08/10/2022 ….. Warperup East Nature Reserve

Nature Reserves, Numerous days, Road Trip, Warperup East NR, Western Australian Orchids

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.

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.

Purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis)

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.

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.

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.

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.

27/08/2022 ….. Out East – Part 6 – Coolinup Road

Day Trip, Western Australian Orchids

Condingup proved a great site, however time moves on and so must we. Off to our next stop, Coolinup Road

Esperance king spider orchid (Caladenia decora)

Distribution: Bremer Bay to Cape Arid

Plant Height: 250-500mm

Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva)

Distribution: Geraldton to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 300-900mm

Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila)

Distribution: Kondinin to Madura

Plant Height: 90-250mm

Bee orchid (Diuris laxiflora)

Distribution: Gingin to Esperance

Plant Height: 300-800mm

Well, that was a fruitful day trip out East of Esperance. Over 6 locations we found 20 species and 1 hybrid.

27/08/2022 ….. Out East – Part 4 – Condingup Peak

Condingup Water Reserve, Day Trip, Other Reserves, Western Australian Orchids

Fisheries Road location proved quite unproductive; however, Condingup Peak and lookout should be an improvement.

Reclining spider orchid (Caladenia cruscula)

Distribution: Salmon Gums to Mt Ragged

Plant Height: 180-250mm

Beautiful donkey orchid (Diuris pulchella)

Distribution: Salmon Gums to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 200-500mm

Yellow granite donkey orchid (Diuris hazeliae)

Distribution: Paynes Find to Balladonia

Plant Height: 100-300mm

Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila)

Distribution: Kondinin to Madura

Plant Height: 90-250mm

Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementa)

Distribution: Wongan Hills to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 80-300mm

We decide to move on, however pull over on the side of Fisheries Road, still in the reserve though and find a couple of spider orchids.

Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians)

Distribution: Kalbarri and Esperance

Plant Height: 150-300mm

Reclining spider orchid

We now move into Condingup townsite and check out the land between Fisheries Road and Parish Street.

27/08/2022 ….. Out East – Part 2 – Beaumont Nature Reserve

Beaumont NR, Day Trip, Nature Reserves, Western Australian Orchids

It is now past 11am, so we move on to our next location, Beaumont Nature Reserve. We find orchids already found today plus some new species and one hybrid, which is exciting.

Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila)

Distribution: Kondinin to Madura

Plant Height: 150-300mm

South coast donkey orchid (Diuris brockmanii)

Distribution: Ongerup to Esperance

Plant Height: 150-300mm

Sugar orchid (Ericksonella saccharata)

Distribution: Paynes Find to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 50-150mm

Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementa)

Distribution: Wongan Hills to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 80-300mm

Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana)

Distribution: Lancelin to Esperance

Plant Height: 150-400mm

Cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava subsp. flava)

Distribution: Northampton to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 80-200mm

Pink fairies (Caladenia latifolia)

Distibution: Kalbarri to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 120-450mm

Esperance white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. crassa)

Distribution: Bremer Bay to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 200-500mm

Rigid white spider orchid (Caladenia longicauda subsp. rigidula)

Distribution: Salmon Gums to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 250-400mm

Beautiful donkey orchid (Diuris pulchella)

Distribution: Salmon Gums to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 200-500mm

Video link

Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile)

Distribution: Shark Bay to Eyre

Plant Height: 60-250mm

Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians)

Distribution: Kalbarri to Esperance

Plant Height: 150-300mm

Spectacular spider orchid (Caladenia x spectabilis)

Distribution: Kalbarri to Esperance

Plant Height: 100-350mm

Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva)

Distribution: Geraldton to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 300-900mm

?? snail orchid (Pterostylis sp)

We make our way back to the Triton and have ourselves some lunch. It was whilst eating lunch we spied the nice Jug orchids flowering, which was great as prior to this we had only found a Jug orchid that had been someone else’s lunch 🙂

From here we head back to Fisheries Road and check out a spot I had checked earlier in the year. Not much found but you never know until you check.

27/08/2022 ….. Out East – Part 1 – Parmango Road

Day Trip, Western Australian Orchids

One week back at work after our 2022 road trip to Mt Augustus, we need to check out our local orchid haunts. So where to? Let us travel east of Esperance and see what is still flowering in late August.

First up we drive as far east as we will go today and call into our favourite spot along Parmango Road. After parking up, we waste no time as orchids are already spotted.

Common bee orchid (Diuris decrementa)

Distribution: Wongan Hills to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 80-300mm

Common spider orchid (Caladenia varians)

Distribution: Kalbarri to Esperance

Plant Height: 150-300mm

Dancing spider orchid (Caladenia discoidea)

Distribution: Kalbarri to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 100-400mm

Green range donkey orchid (Diuris littoralis)

Distribution: Denmark to Esperance

Plant Height: 180-300mm

Zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana)

Distribution: Lancelin to Esperance

Plant Height: 150-400mm

Jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva)

Distribution: Geraldton to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 300-900mm

Western wispy spider orchid (Caladenia microchila)

Distribution: Kondinin to Madura

Plant Height 150-300mm

Eastern curly-locks, Spotted curly-locks (Theymitra maculata)

Distribution: Watheroo to Ongerup (Our location is outside this range)

Plant Height: 100-200mm

Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta)

Distribution: Dumbleyung to Mt Ragged

Plant Height: 50-150mm

Little laughing leek orchid (Prasophyllum gracile)

Distribution: Shark Bay to Eyre

Plant Height: 60-250mm

Lemon-scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera)

Distribution: Shark Bay to Israelite Bay

Plant Height: 100-250mm

It is now past 11am, so we move on to our next location, Beaumont Nature Reserve.

