03/10/2022 ….. Sole specimen in Shadforth

Numerous days, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

After a very long drive from Esperance to Denmark, I check into my hotel before taking a quick drive west in a vain attempt to find orchids. As I am not familiar with the area, I pull over at a large granite rock covered in moss and rushes then hike up with expectations high. My expectations were however not met. I did discover only one sole orchid in flower. A Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera) was my saviour. These common sun orchids are found between Shark Bay and Israelite Bay, growing on creek margins, seasonally moist flats and granite outcrops.

25/09/2022 ….. Gibbo re-visited.

List of Orchids Found, Sunday Drive, Western Australian Orchids

Earlier this season (June) we checked out the burnt area north of Gibson and found greenhoods but nothing else. Now that we are at the other end of the season, we pop out there again to record what is now flowering. After nearly 3hrs searching the area, we were pleased to find so many orchids flowering. I hope you enjoy the photos below, that record what species we found.

Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media)

Season: Sept to Jan

Distribution: Shark Bay to Eyre

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

**Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media)**

Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans)

Season: Aug to Oct

Distribution: Shark Bay to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands. Usually only flower the season following a summer fire.

Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)

Season: Aug to early Nov

Distribution: Kalbarri to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana)

Season: Aug to early Nov

Distribution: Lancelin to Esperance

Habitat: Sandy and sandy-clay soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Little pink fairy (Caladenia reptans subsp. reptans)

Season: July to early Oct

Distribution: Northampton to Esperance

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)

Season: July to early Dec

Distribution: Northampton to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay, lateritic and granitic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Little pink fan orchid (Caladenia nana subsp. nana)

Season: Late Sept to Oct

Distribution: Perth to Bremer Bay. ( 250kms to the West )

Habitat: Sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests and woodlands. Best in the season following a summer fire.

White fairy orchid (Caladenia marginata)

Season: Late Sept to Nov

Distribution: Jurien Bay to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy and sandy-clay soils in seasonally wet flats and runoff areas on granite outcrops. Flowers best in season following a summer fire.

Blue china orchid (Cyanicula gemmata)

Season: Aug to early Nov

Distribution: Kalbarri to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay, lateritic and granitic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Granite china orchid (Cyanicula nikulinskyae)

Season: Sept to early Nov

Distribution: Fitzgerald River National Park and Israelite Bay

Habitat: Shallow soil pockets on granite outcrops. The recently integrated Condingup china orchid (C. sp ‘Esperance”) was listed as growing in shrublands and woodlands.

Heberle’s spider orchid (Caladenia heberleana)

Season: Sept to Oct

Distribution: Augusta to Cape Arid

Habitat: Sandy and sandy-clay soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)

Season: Mid Aug to Oct

Distribution: Bremer Bay to Cape Arid

Habitat: Sandy-clay and clay soils in woodlands and shrublands.

Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima)

Season: Aug to early Oct

Distribution: Jerramungup to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy and sandy-clay soils in woodlands and shrublands.

Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea)

Season: Aug to early Oct

Distribution: Kalbarri to Israelite Bay

Habitat: Sandy soils in woodlands and shrublands.

**Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea)**

White mignonette orchid (Microtis alba)

Season: Oct to Jan

Distribution: Dongara to Esperance

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and seasonally wet flats. Most common in the season following a summer fire.

Bee orchid (Diuris laxiflora)

Season: Sept to early Nov

Distribution: Gingin to Esperance

Habitat: Sandy-clay and clay soils in seasonally wet areas.

Twisted sun orchid (Thelymitra flexuosa)

Season: Sept to Oct

Distribution: Kalbarri and Israelite Bay

Habitat: Seasonally-wet flats and shallow soil pockets on granite outcrops.

Swamp mignonette orchid (Microtis atrata)

Season: Sept – Nov

Distribution: Jurien Bay to Israelite Bay. Also found in SA, Vic and Tas.

Habitat: Sandy-clay and clay soils in seasonally-wet flats.

Hybrid orchid (Caladenia flava x reptans)

Season: July to early Dec

Distribution: Northampton to Esperance

Habitat: Sandy, sandy-clay, lateritic and granitic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

18 species and 1 hybrid found in just over 2 and a half hours of searching in the 1 location. A SUPER SUNDAY!!!!!

17/09/2022 ….. Fishing Trip Findings

Cape le Grand NP, National Parks, Weekend away, Western Australian Orchids

It is the Esperance Offshore Fishing Club Classic and my brother, Geoff and Deb have entered the competition as have friends Bob and Tammy. So, a little group of 6 head out to Dunns Beach for an overnight beach camp, with some to try their luck. I am not a fisherperson so during Saturday afternoon I head into the dunes behind the beach to see if I can locate any orchids. Our son Tim turned up as well to fish into the night.

