Kwinana Rockingham Branch, 27 October 2024

For our October excursion, we visited Sullivan Rock. Fifteen (15) people attended on that beautiful morning. After signing in, we made our way from the carpark, crossing the road to get onto the large granite outcrop that is Sullivan Rock.

Our first impressions were that the area appeared to have been subject to a prescribed burn within the last 12 months and that we may only find a few flowering plants. However, the number of flowering plants we found would pleasantly surprise us. At the base of the rock, we spotted a Pimpernel Sundew (Drosera glanduligera) in flower near a patch of lichens. There was sufficient soil to support many plant species on a southern ridge of the rock. Common Popflower (Glischrocaryan aureum) was flowering in large numbers.

Every now and then, we spotted an Ornate Crevice Dragon (Ctenophorus ornatus) sunning itself. Many shrubs were in flower where conditions permitted, including Twining Fringed Lily (Thysanotus patersonii) and Broom Fringed Lily (Thysanotus sparteus). Resurrection Plant (Borya sphaerocephala) was also in flower in spots on the rock surface. As we moved closer to the forested area, Billy Buttons, White Cotton Head (Conostylis setosa), Xanthorrea sp., most with flower spikes, and Kingia australis were present between the rock and woodland. Many species of Stylidium also flower in this area.

In the forested area, we found Granite Boronia (Boronia cymosa), Native Fuchsia (Grevillea wilsonii), Royal Robe (Scaevola calliptera), a large patch of Crinkled-leaved Poison (Gastrolobium villosum), Helena Velvet Bush (Lasiopetalum bracteatum), Rough Honeymyrtle (Melaleuca parviceps), Blue Leschenaultia (Lechenaultia biloba), Woodbridge Poison (Isotoma hypocrateriformis) and a Dwarf Conostylis with feather-like leaves.

Orchid species included the Blue Lady Orchid (Thelymitra crinita) and Scented Sun Orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla). On our way back down the rock, we decided to look on the southern side of the rock for Elbow Orchids (Spiculaea ciliata). Several were found in bud, but finally, we were rewarded by finding a few that had just come into flower. While looking for more, we found a group of Granite Duck Orchids (Paracaleana granitica), a nice way to end our walk.

Orchid species included the Blue Lady Orchid (Thelymitra crinita) and Scented Sun Orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla). On our way back down the rock, we decided to look on the southern side of the rock for Elbow Orchids (Spiculaea ciliata) (Left)). Several were found in bud, but finally, we were rewarded by finding a few that had just come into flower. While looking for more, we found a group of Granite Duck Orchids (Paracaleana granitica), a nice way to end our walk.

At the start of the trail into the forest, we found a Xanthorrhoea preisii with an unburnt skirt of leaves. Daniel shook the leaves into a butterfly net and was rewarded with a large, well-armoured Weevil (Acantholopus suturalis) (Right), plus a medium-sized Katydid. We also found two other types of weevils during our walk.

Birds, especially the Straited Pardalote, were heard calling but were hard to spot. Nevertheless, Gillian Beadell was able to compile the following list of birds shown on page 2.

It had been a great morning with some great sightings.

Colin Prickett

Gillian Beadell’s list of birds on page 2