From here we head back to Fisheries Road and check out a spot I had checked earlier in the year. Not much found but you never know until you check.

19/08/2022 ….. Westonia to Roe Dam

Merredin Peak Reserve, Numerous days, Other Reserves, Road Trip, Western Australian Orchids

We are packed up and ready to leave by 10am on a beautiful sunny day. The Westonia Caravan Park is an awesome place to spend a few nights as the area around has so much to offer. Travelling south to the Great Eastern Highway, we turn west and make our way to Merredin. We decide to check out the reserve around Merredin Peak as this could be a great spot for some orchids. We were not disappointed.

We parked up at the RV Parking area closest to the rock as that was our main focus. However, to ensure we checked out a variety of habitat we venture along the Bush Trail first. (Due to time constraints, we only walked the trail I have highlighted in RED on the above map snip). Excitedly the first orchids found are some spider orchids. A trio of small clumps are found, with all appearing to be the Chameleon spider orchid (Caladenia dimidia), which is a common inland orchid of variable colourings; yellow, cream or pink-red flowers with white or pale-yellow labellum with red markings. Now you can see why these smaller spider orchids are so hard to positively identify.

Nearby we also find a little group of Ant orchids (Caladenia roei) growing. These are cheerful looking orchids, so are also commonly known as Clown orchids. They are a common widespread orchid, being found from Eurardy Station to Ravensthorpe.

Soon enough another spider orchid is found. These have a smooth-edged labellum with dense bands of calli plus the dorsal sepal is drooping. From these features it is the Drooping spider orchid (Caladenia radialis) which is also a common orchid across inland locations, from Northampton to Jerramungup.

Donkey orchids are found at the base of the granite rock growing in the wet areas. The Yellow granite donkey orchid (Diuris hazeliae) is a common inland orchid growing between Paynes Find and Salmon Gums. It is possible some may be a different species. Please let me if you think so.

Up on the rock in the mossy area we luckily find a few small Little laughing leek orchids (Prasophyllum gracile) growing. Not the best photos taken but still a record of their location. These small orchids are very widespread, growing between Shark Bay and Eyre. They grow on granite inland but in scrublands, woodlands and swamps nearer the coast.

Now we did come across many more spider orchids on the track, but I am struggling to identify them confidently. They range in colour, stance and size of both flower and leaf. For that reason, I will post the best pictures taken and will for now just call them Caladenia sp. Any ideas on the actual species please let me know and I will post an edit. EDIT 2 iNaturalist members have agreed they are all colour variations of the Chameleon spider orchid.

We move on as it’s now after 12 and lunch is calling as is the need to get some kilometres driven. Prior to leaving Merredin though we have to grab a look at and take a photo of the painted silos.

Leaving Merredin, we head west along the highway to Hines Hill where we turn south, down Hines Hill Road. It is at the intersection of Jura West Road that we pull over and check out a patch of vegetation. We all head off in different directions and my first orchid found is the common Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis setulosa). Not common here today but some others were found later in the search. Another Pterostylis orchid is found but has already been fertilised and has closed up. The Mallee banded greenhood (Pterostylis arbuscula) is a recently named species which as the name suggests is restricted to mallee regions. It is listed occurring from Dalwallinu to the Eyre Bird Observatory.

Deb as usual has the more exciting find. She comes across some small spider orchids. However, after the initial excitement it appears they are all Chameleon spider orchids. Nice to find, but a new species would have been great.

Chameleon spider orchids in the breeze

And to end the search of the area, a record of the one and only Western tiny blue orchid (Cyanicula aperta) is still to be posted, so here it is. It was found in the middle of all the spider orchids. As the common name suggests, these little guys only grow to 15omm in height and the flowers are 20 – 25 mm across.

Past lunch time and we need something to eat, so off we head into Bruce Rock. Unable to secure a counter meal at the local pub, we venture down to the local cafe, Bruce Rock Cafe (Love that Food) where we were surprised with the choices available. We sat outside to eat as the weather was mild. Well fed, we then move on.

Mural in Bruce Rock by local, Margaret Teasdale

With no real direction planned we head into Narembeen, so that Richard can change his tyre, on a solid flat surface, as the spinout north of Bullfinch seems to have caused the tyre to wear very badly. Narembeen has a great overnight campsite in the town, but we decide to head out to Roe Dam for our last joint overnight camp of the trip. We don’t have the site to ourselves, but we set up as best we can, light a campfire and enjoy the wonderful evening.

WA Orchid Adventures

Come with me on my Orchid Adventures in Southern Western Austalia

Western

08/10/2022 ….. Warperup East Nature Reserve

17/09/2022 ….. Fishing Trip Findings

11/09/2022 ….. Sunny Sunday

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

27/08/2022 ….. Out East – Part 6 – Coolinup Road

27/08/2022 ….. Out East – Part 4 – Condingup Peak

27/08/2022 ….. Out East – Part 2 – Beaumont Nature Reserve

27/08/2022 ….. Out East – Part 1 – Parmango Road

19/08/2022 ….. Westonia to Roe Dam