OK, so into the dunes I head. Immediately behind the first set of dunes the land was flooded, so had to work my way around this to get into the more stabilised dunes where some orchids may be found.

Finally made it to the stabilised dune system, which was densely vegetated, so it proved difficult to transverse. However, I was rewarded with great views, plus I actually found some orchids. Some were finished, others were in bud, but I still found 3 species in flower. I took photos of them all, however they are not great.

Firstly, found is a sole Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata) at the end of its flowering cycle. These orchids are known to flower in coastal heath between Perth and Balladonia. Next were orchids in bud, still to flower, which was frustrating. They appear to be Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia) which are also listed as growing in coastal heath, though over a larger range, Kalbarri to Israelite Bay. Another orchid in bud was one from the Thelymitra genus plus another finished orchid from the Pterostylis genus, which seems to be a Snail orchid.

The next 3 orchids listed were found flowering … So happy to find flowering orchids. The Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta) was found first. These small orchids are found between Dumbleyung and Mt Ragged, which seems to be more inland, so finding one in a coastal environment is special. A single Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) is found growing in a tangle of dead branches of a shrub. These bright orchids flower between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay which indicates coastal shrublands are an included habitat. Final orchid for the day was the Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera) which is listed as flowering between Shark Bay and Israelite Bay, growing in seasonally wet areas and creek lines, which covers off on the habitat I found it in.

I was not expecting to find 7 species to record as being located in the stabilised dunes behind Dunns Beach, which is located in Cape Le Grand National Park, which is great as I don’t have many records for that park listed in my previous blogs.

Back at camp the rest had started fishing with a few small fish caught. It was a beautiful sunset as is common out here on the beach, but I never grow tired of them. Deb does catch a nice sized Gummy shark later in the night. We are so spoilt to live in this beautiful and remote part of the country.

11/09/2022 ….. Sunny Sunday

Sunday Drive, Western Australian Orchids

What better way to spend a beautiful sunny spring September day that to go exploring for orchids. A decision needs to be made on which direction: North, East, West or maybe a combination.

East wins the day, so off we head directly to Condingup townsite, as we wanted to see if the Drakaea leaves had produced orchids. We were in luck, as the King-in-his-carriage (Drakaea glyptodon) was in flower. These interesting looking orchids are found flowering from Eneabba to Esperance during the months of Aug, Sept and Oct. Condingup is in the Shire of Esperance and approx 70kms east of the Esperance townsite.

More orchids from different genera are found in this location as well. Caladenia is represented by 3 different species. Firstly, the Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa) is found. As the name suggests this orchid ranges from Bremer Bay to Israelite Bay, so includes a vast area of the Esperance shire. Then the equally large Heberle’s spider orchid (Caladenia heberleana) which ranges between Augusta and Cape Arid, is found scattered around. A single specimen of the Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila) with a wonky labellum is the last species found. These smaller spider orchids are found over a much wider range, from Kondinin and Madura.

Next, we found various orchids, each representing their genus. First up the Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) which ranges from Kalbarri and Israelite Bay. Then the Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) which ranges from Shark Bay to Israelite Bay and finally the Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementa) which ranges from Perth to east of Esperance.

Next location checked is one our spots along Parmango Road, a few clicks east of Condingup. Parking up the Triton, we go for a quick look and find some Common bee orchids and a few Heberle’s spider orchid, which were both located back in Condingup previously.

Not a hugely fruitful location, so we move up a few hundred metres to another favoured location and immediately encounter many more orchids. First up are more Common bee orchids, in good numbers here and further along the track.

Luckily some new species for the day are encountered as well. First up is the Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) which is a widespread orchid, being found from Geraldton to Israelite Bay. Then the much smaller Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana) is found, with these orchids being found between Lancelin and Esperance. Another new species for the day is the ever popular and spectacular Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava) which is one of the most, if not the most widespread orchid in WA. Including the 4 subspecies, it is found south of the line Shark Bay to Israelite Bay. Then a very local new species is found, the Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora). These orchids are found between Bremer Bay and Cape Arid.

Other new species for the day include the Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea) and the Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera) which both range from north of Geraldton to Israelite Bay. Then some others found previously today are found again, including Red beaks, the Purple enamel orchid and the Western wispy spider orchid.

This was a much better location, with 10 species found, however we need to keep moving. So off to a new location, along Fisheries Road in Howick. We drive slowly down the track and occasionally spy an orchid, at which time we have a scout around for more orchids, before moving on again. This location proves rather fruitful with 8 species found, including 2 new ones for the day. First up I will mention new species found; Beautiful donkey orchid (Diuris pulchella) which is an easterly occurring orchid, found between Salmon Gums, Esperance and Balladonia. The smaller Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta) is also found over a larger easterly range, Dumbleyung to Mt Ragged.

