oh well that was not a very successful day, orchid wise, however getting out in the bush is always enjoyable.

After spending a wonderful night at Lake King, we enjoy a leisurely morning. The after the 10am check-out we finally head out for further exploration.

Damnosa and Pallarup Nature Reserves are both checked. Unfortunately, nothing other than further spent Pygmy orchids are found.

Oh well time to go home and back to work on Monday.

The Winter spider orchids will have to wait for another year.

Slim Pickings on a Sunny Day: Orchid Hunting Adventures

Mount Burdett NR, Nature Reserves, Sunday Drive, Western Australian Orchids

19/05/2024

It’s past midway of May so we anticipate some other orchids are starting to show themselves. So, northeast of Esperance we head with our first stop being one of our usual haunts in Neridup1.


The only orchid found during a quick sweep of the location was the Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata).

They are a very distinctive orchid with thin upright petals that appear to be ears and a prominently fringed labellum.

Flowering: March – June
Distribution: Shark Bay to Israelite Bay

Moving on towards our planned destination we pull into a track on a whim and have a quick look around.2 Not much found here either.

First up we find the Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis), however they are finished for the season. Pics taken for recording purposes only.

Flowering: March – May
Distribution: Corrigin to Eucla

Then we come across the Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) which is the most common of the greenhood orchids.

Flowering: April – September
Distribution: Perth to Israelite Bay

Then a small greenhood orchid is found that is just sprouting its first flower. From the colouring and size, I believe it will be the Mallee banded greenhood (Pterostylis arbuscula).

Flowering: June – July
Distribution: Dalwallinu to Eyre Bird Observatory

Next, we move onto our planned destination, Mount Burdett, which is also located in the Mt Burdett Nature Reserve. We enjoy a late bite to eat for lunch before starting our search.

On the granite rock we locate some bunny orchids growing. By referring to the latest book by Andrew Brown I ID them as the Eastern granite bunny orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus subsp. “eastern granites”).

Flowering: April and May
Distribution: Esperance to Balladonia

Then around the back of the rock I discover the sole Hare orchid growing. Last year there were more but not today 🙁

Well not such a productive day, however it is always wonderful to get out on a beautiful sunny winters day.

A Mother’s Day Adventure at Helms Arboretum

Esperance, Helms Arboretum, Western Australian Orchids

12/05/2024

It is Mother’s Day, so we head out to the Esperance Bird and Animal Park for breakfast. We are joined by our two son’s and their little families.

After a very enjoyable morning with family, we decide to check out Helms Arboretum. As we are in the Corolla, we will stick to the gravel tracks only. It will be interesting to see what orchids make an appearance.

As expected, the first orchids found are the bunny orchids. These little orchids flower from March in some areas all the way to June in others.

The White bunny orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus subsp. dilatatus) is the most widespread of the species. They are found between Shark Bay and Israelite Bay.

Leaf is sometimes red backed

The only other orchids found were those of the Greenhood family.

The also widespread Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) is found flowering in a few isolated spots.

They flower from April till September between Perth and Israelite Bay.

Not too many orchids currently to be found out at Helms Arboretum. Rather a slow start to the season.

The Resilience of White Bunny Orchids by the Sea

Western Australian Orchids

APRIL 2024

A camping trip on the coast at Alexander Bay, east of Esperance, provides our first orchids of the season. Within metres of the water the early flowering White bunny orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus subsp. dilatatus) is found.
These orchids are found from Lancelin to Israelite Bay during April and May. They can grow up to 350mm in height and can have as many as 10 flowers. Their colouring is listed as white, dull green and red.
Finding these small delicate flowers flowers growing so close to the water was amazing. The strong winds and sea spray they endure is a test of their resilience.

Early Season Orchid Hunting Around Esperance

Nature Reserves, Red Lake Townsite NR, Sunday Drive, Western Australian Orchids

14/04/2024

Home alone for the weekend, so of course I head out looking for some early season orchids. Heading north out of Esperance I first pull into one of our regular haunts.
To my dismay, it appears the track we used to check along is in fact a fire break. It had been re-cleared, though unfortunately a little wider this time. Thus, it cleared away the vegetation where we had previously found orchids.
I decided to expand my search in the location. I included the other side of a Salt Lake. I was excited to find some orchids over the entire search area.

