After enjoying the Yabbie Classic at Grass Patch on Saturday afternoon and evening we awake to a beautiful Sunday morning. Saying our goodbyes to friends, Bob and Jan we decide to head north to Redlake Townsite Nature Reserve where we try our luck with the 1st orchid hunt of the 2023 season. We are not disappointed with the small Pygmy orchid found flowering.
The Pygmy orchid (Corunastylis fuscoviridis) is the only species found in Western Australia of the 89 recognised Corunastylis species found throughout Australia. This early flowering orchid, March to May, is found between Corrigin and Eucla. The height of the orchid ranges from 50 to 200mm and each inflorescence can have up to 50 flowers of 1-2mm in size. The Pygmy orchid is similar to leek orchids (Prasophyllum) in having inverted flowers, where the labellum is above and not below the column.
Today is a much sunnier day than yesterday, so our drive north will be nice and warm. After around 1 hr in the Triton we arrive at Mount Ridley where we first venture up to the Rock Art. Here we show Lorraine, my sister and brother-in-law Ken the art hidden on the underside of the hollowed-out boulder. It is quite amazing.
Providing a size perspective
The unique rock art
Returning from viewing the art
We then go exploring the nearby boulders and other interesting rocky features. It is during this walk around that amazingly, we find an orchid growing in the very hot, dry foliage, in a shallow soil pocket on the granite. The orchid is from the Rufous complex of the Pterostylis genus. The rosette is completely dried as are three of the five flowers. Another similar specimen is found further along which also has a dried rosette and four of the seven flowers are finished. The 2nd specimen appears to match the description for the Striped rufous greenhood (Pterostylis zebrina) which is recorded as flowering in September and October over a range between Karlgarin and Mt Ridley, the latter being our current location.
?? rufous greenhood – Shriveled rosette to flowering orchid.
?? rufous greenhood – 5 flowers to this orchid
?? rufous greenhood – Differing stripes to P. zebrina
?? rufous greenhood – Translucent hood
P. zebrina – Typical habitat
P.zebrina – Long hairs to labellum
P. zebrina – Up-curved lateral sepals
P. zebrina – Uniformly striped hood
We explored a bit more, enjoying the unique rock formations of the area and unexpectedly we came across some other orchids. Orchids from the Microtis genus were found growing with the “Borya” in shallow soil on the granite, with taller ones found growing in the scrub at the base of the rocks. As they had finished flowering it is not possible to positively identify them so will just leave them assigned to their genus.
?? mignonette orchid (Microtis sp.)
?? mignonette orchid (Microtis sp.)
Moving back to the carpark at the base of the rock, we enjoy a bite to eat for lunch at the old well site. Back on foot we walk around to the rock wave, for some quiet contemplation, before heading home for a coldie.
Breakfast enjoyed at the Esperance Bird and Animal Park with my sister Lorraine, brother in-law Ken and Tim, Tian and kids. It was then time to show L&K the Helms Arboretum orchids. Well, the one’s flowering in late October that is.
It has been raining so the orchids are covered in drops of water which makes for some great pictures. First up we find the small but colourful Elegant donkey orchid (Diuris concinna) which flowers from September to early December between Bremer Bay and Cap Arid.
Forward projecting lateral sepals hidden under labellum
Tapering dorsal sepal
Up to 400mm in height
Up to 5 flowers per orchid
Covered in water droplets
Also, very excited to find some orchids without any colouring other than yellow. These are likely to be lutea or hypochromic versions of the Elegant donkey orchid, as the visually similar Little Esperance bee orchid is listed as a very rare orchid, so is unlikely to be found at Helms.
Tapered dorsal sepal
Elongated petals
Forward projecting lateral sepals hidden under labellum.
Up to 5 flowers per orchid
Due to the damp and overcast weather the sun orchids are barely open. Firstly, the Leopard orchid (Thelymitra benthamiana) is found. These orchids flower from September to November between Northampton and Israelite Bay. Next is most likely the Scented sun orchid, however as I overlooked taking photos of the leaf, positive ID will not be possible.
