The Murdoch Branch of WSWA held its annual two-day field trip on 13-14 August 2016.
The excursion was organized by Ben Sims – Vice-President of Murdoch Mob. On the first day the group visited several roadside reserves including Wambyn Nature Reserve and St Ronan’s Reserve. A great diversity of plants was recorded, including several species of fairy orchids (Caladenia spp.), Mirbelias (Mirbelia floribunda on a photo above), Hakeas, sundews (Drosera spp.) and acacias, to name a few.
Then the group proceeded to York where they were hosted by the wonderful President of the Avon Branch of WSWA Eric Ayling. Eric gave a thorough tour to the Murdoch Branch showing the local nursery, York Bushland garden and the Golf Links. At Golf Links the group saw a WA fern and threatened species Asterolasia grandiflora.
The group made use of the facilities where they were staying and visited the wildflower hill on the property. Everyone was impressed with the number and diversity of wildflowers. For example, species including Olearia rudis and Dampiera were growing happily between the granite rocks which would make amazing garden specimens.
There were other species including Hibbertia, Acacia, Thomasia, Drosera, Hypocallyma, Conospermum, Stylidium, and many different orchids (especially on the shady side of the hill).
Some of the participants were swept away with the quality and effort of the bushland garden where Eric enthusiastically showed around showing many species which are grown with no reticulation. There were many species of Eremophila, Hakea, Guichenotia just to name a few. He then took the group to an orchid site on the outskirts of York. Then the group went to a site in Beverly and saw some snail orchids, a hybrid Pink fairy x Cowslip and a Rufous Greenhood.
The last stop was on the outskirts of Beverly where the group was shown the rare Eremophila glabra which only occurs between the main road and the train track where we were. We were told only 61 plants are found in the wild!
On the second day, the group visited the White Gum Farm to see some more wildflowers.
Do you have an idea where to go next year?
Ideas and suggestions for next year’s trip are welcomed!
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