The first orchid found was of the Eriochilus genus.
Due to the wavy edged leaf, I believe they are the Blunt-leaved bunny orchid (Eriochilus dilatatus subsp. brevifolius).

These orchids are listed as being found between the Murchison River and Toolinna Cove.

Flowering during the months of April, May and June.

Two specimens of the Leafless orchid (Praecoxanthus aphyllus) were found in the newly explored area past the Salt Lake.

The orchids are listed as occurring between Perth and Condingup.

Flowering during the months of March, April and May.

The common name is actually incorrect. The flowering orchids do have a leaf. However, it is minuscule (Minute bract only) when compared to the non-flowering leaf. Plus, it occurs at the very base of the flowering stem.

A farmer on a quad bike with his two dogs approached me. It appears I have been looking for orchids on his property. After discovering I was not a lost tourist, he was quite happy for me to stay.

I however decide to head back, taking one last hunt for any orchids in the old location.



Woohoo, I find one lone Hare orchid (Leporella fimbriata) growing in the shrubs alongside the newly cleared fire break.

These orchids are listed as being found between Shark Bay and Israelite Bay.

Flowering during the months of March, April, May and June.

I decide to head further north to the Red Lake Townsite Nature Reserve. This is a known location for the 4th early season orchid I am chasing today.

As luck would have it after walking along the track for quite a while, I finally find the Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis).

The orchids are listed as occurring between Corrigin and Eucla.

Flowering during the months of March, April and May.

I finish the day a happy Chappy as I managed to find 4 of the early season orchids flowering.
Each species was from a different genus:
Eriochilus,
Praecoxanthus,
Leporella,
Corunastylis.

New Orchid Discovery at Helms Arboretum – 2023 Season Finale Highlights

Esperance, Helms Arboretum, List of Orchids Found, Western Australian Orchids

14/10/2023
Well time stops for no man and the orchid season is nearing its end. For Deb and I this will be our last planned orchid hunt for the season. Later flowers do bloom right though to Feb. However, we call it quits now that the snakes are active, and the orchid pickings are slim.
So, what better place to finish the season than at Helm’s Arboretum? It is a part of the 4000 ha Helms Forestry Reserve.
There is not much of a tale to tell initially. I will just post pictures of the many Sun orchids found flowering.
NOTE: Access to Florabase for info on each orchid is linked via the scientific name.

Slender sun orchid

(Thelymitra vulgaris)

Scented sun orchid

(Thelymitra macrophylla)

Shy sun orchid

(Thelymitra graminea)

Leopard orchid


(Thelymitra benthamiana)

As is normal for Helms there are other species found that are not sun orchids. I will now list these below.

Common mignonette orchid

(Microtis media subsp. media)

Elegant donkey orchid

(Diuris concinna)

Esperance spider orchid – Hybrid

(Caladenia decora x longicauda)

We check out a newer area of the arboretum where the soil is mainly white sand. This is to see if this habitat turns up anything new or more of the same.
OMG we are very excited to find our very first Flying Duck orchids. These orchids belong to their own genus: Paracaleana of which 15 species are found in WA.
4 of which are found in the Shire of Esperance.
From these 4 I feel these to be the Broad-billed duck orchid (Paracaleana triens) which flower Sept-Oct.

Broad-billed duck orchid

(Paracaleana triens)

What a way to end our 2023 Orchid season. We are adding a brand-new orchid to our list of species found.

Roll on the 2024 season!!!!!

14/09/2023 ….. Our Road Trip is coming to an end ….

Numerous days, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

Well after travelling the Anne Beadell Highway from Laverton to Coober Pedy then returning to WA via the Nullarbor Plain, we part ways with Richard, Noel and Sandy at Cocklebiddy. They are heading straight back home, whilst Deb and I wish to take our time before arriving home. We book into the motel for the night as it is blowing it’s arse off.

14/9/2023 ….. We wake up to a much better day and head west, exploring along the way. We check out Murra El Elevyn Cave, Caiguna Blowhole and drive the iconic 90-mile Straight section of the highway. We grab lunch at Balladonia Roadhouse before heading south down Balladonia Road.

