Above Wurmbea sp. ‘Dundas’. In 2004, while walking over a granite Right Granite nancy. outcrop south-west of Norseman, I Above Peak Charles National Park Photos – Andrew Brown flowering at this time is the yellow- provides an opportunity to see more than was surprised to find the small, but flowered vanilla orchid (Thelymitra 30 species of orchid. attractive, pure white flowers of what antennifera) which forms colonies Photo – Jiri Lochman appeared to be an undescribed species of Wurmbea. Following further surveys in moist soil pockets and the blue- ’Wurmbea species often inhabit Right Sigmoid spider orchid. in 2009 the taxon, now known as flowered plain sun orchid (T. petrophila) Photo – Andrew Brown the same areas as orchids and it is Wurmbea sp. ‘Dundas’, was found to be which grows as scattered individuals all not unusual to come across them common on other granite outcrops in over the rock. Occasionally these two when searching for orchids. The most The spectacular the same general area and was confirmed wildflowers species hybridise to form attractive common species in the Great Western as being new. A good place to see it is on of the Great Western Woodlands orange or red-flowered offspring. orchid (C. pachychila), both flowering Woodlands is eight nancy (W. tenella). Another good area to search McPherson Rock, where it flowers in in August and September. In seasons Its small white and purple or pink- abundance in early August. for orchids is McPherson Rock on of good rainfall the rare, currently mauve flowers can be seen in moist There are several other native lilies the Goldfields Highway south of undescribed granite mantis orchid situations in many habitats but are found in the Great Western Woodlands Norseman. Growing in the shallow most abundant in soil pockets on and these include the dainty nancy soil pockets is a range of orchid species, (C. attingens subsp. ‘granite’) can be granite outcrops. Look on any outcrop (W. cernua) and the southern nancy one of the most common being the found just a short walk from the in the Great Western Woodlands (W. sinora). previously mentioned granite donkey parking area. The species is known between late July and early August This is just a glimpse of three orchid, which is at its best in August. from just three other granite outcrops. and you will almost certainly find it. groups of plants that are dear to my More common is the sugar orchid Several spider orchids are also found Another species to look out for is heart. However, there are many more here and include the western wispy (Ericksonella saccharata). Its small white granite nancy (W. graniticola), which is wildflowers in the Great Western spider orchid (C. microchila) and flowers are often abundant in late Native lilies only found on granite outcrops. This Woodlands and there is nearly always Andrew Brown is a botanist in the sigmoid spider orchid (C. sigmoidea). August and September. Many Pterostylis species, which has gracefully up-curved something in flower, regardless of when Department of Environment and Often called early nancies or native Conservation’s (DEC’s) Species and Both flower in late August and early species are found here and include the petals, is abundant in seepage areas on you visit. If the opportunity arises, take September. Also flowering at this time lilies, Wurmbea species are members Communities Branch and a research shy greenhood (P. allantoidea) which the slopes of Disappointment Rock the time to explore some of the places associate at the Western Australian is the diminutive little laughing leek of the Colchicaceae family which grows in small colonies and the midget also includes the common Western and around its base in mid August. The highlighted, or stop at random in the Herbarium. He is principally involved in orchid (Prasophyllum gracile), while in greenhood (P. mutica) which is scattered form found here has colourful pink- Great Western Woodlands and you will helping coordinate DEC’s conservation late October you may find the unusual Australian genus Burchardia. Some 52 and management of WA’s threatened The Great Western Woodlands abound with in a range of habitats. Both species mauve and white flowers rather than be astounded at the range and diversity elbow orchid (Spiculaea ciliata). species of Wurmbea are found in WA, flora. He is the author of several books flower in September. Several members the all-white flowers found elsewhere. of its native flora. biodiversity values, particularly floral richness. One of my favorite areas to see most of which are endemic to the state. on WA orchids and co-author of A Field of the P. rufa complex are also found Guide to the Eremophilas of Western orchids is Peak Charles National Park. The majority are unnamed, having Andrew Brown takes a journey which