This photo gallery showcases the amazing variety of native orchids found in the south west of Western Australia. It can also be used to help identify orchids you have found. I am always willing to help in orchid identification. Photos can be sent to me using the contact page.
Please use the menu above to navigate the site. The photos are arranged by orchid genera and within genera, are arranged in groups with similar orchids placed together. Each section has a short description of the species with tips on how to distinguish different, but similar looking species. Each species has, (or will eventually have) photos of the flower, leaf, whole plant and the habitat.
I started photographing orchids in 2003 with a Canon Powershot A200. I currently use a Canon Eos 350D with a 60mm macro lens. There are approximately 400 different species of orchids in the south west of WA. I have seen approximately 227 of them.
This site is updated frequently as I photograph more orchids.
I wanted to say how much I enjoyed your website and the marvellous photos. I've been looking at Native Orchids since I was a child and have seen most of these, in various places over the last twenty years. Absolutely great photography, and a delight to peruse. Please advise how to send photos for ID.
Bring on Spring!
Greetings
I have long enjoyed your wonderful photo's, many thanks for letting us share your passion.
I have noticed an orchid on a few occasions, that I cannot name. My photo is not very good but good enough to see that it is not one that I recognise. It looks as if it is only half open with yellow inside but I have never seen it open any further. Would you be interested in seeing it?
Kindest regards
Rick
Stumbled upon a unusual orchid the other day and would like assistance to identify. Where can i send the photo to?
Sorry about the late reply. Send the photo to orchidweb@chookman.id.au
I'll have a contact page up soon.
I have a picture of an all yellow spider orchid that I took in the capes area yesterday and am unable to find anything close to help me identify it your help would be appreciated I can send you a pic should you be able to help
Evening mate, I have a few photos taken of something I've stumbled across here at work at Shark Bay. Got me stumped, hopefully you may have an idea. Got an email I can send a few photos to?
Sincerely
Ryan
Yes, send them to orchidweb@chookman.id.au
I'll have a contact page up soon.
Hello. I have just been on the bridges section of your website and would like to discuss some of your photos. I am particularly interested in the old PWD bridge at Monkerai. I am compiling a small book on bridges across the Karuah River. Hope to hear from you soon. Love your orchid section too. My husband is an orchid man.
Thank you for all the wonderful photos. I am enjoying the addition of the leaves and habitat with some of the orchids as these can be hard to get information on. I have got into the habit now of doing that also. Looking forward to more updates.
Good photos with wonderful examples of some of our greatest natural treasures. The tips on distinguishing the different subspecies are very helpful, as some are quite tricky to identify.
Saw Diuris laxiflora a couple weeks back, and a good range of other species this spring.
If only there were more signs warning people not to pick them and a little more care taken.
Even after decades of living in the bush, I still have only seen about half of species out there.
There is little that compares with seeing a species that you have not discovered before, apart from the experience of exploring the diverse habitats off the beaten track. Walking down old gravel and sand tracks, amongst banksia, tea tree, or jarrah and marri, then spotting a little spiraled leaf or something unusual. "What's that! I've never seen that before."
Some species of orchid will mimic a unique insect to attract it (pseudocopulation). Many require that unique pollinator, such as a variety of gnat, bee, wasp, ant or fly, and also require a specific ‘mycorrhizal’ fungi to grow and germinate. 25 per cent of all orchid extinctions occur here in Australia.
Individual fines for disturbing and clearing native plants can range up to a maximum fine of $250,000.
Orchids are important indicators of ecosystem health. The group depends wholly on a symbiotic relationship with a soil fungus. Orchids are under immense threat as a result of human activity. It is illegal to dig up any native plants or pick native flowers. Native orchids are very unlikely to survive transplantation as they depend on complex symbiotic relationships with microbes in their natural habitat. About half of all Australian native orchids are endangered and are found nowhere else.