19th
AOC Conference & Show
Perth, Western Australia
11th to 16th September 2012
POST CONFERENCE 5 DAY ORCHID TOUR
17th September to 21st September 2012
Perth-Margaret River-Bridgetown-Albany-Perth
Introduction (See the pictures here) ( Booking Form Here)
The post 19th Australian Orchid Conference tour has been designed introduce you to the unique and diverse orchid flora of south-west Western Australia. Some 60-80 species are likely to be seen over 5 days in a range of habitats and geographical regions in both high and relatively low rainfall areas. Both common and rare species will be seen and, in some areas, orchids will be abundant. Of course, the number of species that flower in 2012 will be influenced by weather and fires.
Fire is an integral part of the Western Australia environment and many native plants have adapted to its influence. Orchids are no exception and a number flower in greater abundance following fire while a smaller group flower only following fire. During the trip you will be able to observe firsthand, in regenerating bushland following the November 2011 Margaret River fires, many orchids such as the red beak (Pyrorchis nigricans) and blue china orchid (Cyanicula gemmata) that would otherwise not have been seen in flower.
The tour will be undertaken in three small buses, each with 20 participants. This is designed to protect our fragile environment, including, of course, our orchids. Small groups have a less negative impact on the habitat than large ones and, although in some areas we will be visiting the same places, for the more sensitive areas each group will stop in a different place that contains the same suite of orchids. An added advantage is that small buses are able to get into especially orchid-rich areas that are difficult to access by a large coach. Each bus will have a tour leader who is an expert on Western Australian native orchids. Leaders will rotate each day so that you will have an opportunity to meet them all.
Leaders are Andrew Brown, Chris French and Garry Brockman. Andrew is a conservation biologist and taxonomist at the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation and is a well-known expert on Western Australian orchids, having authored/co-authored many papers and 6 books on them. Andrew also has lots of experience in leading tours to see orchids in their natural environment. Chris and Garry are both members of the West Australian Native Orchid Study and Conservation group and are especially knowledgeable on Western Australian orchids. Both are also involved in taxonomic studies of our orchids with Chris specialising in Diuris and Pterostylis and Garry in a range of genera including Caladenia, Diuris, Paracaleana and Pterostylis. Feel free to ask them tricky questions.
You must bring sturdy footwear and long pants as we may be walking through thick prickly scrub and occasional burnt swamps that may still be wet at this time of year. Also remember to bring a hat and sun-screen to protect yourself from the sun which will often be strong at this time of year. You are likely to get thirsty so remember to bring plenty of water. Spring weather in Western Australia is variable, so be prepared for both cool and warm days, and also come prepared for occasional showers with a raincoat or umbrella. It is especially important to bring extra memory cards for your camera, as you will probably take many more images than you expect due to the magnificent scenery, the spectacular wildflowers and of course the beautiful orchids that you will see.
Orchid botanical history
The first European to make collections of south-west orchids was Archibald Menzies who collected three species between September 28 and October 11, 1791. In the 220 years that have elapsed since then 38 genera and 398 species have been found, many of these discovered by a dedicated group of enthusiasts collectively known as the West Australian Native Orchid study and Conservation Group (WANOSCG). Largely due to their efforts it is thought that the total number of species could reach 450 following revisions over the next few years.
Climate, biology and ecology of south-west Western Australian orchids
The climate of the south-west is Mediterranean with cool, wet winters and hot dry summers. Under these conditions all orchid species are terrestrial and have adapted to the long dry summer months by dying back to dormant underground tubers. These tubers resprout following autumn rains and flower during the late autumn, winter, spring and early summer months. The vast majority of species flower in the late winter-spring (August-October) and at this time 80 or more species can be seen during a four or five day field trip through the southwest.
Orchids grow under a wide variety of conditions. Some occur only over a small area where they are confined to a specific habitat while others are much more widespread and adaptable. In some habitats, particularly during the first spring after a fire, more than 40 species flower in areas a few hectares in size.