Leopard patterning visible
?? sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.)
?? sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.)
Multiple flowers
Other random orchids found include the Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) which flowers August to early November between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay; the Rattle beaks (Lyperanthus serratus)which flower September to November between Perth and Israelite Bay; and the White fairy orchid (Caladenia marginata) which flowers late September to November between Juien Bay and you guessed it, Israelite Bay.
Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)
Rattle beaks (Lyperanthus serratus)
White fairy orchid (Caladenia marginata)
Then last but definitely not least, we locate some spider orchids. The Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa) is still found in fairly good numbers, given they are recorded as flowering August to early October. The other orchid is the Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora) which flowers mid-August to October. Both orchids are recorded as occurring from Bremer Bay to as far east as Israelite Bay and Cape Arid respectively.
Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa)
Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa)
Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa)
Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)
Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)
With at least eight species located it turned out to be quite a successful hunt. Oh, I would love for the yellow orchids to be the Little Esperance bee orchid, however I would require a better person than myself to name them that. However even if they are just a single-coloured variety of D. concinna, that will still be fine. Tomorrow, we head north.
Upon leaving the Jerramungup burnt are we head east looking for somewhere to park up for the night. We make it about 35kms when we pull into the Jacup Highway Park at the Fitzgerald River crossing. This will do, so we set up the camper and I do my best to drive over a log in my Ford Falcon, not the greatest idea 🙂 I’ve had.
Now we still have the late afternoon to go orchid hunting. As per our previous visit to this location, we are not disappointed. First, we find the Green spider/Fringed mantis orchid (Caladenia falcata) flowering in isolation and in small groups over the entire area we checked out.
Calli extend to mid lobe only
Clubbed sepals
Parent and hybrid child
As can be seen in the picture above the hybrid, Wheatbelt spider orchid (Caladenia x cala) was also found. It was amazing how many were actually found, as we usually find one or two only in each location.
Attractive hybrid
Red hockey stick shaped calli
Regularly found in twins
Standing up to 400mm in height
Long fringe segments to greenish-white, red-tipped labellum
Long pendulous lateral sepals
Another parent and hybrid child
And of course, we also found the other parent for the hybrid. The Stark white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens) occurs as far east as Ravensthorpe and grows in open woodlands so seems to fit the bill.
Broad labellum
Broad bases to lateral sepals
May be found in tight groups
Bright white in colour
Labellum yet to curl under
Next, we find the very special Lazy spider orchid (Caladenia multiclavia) which is recorded as occurring between Wongan Hills, Borden and Ravensthorpe. This unusual looking orchid is known for its upright petals and sepals plus the smooth striped labellum with a dense band of bristly headed calli.
Tied up with cobwebs
All sepals and petals held upright
Horizontally held flowers.
Lazing with friends
Greenish-yellow flowers with heavy red striping and shading
Striped diamond shaped labellum
Can stand up to 250mm in height
A mobile labellum – Vertical to Horizontal
Dorsal sepal and petals almost joined.
Lazing in the late afternoon sunshine
We also come across a mixture of other orchids but not in great numbers, so I will record then with only 1 pic each. Firstly, there is the ever-reliable Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) and Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media). Both are common, widespread orchids. Then the more rarely found, without a recent summer fire, Red Beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) is discovered with a nine-flower inflorescence. Finally, a pale coloured Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea) and possibly a Ravensthorpe rufous greenhood (Pterostylis leptochila) yet to fully flower are found.
Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media)
One orchid not expected was the Common dragon orchid (Caladenia barbarossa)which is found flowering between Bindoon and Munglinup. There are only 4 species of dragon orchids, and all are endemic to WA. Only 2 specimens found but still very happy.
Column overlooks the large major callus
Standing up to 300mm in height
Spreading petals and lateral sepals
Distinctive hairy labellum
However, one final orchid is found in decent numbers. The Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis), is found flowering between Northampton and Ravensthorpe from August to October. The labellum can have smooth margins or tiny marginal teeth.