The other orchids found at this location were the Cowslip orchid, Western wispy spider orchid, Esperance king spider orchid, Lemon-scented sun orchid, Jug orchid and Esperance white spider orchid.

Now our final location for the day, is one of our favourite spots. The area around Boyatup Hill never disappoints. I will start with the new species for the day, then confirm the findings of those previously found earlier today, as also being located this far east of Esperance.

The Custard orchid (Theymitra villosa) is a nice yellow coloured sun orchid which is found flowering between Northampton and Israelite Bay. Then we have the equally brightly coloured Pink candy orchid (Caladenia hirta subsp. rosea) which flowers slightly further north in Kalbarri then south to Israelite Bay.

Another 2 new species for the day include the Rabbit orchid (Leptoceras menziesii) which is another orchid that ranges from Israelite Bay, but only to Geraldton this time and the Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians) which is listed between Kalbarri and Esperance. The maps do show occurrences east of Esperance; however, I have posted images on iNaturalist asking fellow Citizen Scientists to assist me in identification.

Now to list the orchids previously found at earlier locations, that were also found around Boyatup hill. Purple enamel orchid, Lemon-scented sun orchid, Esperance king spider orchid, Heberle’s spider orchid, Cowslip orchid, Dancing spider orchid, Beautiful donkey orchid, Common bee orchid and a lone fertilised Jug orchid. EDIT: Fellow citizen scientists from my iNaturalist post have advised the Bee orchid (Diuris laxiflora) is the correct ID, so it is not the Common bee, which makes this another species found for the day.

Now you can see why this location is a favourite of ours. With at least 13 species found with a white variant of the Pink candy orchid being a special find. Well, it has been a long day, and we have an hour or so drive home. Time to reflect on the 17 EDIT: 18 species found today, making east of Esperance a special spot for orchids.

13/09/2022 ….. WESTWARD WANDER

Cocanarup Timber Reserve, Day Trip, East Naernup NR, List of Orchids Found, Munglinup NR, Nature Reserves, Other Reserves, Springdale NR, Un-named NR, Western Australian Orchids

Well, I am writing this post more than 12mths after the actual event, so the details of each location are patchy at best however the photos of the orchids found are the true record, so not all is lost.

SPRINGDALE NATURE RESERVE

Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)
Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
White spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda)
Hybrid sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera x ?)
Wheatbelt spider orchid (Caladenia x cala)
Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementa)
Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera)

MUNGLINUP NATURE RESERVE

Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana)
Shy sun orchid (Thelymitra graminea)
Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava sp.)
Stark white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. eminens)
Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)
Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementa)
Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)

EAST NAERNUP NATURE RESERVE

Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta)
Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)
Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima)
White spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda)

KUKENARUP MEMORIAL

Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea)
Common dragon orchid (Caladenia barbarossa)
Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)
?? Spider orchid (Caladenia sp.)
Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans)
Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera)
Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)
White spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda)
Frog greenhood (Pterostylis sargentii)
Hybrid spider orchid (Caladenia x)

KUNDIP NATURE RESERVE

Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta)
Frog greenhood (Pterostylis sargentii)
Dwarf bird orchid (Pterostylis galgula)

JERDACUTTUP ROAD (NR WA43060)

Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta)
Dwarf bird orchid (Pterostylis galgula)
Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea)

JERDACUTTUP

Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana)
Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)
Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea)
Small mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. gracillima)
Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans)
Common mignonette orchid (Microtis media subsp. media)

Well seems it was a very productive day, given the number of photos I had to choose from. It has also dawned on me that we actually went West to visit the Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show. The visit to the show was completed between the East Naernup Nature Reserve and Kukenarup Memorial locations.

09/10/2022 ….. Memorial Memories

Cocanarup Timber Reserve, Numerous days, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

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.

Three new orchids for the day are found: Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis) which flowers August to early November between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay, the Common dragon orchid (Caladenia barbarossa), which flowers September to mid-November between Bindoon and Esperance and Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans) which flowers August to October between Shark and Israelite Bays.

Further confusion from more blue sun orchids. The thick leafed one must be the Scented sun orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla) which flowers from August to October between Perth and Bremer Bay, however, it is listed as being found in the Ravensthorpe shire on Florabase. The others found growing together in the reeds could be the Slender sun orchid (Thelymitra vulgaris) which flowers during September and October, between Geraldton and Esperance. The thinner leaf is visible in a reddish tone in the picture below.