South-west orchids are remarkably diverse in the size of plants and flowers. The little laughing Leek (Prasophyllum gracile) is rarely taller than 15 cm, with flowers a mere 9 mm in size while the giant spider orchid (Caladenia excelsa) grows to almost 1 m in height and has flowers up to 30 cm in size. Many species have one or two flowers while some leek orchids (Prasophyllum spp.) have up to 50 or more flowers in a dense spike up to 2 m tall.
All south-west orchids rely on a symbiotic association with soil fungi for their survival. These fungi supply necessary nutrients that it cannot otherwise obtain from its rather underdeveloped root system and often reduced leaves.
During the tour you will be able to observe firsthand
the biology and ecology of many south-west orchids.
The Daily Tour Diary
Day 1 Perth-Margaret River (17th September)
Today we travel south from Perth to Margaret River via the Swan Coastal Plain and coastal woodlands and heathlands.
One of our most common orchids, the cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava) will be seen today. Found in most habitats it often forms large colonies that display its bright yellow flowers en mass. A rarer species that may be seen is the sandplain white spider orchid (Caladenia speciosa). It has large cream, pink tinged flowers with long wispy petals and sepals.
Nearer to the coast, the pink fairy orchid (Caladenia latifolia) will be seen in abundance, growing in Banksia, Agonis woodlands. In several areas we will also find Thelymitra species. Commonly known as sun orchids, these species open their flowers only when it is warm and sunny.
In some areas we may see the carousel spider orchid (Caladenia arenicola), the common donkey orchid (Diuris corymbosa) and, if lucky, the distinctive rabbit orchid (Leptoceras menziesii).
Depending on time, lunch will be either at Australind on the banks of the Leschenault Estuary or in the bush. For those in need, a toilet stop will be made somewhere en route.
Following lunch we will explore areas of bushland south-west of Busselton known to be rich in orchids, including several species that are found nowhere else. Many spider orchids inhabit this area and including the rusty spider orchid (Caladenia ferruginea) and the forest mantis orchid (Caladenia attingens subsp. attingens) which, if we are lucky, may be in early flower. The rattle-break orchid (Lyperanthus serratus) is likely to be found as is the purple enamel orchid (Elythranthera brunonis).
Some 25 to 35 species are likely to be seen on the day.
As a special treat before retiring to our accommodation for the night we will spend a leisurely hour tasting the wines at Voyager Estate which one of our most outstanding Margaret River Wineries. For more information about the Winery go to voyagerestate.com.au
Tonight we will be staying at Margaret River about 230 km south of Perth. The motel is in in the centre of town, with many shops an easy walk from your accommodation.
Day 2 Margaret River-Margaret River (18th September)
From Margaret River we travel along Caves Road to near Dunsborough and back to Margaret River for a second night, so there is no need to pack your luggage. Make sure you do not forget your camera though. This is one of the richest orchid areas in Western Australia and many species may be seen in flower including the exotic spider orchid (Caladenia nivalis) and the broad-lipped spider orchid (C. applanata subsp. applanata). The giant spider orchid (Caladenia excelsa), which is the tallest and largest spider orchid in Western Australia, will be seen today.
Donkey orchids also abound and the Dunsborough donkey orchid (Diuris aff. amplissima) and sandplain donkey Orchid (Diuris aff. corymbosa) will be seen in several areas. Particularly common in burnt areas is the silky blue orchid (Cyanicula sericea), though we may be lucky and see one or two in unburnt bushland. Many Western Australian orchids are yet to be named and several undescribed species may be seen today.
Habit varies from low coastal heath where orchids are sometimes the tallest plants to be seen to tall forest areas. Along this route we travel up the Leeuwin - Naturaliste ridge which affords some of Western Australia's most beautiful coastal scenery. This is also one of Western Australia's best wine producing regions and we pass many vineyards along the way.
Lunch will be on the coast at Castle Rock Beach or Meelup. Beautiful white sandy beaches are found at both areas and, if you are keen to see more orchids, you will have an opportunity to do a short coastal walk during which you may find several species in flower. There are toilet facilities in both areas.
In the afternoon we will explore several more habitats known to contain orchids before returning to our accommodation at Margaret River.
Some 30 or 40 species are likely to be seen on the day.