explores here and include the spoon-lipped Reprint from LANDSCOPE magazine (Spring 2012), published by the Department of Environment and Conservation 2012. Australia and Western Australia’s More than 30 species are found there, been discovered only recently. Executive Editor: Madeliene Clews, Editor: Rhianna King, Graphic Designer: Gooitzen van der Meer. Threatened flora. Together with Stephen most growing in shallow soil pockets rufous greenhood (P. spathulata) and All Wurmbea species have an Hopper, Director of the Royal Botanic the area’s spectacular eremophilas, orchids, the rufous greenhood (P. roensis). The © Department of Environment and Conservation on behalf of the Government of Western Australia on the lower slopes of the rock and underground corm which is dormant Gardens, Kew, Andrew has named more native lilies and other wildflowers. R N than 120 new orchid taxa for WA. V E M E rufous greenhoods flower later than over summer. Plants resprout following O N in deeper soils around its base. The G T

E O H He can be contacted on (08) 9334 0122 or F pink candy orchid (C. hirta subsp. most other orchids, reaching their peak autumn rainfall, with most species T W by email ([email protected]). A E I S L T A rosea) is common, as is the dwarf zebra in October. E R

flowering in winter. R 20120330-10-1M N A U S T by Andrew Brown

PB Landscope 5 Landscope 1 Landscope he Great Western Woodlands Previous page T is internationally significant Main Narrow-leaved emu bush abounds in for its rich biological diversity. It is the Great Western Woodlands. the largest remaining area of intact Great Western Woodlands Below left Wrinkled-leaved eremophila. Mediterranean-climate woodland left on Earth and covers almost 16 million Below right Small-leaved spotted emu hectares. The continuous band of native bush. vegetation stretches from the edge of Bottom right Blue-flowered eremophila. the Western Australian Wheatbelt to Photos – Andrew Brown Kalgoorlie-Boulder in the north, to the inland deserts to the north-east and the Eremophilas Nullarbor Plain to the east. The Great Western Woodlands is The Great Western Woodlands a marvel for the form and colour subsp. brevifolia). The 30-centimetre area spans two climatic and botanical diversity of its Eremophila species. Some to one-metre-high plants are found zones—the wetter south-west and the 53 named and four unnamed species A wide range of eremophila species scattered in seasonally moist areas, with arid interzone—contributing to its are known, with most being common may be seen over a one- or two- each plant having slightly different floral richness, and supports at least and several found nowhere else in the day drive between Coolgardie and coloured flowers, ranging from red, world. 3,314 flowering plant species from 119 Hyden. Three areas along this route are pink and orange to yellow. This Eremophila, which is in the families. described below but eremophilas can species flowers throughout the year Scrophulariaceae family, comprises While the area is unrivalled for its be found in most parts of the Great some 262 species collectively known as in response to rainfall. Although most incredible diversity of eucalypts, perhaps Western Woodlands. poverty bushes, emu bushes and native Eremophila species have flowers that less well known is that it contains many fuchias. All are endemic to Australia Start by driving down the are varying shades of red or blue, there different Eremophila species and, despite with the majority (229 species) found in Coolgardie-Victoria Rocks Road. In are a few white-flowered species. One the semi-arid climate, a number of Western Australia. In the Great Western this area some 20 species may be seen in of these, white-flowered eremophila a 25-kilometre range. One of the most orchid species thrive in its wetter Woodlands they predominantly inhabit (E. interstans), has two subspecies which habitats. Even less well known is that obvious is narrow-leaved emu bush woodland areas where, in some places, both grow in this area but flower several several species of native lily (Wurmbea) (Eremophila alternifolia). In October and they form the dominant understorey. months apart—the subspecies interstans are found in the area, including one They are at their best in October and early November the two- to four- in September and early October and that is yet to be named. Take a drive early November and in some favourable metre-high shrubs are covered in large the subspecies virgata in November and around the Great Western Woodlands habitats it isn’t unusual to see as many red or pink fuchsia-like flowers. Lower and you can discover these remarkable as eight or more species flowering growing but equally attractive is small- December. species for yourself. together. leaved spotted emu bush (E. maculata The geographically restricted veronica-like eremophila (E. veronica) is also found along this road. Growing to just eight centimetres high and Top left Small-leaved spotted emu bush. Above left The Great Western Woodlands is well known for its eucalypts. 