Not such a bad way to spend travelling back from a week away with work. This last stop just before reaching Ravensthorpe, was later in the season than when we usually visit, however it still turned up some nice orchids. Homeward bound for Esperance as it is 1pm and we still have 2hrs of driving left.

04/09/2022 ….. Father’s Day Findings Pt. II

Sunday Drive, Western Australian Orchids

Saying goodbye to the kids, grandkids and Deb C, we head north for our next location. Here we check out the burnt patch north of Gibson.

Red beaks (Pyrorchis nigricans)

Distribution & Habitat: Found between Shark Bay and Israelite Bay, growing in sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands. With rare exceptions, plants flower only in the season following a summer fire. Also found in SA, Vic, NSW & Tas.

Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera)

Distribution & Habitat: Found between Shark Bay and Israelite Bay, growing on creek margins, seasonally moist flats and granite outcrops.

Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)

Distribution & Habitat: Found between Northampton and Israelite Bay, growing in sandy, sandy-clay, lateritic and granitic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands. In inland areas the subspecies is found in isolated populations on granite outcrops and rocky hills.

Large colourful species, standing 250-500mm in height.

Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)

Distribution & Habitat: Found between Bremer Bay and Cape Arid, growing in sandy-clay and clay soils in woodlands and shrublands.

Bee Orchid (Diuris laxiflora)

Distribution & Habitat: Found between Gingin and Esperance, growing in sandy-clay and clay soils in seasonally wet areas.

Tapering dorsal sepal & forward projecting lateral sepals.

Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana)

Distribution & Habitat: Found between Lancelin and Esperance, growing in sandy and sandy-clay soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Swamp mignonette orchid (Microtis atrata)

Distribution & Habitat: Found between Jurien Bay and Israelite Bay, growing in sandy-clay and clay soils in seasonally wet areas. Also found in SA, Vic & Tas.

Heberle’s spider orchid (Caladenia heberleana)

Distribution & Habitat: Found between Augusta and Cape Arid, growing in sandy and sandy-clay soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

Pink bunny orchid (Eriochilus scaber subsp. scaber)

Distribution & Habitat: Found between Jurien Bay and Cape Arid NP, growing in sandy and sandy-clay soils in seasonally wet flats and run-off areas. Flowers best in the season following a summer fire.

Spectacular spider orchid (Caladenia x spectabilis)

Distribution & Habitat: Found between Kalbarri and Esperance, growing in sandy and sandy-clay soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

A hybrid between Cowslip orchid (C. flava) and Pink fairies (C. latifolia)

Lateral spreading fringe segments to labellum

Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea)

Distribution & Habitat: Found between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay, growing in sandy soils in woodlands and shrublands.

Broad central band of dark purplish-black calli

Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)

Distribution & Habitat: Found between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay, growing in sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands.

So many orchids, but as it is after 1.30pm we head off to grab a late lunch at the Esperance Bird & Animal Park .. Hamburgers n chips enjoyed ..I had a GOAT beer to celebrate a wonderful Father’s Day .

04/09/2022 ….. Father’s Day Findings Pt. I

Dempster Head, Esperance, Western Australian Orchids

Father’s Day breakfast enjoyed at my son’s home with his little family. After stuffing ourselves, we all venture up to Dempster Head to walk off the excess joules. 🙂 It is during our walk that we encounter the following orchids.

Spectacled donkey orchid (Diuris conspicillata)

Distribution & Habitat: Restricted to the Esperance area, growing in shallow soil pockets on coastal granite outcrops.

Eastern granite snail orchid (Pterostylis voightii)

Distribution & Habitat: Found between Albany & Israelite Bay, growing in shallow soil pockets on granite outcrops.

White spider orchid ?? (Caladenia sp.)

Unknown species of spider orchid.

Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia crassa)

Distribution & Habitat: Found between Bremer Bay and Israelite Bay, growing in clay and sandy-clay soils in seasonally moist woodlands and shrublands. Flowers best in the season following summer fire.

Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta)

Distribution & Habitat: Found between Dumbleyung and Mt Ragged, growing in sandy, sandy-clay and lateritic soils in woodlands and scrublands.

Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia)

Distribution & Habitat: Found between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay, growing in sandy and sandy-clay soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands. In inland areas the species grows on low rises beside salt lakes and occasionally on granite outcrops. Also found in SA, VIC and TAS.

Crystal helmet orchid (Corybas limpidus) (Corysanthes limpidus)

Distribution & Habitat: Found between Walpole and Israelite Bay, growing in sandy soils in coastal woodlands and shrublands.

Mosquito orchid (Cyrtostylis robusta)

Distribution & Habitat: Found between Perth and Israelite Bay, growing in sandy, sandy-clay and granitic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands. Northeast of Esperance the species occupies shallow soil pockets on granite outcrops.