Drooping petals and lateral sepals
Dorsal sepal can be held erect.
Two distinct bands of calli
Dorsal sepal can also droop
Red striped labellum
Stand up to 350mm in height
Back to camp due to the fading light.
Small campfire lit
We awake to a beautiful sunny morning, have breakfast then decide we will take some time this morning to complete a search down to the river. Fingers crossed for something new.
First up though I will post pictures of those orchids we come across that we also found in our afternoon search yesterday.
Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis)
Wheatbelt spider orchid (Caladenia x cala)
Stark white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens)
Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media)
Lazy spider orchid (Caladenia multiclavia)
Now for the new findings of the location. The Short-sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura) is found between Jerramungup and Israelite Bay from August to October. Only one specimen found, and not the best picture, but a record non the less. Another sole specimen found was that of the Bee orchid (Diuris laxiflora) which flowers September to early November between Gingin and Esperance.
Short-sepaled spider orchid (Caladenia brevisura)
Bee orchid (Diuris laxiflora)
Blue sun orchids are found in good numbers closer to the river. Now identifying them is needed. As I am writing this account over 12mth later I am identifying them from pictures taken. Based on these I feel some to be Scented sun orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla) due to the broad leaf and large numerous flowers. Others though have thin leaves with fewer flowers, so are most likely the Shy sun orchid (Thelymitra graminea). Both are recorded as flowering in the Shires of Ravensthorpe and Jerramungup during the month of October.
Shy sun orchid (Thelymitra graminea)
Shy sun orchid (Thelymitra graminea)
Shy sun orchid (Thelymitra graminea)
?? sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.)
Scented sun orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla)
Scented sun orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla)
Scented sun orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla)
Scented sun orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla)
?? sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.)
Sun orchid with Green spider orchid
?? sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.)
It is 11am so we had better push on as we need to arrive home in Esperance today. One last stop is made at Kukenarup Memorial, where we enjoy a spot of lunch before one last exploration for orchids.
OK so we finally arrive at the promised land. The burnt area near Jerramungup. We spend just short of 1hr walking around the burnt-out landscape and find the Red beaks as expected in good numbers, however the other orchids were few and far between. They are recorded below as usual.
Habitat: Found between Shark and Israelite Bays, growing in sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and scrublands. With rare exceptions, plants flower only in the season following a summer fire.
Habitat: Found between Northampton and Israelite bay, growing in sandy, sandy-clay, lateritic and granitic soils in forests, woodlands and scrublands. In inland areas the subspecies is found in isolated populations on granite outcrops and rocky hills.
After leaving Ongerup, the plan was to drive to Jerramungup to check out a burnt-out area we spied on the drive to Albany on Monday, however as per usual we make an unscheduled stop at a new location for us. Warperup East Nature Reserve looked too good an opportunity to just drive by, so after less than 20kms into the drive we turn off, down Corackerup Road and pull over on the roadside to commence our exploration of this area. We spend a good 45mins here checking out various spots along the roadside and were very excited to find our first ever striped sun orchid along with other previously found species.
First orchids found were a couple from the green spider orchid complex. Now due to the calli extending past the mid-lobe of the labellum, I believe these to be the Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima)which is recorded as being found between Jerramungup (20ish kms to the east of current location) and Israelite Bay and flowers from August to early October, which covers off the date as well. Please correct me if I have wrongly identified the species.
Now for the highlight of this morning. We find many specimens of the beautiful Western azure sun orchid (Thelymitra occidentalis). This orchid is recorded as being common over its southern distribution, Cranbrook to Eyre, however as stated earlier it is our first time finding this orchid, so not common to us. They flower from September to November and can reach 400mm in height, plus may have up to 15 flowers per plant. A beautiful sight indeed.
In the middle of all these Azure sun orchids a Shy sun orchid (Thelymitra graminea) is found. A similar sized orchid though only half the numbers of flowers per plant. These orchids range from Perth to Esperance and flower in October and November.