Nuytsland Nature Reserve
Murra El Elevyn Cave
90 Mile Straight
Caiguna Blowhole
Balladonia Roadhouse

Balladonia Road is unsealed and is quite rough in patches, so we take it easy as we lookout for possible orchid hunting stops.

Possible orchid location – Nothing found
Rough section
Possible orchid location – Nothing found
Successful orchid location

We pull into a spot signed as GALGALANGANYA : Aboriginal Cultural Heritage (ACH) Register Place 1634. This area is listed as Artefacts / Scatter; Camp; Water Source.
It is here that we find some spent Little laughing leek orchids (Prasophyllum gracile), which indicates we have returned after some 20 days to our beloved orchids. Luckily after a thorough search we come across one orchid that is still in flower.

Fertilized flowers
Shrivelled specimen
One still hanging in there

Heading further south we cross from the Shire of Dundas into our home shire, the Shire of Esperance. A little further on we pull over to make a cuppa before continuing on to another area of granite, called Coragina Rock.

Our home shire
Boiling the billy
Coragina Rock

Another thorough search is made with more Little laughing leek orchids being found. Then Debbie finds a solitary Granite sun orchid (Thelymitra petrophila) growing in the twigs of a bush. This orchid has 3 barely opened flowers which fits with the recorded flowering months of September and October.

Fertilised flowewrs
Single tubular leaf
Finished, blooming and buds all in one plant
Growing through twigs of shrub

Finding the Sun orchid was exciting; but we must move onward so we can reach our planned destination for the night, Deralinya Homestead, before dark.
We veer into Parmango Road, a shire-maintained road as Balladonia Road now becomes a 4WD track.
Upon arrival at the homestead, we follow the signs to the campground down behind the dam. Here we set up and get a campfire going, before I head off on a small exploration of the surrounding scrub. The only sign of orchids were the many small sun orchids in bud.
So only 2 species found in flower today but let us enjoy our last night under the stars and we will see what tomorrow brings.

Deralinya Homestead campground
Homestead seen from campground
Our last sunset of this trip
Our last campfire of this trip

25/08/2023 ….. So finally, our 2023 Road Trip commences …..

Nature Reserves, Numerous days, Road Trip, Victoria Rock NR, Western Australian Orchids

Well, it has finally arrived. The day we head off on our 2023 road trip. This year will be a little different as we will be travelling from Laverton in the eastern goldfields to Coober Pedy in South Australia. As we will be travelling the more remote desert areas, orchids will not play a part of this adventure other than in the first few and last few days of our adventure.

Heading north from Esperance we make at stop at Bromus Dam where we check out McPherson Rock. We are amazed to find 5 different orchid species in flower on and around the rock plus an extra species on the track back to the dam.

Yellow granite donkey orchid

(Diuris hazeliae)

Hairy-stemmed snail orchid

(Pterostylis setulosa)

Cowslip orchid

(Caladenia flava subsp. flava)

Sugar orchid

(Ericksonella saccharata)

Western wispy spider orchid

(Caladenia microchila)

Midget greenhood

(Pterostylis mutica)

We move on further north and head west at Norseman to Disappointment Rock, where we set up our overnight camp. After we had collected firewood and started the fire, I climbed up the rock and found some orchids as the sun was setting.

Yellow granite donkey orchid

(Diuris hazeliae)

Hairy-stemmed snail orchid

(Pterostylis setulosa)

26/08/2023 ….. 2023 Road Trip Day 2

After a good night’s sleep in our Cot Tent, we enjoy breakfast before heading north. We arrive at the Victoria Rock Nature Reserve where we will have a bite to eat for lunch, then go exploring the rock for some orchids.

Hairy-stemmed snail orchid

(Pterostylis setulosa)

Ant orchid

(Caladenia roei)

Granite sun orchid

(Thelymitra petrophila)

Yellow granite donkey orchid

(Diuris hazeliae)

Sugar orchid

(Ericksonella saccharata)

Dainty blue orchid

(Cyanicula amplexans)

Now it is time to move north to catch up with Richard, Sandy and Noel, who will be our travel buddies for the next few weeks. We say goodbye to our beloved orchids until we return to WA in September.