60 centimetres wide, it forms low leaved eremophila (E. caperata), common metres high, which produces unusual Some 13 genera and 56 species Top right Photo – Marie Lochman thickets in open eucalypt woodland. emu bush (E. glabra subsp. glabra) and Kalgoorlie eremophila. tubular creamy-white flowers in have been recorded from the Great Its flowers, which appear in October narrow-leaved pixie bush (E. oldfieldii groups of two or three in October and Western Woodlands, a remarkable Top Pink candy orchid. Above left Kopi poverty bush. and November, have an unusually short subsp. angustifolia). One of my favorites is November. A little further west you number given how little rainfall occurs will spot the low growing club-leaved over much of its area. Although a Above Sugar orchid. corolla with spreading lobes. Another smooth calyx eremophila (E. psilocalyx) Above right Purple eremophila. Photos – Andrew Brown low-growing species that occurs which grows to three metres high and Photos – Andrew Brown eremophila (E. clavata), one of the most few of these orchids have adapted to common inhabitants of tall woodland woodland and shrubland habitats they here is blue-flowered eremophila (E. has numerous white, pink, blue or areas. In good seasons, in October and are predominantly found in association caerulea subsp. caerulea). It produces pale purple flowers in September and November, the plants are covered in with granite outcrops and other rocky October. An undescribed species which WA’s most attractive tree Eremophilas, very attractive blue or violet flowers purple or mauve flowers. Wrinkled- areas. In these places water collects grows on the tops and upper slopes of in October. kopi poverty bush (E. miniata). The branched eremophila (E. rugosa) and following intermittent, rare rainfall and granite and green native vegetation low rocky hills and flowers at the same Turn back to Coolgardie and species grows to five metres high and broom bush (E. scoparia) also grow the soil stays moist longer than in the among which it grows. Both species are time of year is Kalgoorlie eremophila then travel south down the Goldfields in October is covered in large pink, along this road. surrounding woodlands. at their best in August. (E. sp. ‘Kalgoorlie’). It was first discovered Highway towards Norseman. Even orange or yellow flowers. On the Orchids can sometimes be A good range of orchids can be in 1996 and has since been found in other side of the lake system you will when travelling at 110 kilometres Orchids common, with several species growing seen during a one- or two-day drive, scattered localities between Norseman begin seeing many other Eremophila starting at Coolgardie and finishing per hour you cannot help seeing Orchids comprise some 28 genera in colonies that may number hundreds and Mount Jackson. Plants grow to species. At the lookout on the western at Lake King. Make your first stop the attractive blue flowers of violet- and 394 species in WA, with most of flowering plants. One of these is the three metres high and have pinkish- side of the lake you will find the species endemic. All orchids of the Victoria Rocks south of Coolgardie, flowered eremophila (E. ionantha) hairy snail orchid (Pterostylis sp. ‘hairy’) mauve tubular flowers with yellow attractive purple or pink, prominently Great Western Woodlands are summer which is common on granite outcrops. where in August and September you which often grows in thickets and is at throats. spotted flowers of purple eremophila dormant, resprouting from an Almost as common is granite donkey will find the lovely green and yellow- its best in October. Stop to look around Travelling further south, turn west (E. purpurascens) which grows to 1.5 underground fleshy tuber in autumn. orchid (Diuris sp. ‘granite’) which forms flowered clown orchid (Caladenia roei). and you will be astounded by the onto the Hyden-Norseman Road and metres high and has unusual warty Most flower in August and September, dense colonies up to two metres across. The species often grows in clumps of number of Eremophila species that you cross Lake Cowan. Growing on sandy leaves. Nearby is willowy eremophila although a few species continue into Its bright yellow flowers are easily up to five or more flowering plants will find. These may include wrinkled- rises above the lake bed is one of (E. saligna), a narrow shrub to four October and early November. distinguished against the grey-coloured and is sometimes quite common. Also

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