A much smaller orchid from another genus is the next found. The Ruddy hood (Pterostylis perculta)was previously named after the town of Ongerup, prior to being formally named in 2015. These small orchids are found from the Stirling Range to Thomas River, east of Esperance. They are found growing in rocky soils during September through November.
The Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) is the final orchid we find flowering at this location. These orchids range from Kalbarri to Israelite Bay, flowering from August to early November.
We did actually find one other orchid; however, it is only in bud at this time. It appears to be an orchid from the Sienna sun orchid complex, due to the broad leaf.
Not a bad wing it stop I must say, especially given the find of the Western azure sun orchid. 5 species in total found flowering. Time now to move onto the burnt-out area near Jerramungup.
After not too cold a night we awake to a beautiful day in the Ongerup Gardens Caravan Park. After cereal for breakfast, we decide to go exploring the woodlands behind the caravan park. We take what we believe to be a rough track, but it peters out soon enough, so we go bush bashing in an attempt to find it again. We end up curving north and head up past the sporting complex. We cross Jaekel Steet and follow the track/s to the Yongergnow Malleefowl Centre, where we grab a coffee, for the walk back to the caravan park. The orchid count for such a good walk was a bit disappointing, however we did find some, so I will record them now.
Habitat: Growing in sandy or lateritic soils in woodlands and forests.
Season: October and November
Eight species ultimately found, however the numbers found were very low. Time to head toward Jerramungup, where we plan to check out a bush fire location, we spotted on the drive over on Monday.
Next stop on our winding drive back to Esperance is another new location. Anderson Lake Nature Reserve which is 30kms east as the crow flies from Pootenup Nature Reserve, will hopefully produce some different orchids. As we get close to the location it is apparent that it is much drier so let’s see if we actually find anything at all.
As anticipated, we struggled to find any orchids, however the ones found were indeed different. Very close to where we park, we find our first orchid. The Purple veined spider orchid (Caladenia doutchiae) flowers August through October, between Mullewa and Ravensthorpe. References checked indicate it is found growing on rises around salt lakes, which is exactly the habitat we are currently searching. Four sperate flowers were located, which portray the variable colouring to this species.
Smooth margined, variably coloured, red tipped labellum
Narrow band of labellum calli
Flowers 15 to 30mm across
Purple veins to sepals
Long, shortly clubbed lateral sepals
Short, backswept petals
It was another 15mins or so before we stumbled across another orchid. This time it was the Midget greenhood (Pterostylis mutica) that caught Debs eye. The lime green colouring stands out against the otherwise brown foliage. These small orchids flower July through October, between Wongan Hills and the SA border. They are also found in QLD, NSW, Vic, Tas and SA. Florabase mentions they are known to grow around saline lakes, again confirming we are in suitable habitat.
From the latin MUTICUS (without a point, awn less, blunt) alluding to the blunt petals and sepals.
The next orchid found was a pleasant surprise. First up we thought it was a frog greenhood, but as we settled in to take some photos it became apparent that it was another species. After getting back into the Triton we are excited to note that this is a new species for us. The Ruddy hood (Pterostylis perculta) flowers from late September to early November between Kojonup and Cape Arid National Park. It was only formally named in 2015, previously called sp. “Ongerup’ which alludes to its location. It is a small orchid growing to 150mm in height, may have up to 5 flowers per orchid and is found growing in sandy-clay and clay soils.
Almost hairless labellum
Straight to slightly upcurved lateral sepals
70-150mm in height
As alluded to earlier we had returned to the Triton as this location did not prove overly productive, however finding a new species is always amazing. We head north up to Gnowangerup, then west stopping along the roadside in Kebaringup. I believe this is only our 2nd time visiting this location so we will see what turns up this time.
Straight up the large white spider orchids catch our eye. The Stark white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens) is probably the species found, based solely on location. They flower August to early October between Moora and Esperance and can grow to 600mm in height.
Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile)
Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Green spider orchid (Caladenia falcata)
More Purple veined spider orchids are found in better numbers. Then another single specimen on anorchid is found. The Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media) is a widespread orchid being found flowering between Shark Bay and Eyre during the months of September through January. The final orchid found for the day was a good bunch of Jospeh’s spider orchid (Caladenia polychroma), which are found between Boyup Brook and the Fitzgerald River National Park during the months of September and October.
Purple-veined spider orchid (Caladenia doutchiae)
Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media)
Joseph’s spider orchid (Caladenia polychroma)
We decide to move on and look for somewhere to stay the night. As we have 2 vehicles and a camper trailer, we make the decision to check into the Ongerup Gardens Caravan Park for the night. It was a choose you own site sort of place, so we parked up close to the ablutions. This was a great day orchid hunting in our wonderful Western Australian outdoors.
Meeting up with Debbie in Cranbrook this morning. I drove down from Katanning, and she drove up from King River. So, the plan is to take a winding route back to Esperance over the next the next 3 days, with regular stops to search for orchids. After grabbing a cuppa from the Cranbrook store, we head up the Great Southern Highway, but only get as far as Pootenup Nature Reserve, where we pull over for our first exploration. This is a new location, so we are hopeful of finding some orchids.
First up some large Green spider orchids (Caladenia falcata), also called the Fringed mantis orchid, are found with many twins flowering. They can have up to 3 flowers per orchid, so twins are nice to find. They are a common orchid, flowering between Wongan Hills and Jerramungup, from late August to October.
We thought we found a lot of Green spider orchids, but the number of White spider orchids was unbelievable. From the location I feel the large white spider orchids to be the Stark white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens), which flowers between Moora and Esperance, during August to early October.
However, some of the white spider orchids are smaller with thinner labellum and shorter fringe segments. After checking the references these ones may be the Tangled white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. redacta) which occurs between Collie, Mount Barker and York, growing in sandy-clay soils and seasonally moist flats in forests and woodlands. I will post some pics for you to decide if I am correct in the identification. If not, please let me know.
Other orchids are also found interspersed between all the large green and white spider orchids. A lone Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) with 5 flowers in various stages of bloom is one of these. From the reference books having five flowers is somewhat rare, so this is an exciting find, for such a common orchid. Another common orchid found, though not too common at this location, is the Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementum), which is often found growing in clumps and occurs from north of Perth to east of Esperance.
Another common yellow coloured orchid is found but again not common in this location. The Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) differs wildly in its markings, as shown by the two specimens found. One has red lines and dots whilst the other is mostly dots. Where the various subspecies overlap these variations cause confusion in making a positive ID.
A hybrid orchid is found which should not have come as a surprise as the probable parents are both found in large numbers. That said, finding a hybrid is always exciting. The named hybrid, Wheatbelt spider orchid (Caladenia x cala) is a cross between the Green spider orchid (C. falcata) and a white spider orchid (C. longicauda).
Another surprise is finding the Pink enamel orchid (Elythranthera emarginata) which is found between Jurien Bay and Ravensthorpe, from October to December. This is a beautiful, bright orchid that grows in sandy, sandy-clay and clay soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.
Hiding behind the spectacular foursome of Pink enamel orchids you can see some small white orchids. These little beauties are the White fairy orchid (Caladenia marginata), which are found between Jurien and Israelite Bays over the spring months.
Now for the difficult part, trying to ID the smaller spider orchids. The location leads me to believe that the majority of them are the Joseph’s spider orchid(Caladenia polychroma), which is a variably coloured orchid found growing between Boyup Brook and Fitzgerald River National Park during the months of September and October. Listed as growing in woodlands with grassy to herb-rich ground cover, on seasonally damp clay-loam soils.
However, some of the red spider orchids could be the Crimson spider orchid (Caladenia footeana) which is listed as growing between Cranbrook and Binnu, from July through to October. EDIT: Identification via iNaturalist confirms correct ID is the Joseph’s Spider orchid (C. polychroma)
I struggle with identifying some orchids so I will post the pictures with the expectation that someone will advise me what species they believe them to be. Thank you in advance.