Day 3 Margaret River-Bridgetown (19th September)
From Margaret River we travel south down Caves Road to Karridale, stopping along the way to view the magnificent karri forest at Boranup.
We then travel further south to the orchid rich Scott River area where we will see several species not encountered before today. These include the cherry spider orchid (Caladenia gardneri) and the stumpy spider orchid (C. ensata).
Lunch will be in the forest along the Brockman Highway. Basic toilet facilities are available here. Several orchid species occur in this area including the jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva) and one of the many undescribed members of the snail orchid complex (Pterostylis nana).
In the afternoon we drive inland through the town of Nannup. Along this route we will search for the unusual and unique hammer orchids (Drakaea) and duck orchids (Paracaleana). Hammer and duck orchids use chemical lures known as pheromones to attract male thynnid wasps to the flowers. Mistaking the unusual insect-like labellum of the flower for a female wasp, the male wasp attempts copulation and doing so either removes or deposits pollen.
From Nannup we continue inland to Bridgetown (about 230 km south of Perth) where we will be staying a short stroll from the centre of the town. En route we travel through rolling hills and deep valley's which contain some of the most picturesque farmland in Western Australia.
Some 25 to 35 species are likely to be seen on the day.
Day 4 Bridgetown-Albany (20th September)
From Bridgetown we travel eastwards to view a range of orchid species that grow in areas of wandoo and jarrah woodland, including the common bee orchid (Diuris laxiflora), the leaping spider orchid (Caladenia macrostylis) and the king spider orchid (C. pectinata). The stark white spider orchid (C. longicauda subsp. eminens) will be particularly noticeable as it often grows in large numbers along the roadsides.
In several seasonally moist sites we will search for the rabbit orchid (Leptoceras menziesii), the dragon orchid (Caladenia barbarossa) and the lemon scented sun orchid (Thelymitra antennifera).
If lucky, we may also see the splendid white spider orchid (Caladenia splendens) and the purple pansy orchid (Diuris longifolia).
Lunch will be had at Tonebridge or Rocky Gully where there are picnic tables and toilet facilities. Following lunch we will walk into nearby bushland to view several orchid species.
In the afternoon we will stop west of the town of Mt Barker where, if lucky, we may see an early flower of the beautiful butterfly orchid (Caladenia lobata). Other orchids to be found in this area include the crab-lipped spider orchid (C. plicata), zebra orchid (C. cairnsiana), common donkey orchid (Diuris corymbosa) and jug orchid (Pterostylis recurva). On rare occasions the elusive reaching spider orchid (Caladenia arrecta) has been found here.
Many orchid habitats will be explored during the day and it expected that 25 to 35 species will be seen.
Tonight we stay at the city of Albany about 360 km south-east of Perth. Albany was the first settlement in Western Australia, dating back to 1826. Beautiful views of the rugged south coast can be had from the scenic drive to Middleton beach and many orchid species still occur on Mt Clarence, which is quite near the city.
Day 5 Albany-Perth (21st September)
Before travelling back to Perth we will make a short detour to Middleton Beach to view the magnificent coastal scenery. We then drive north along the Albany Highway to Mt Barker before turning east to Cranbrook. Here we will see the fringed mantis orchid (Caladenia falcata), Joseph's spider orchid (Caladenia polychroma) and the colourful scented sun orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla). The rainfall is lower in these areas and the dense forest areas experienced over the last few days give way to open woodlands and shrublands. Never the less these areas hold their own unique orchids, many of which you will not have encountered until today.
We then travel northwards through the wheatbelt towns of Tambellup, Katanning and Woodanilling before turning west to the Albany Highway. We will make a stop along the way to search for a range of orchids. In some areas we may see several leek orchids including the little leek orchid (Prasophyllum ovale) and pouched leek orchid (Prasophyllum cyphochilum). Several more stops will be made en route to Perth with the day ending late back at your hotel.
Some 25 to 35 species should be seen today.
Disclaimers:
Inclusion of names in this guide does not guarantee
that they will encountered on the tour and the number of different orchid
species seen will depend on growing conditions in 2012. Conference organisers
have no control of the weather and conditions will not always be optimum
for available-light photograph
