Key to Native Orchids of Western Australia

The Key to the Native Orchids of Western Australia is an interactive identification and information package built on a Lucidcentral platform that will help you to identify and learn about all the currently known native orchids found in Western Australia (including named hybrids) . It is sponsored by WANOSCG and developed by its Members, celebrating WANOSCG’s 50th anniversary in 2024.

The key is aimed at both amateur orchid enthusiasts and professional researchers alike. You can use it to:

• • • identify an unknown orchid;
    • find out what orchids occur in different areas or habitats;
    • find out which orchids flower in different months of the year;
    • find out which orchids are listed as Threatened or Priority species;
    • view descriptions and photos of all the orchids contained in the key; and
    • learn more about Western Australia’s unique orchids.

Authors: Ramón Newmann and Andrew Brown.

The key is now available in both desktop and also mobile phone/tablet versions.

DESKTOP VERSION UPDATED AUG 2025. Mobile version expected to be updated early 2026

         Click below for desktop Key

• • • • • • • For the mobile app versions of the key go to the Google Play Store for the Android version, or to the App Store for the Apple version.
              • Once installed the app will work even if you do not have a mobile signal.

• • • • • • • For the desktop version of the key click here
              • You can run it online or download and install the offline edition.
              •  Desktop updates – August 2025
                • Added cauline leaf underside features and colour when only Eriochilus species remain.
                • Pterostylis mutica renamed as Pterostylis sp. ’eastern mallee’ for WA.
                • Diuris eburnea has now been upgraded to Threatened (Critically Endangered).
                • Added Family Tree Classification to genus level Fact Sheets.
                • Updated distributions for Anzybas abditus, Caladenia ensata, Caladenia heberleana, Caladenia incrassata, Caladenia multiclavia, Caladenia pachychila, Cyanicula ashbyae, Diuris corymbosa, Diuris drummondii, Diuris heberlei, Paracaleana dixonii, Pterostylis timothyi, Thelymitra stellata.
                • Updated various Paracaleana species habitat and soil types.
                • Added a labellum lamina calli coverage feature to help differentiate Paracaleana species.
            • For the main Lucid Key website with more details click here

Earlier desktop and mobile updates

• Orchid distributions reviewed and updated.
• Added Shires to distribution maps.
• Added images for Pterostylis neopolyphylla.
• Added the Kimberley species Bulbophyllum baileyi.

• Missing Feature images have been added.
• The consistency of the annotations on Feature images has been improved.
• Topographical details have been added to Shire Maps.

• Distribution maps have been added for all of the species.
• Named hybrids have been added in their own section as subsets.
• Pterostylis sp.‘Murchison’ is now Pterostylis argillacea, and Pterostylis sp.‘Paynes Find’ is now Pterostylis arida.
• The underlying information for a number of species has been improved and updated.
• An optional down-loadable version that will run completely off-line on a computer has been added.
• Work has commenced on the mobile device app version.

Please provide any feedback on the Key to wanoscg@gmail.com with ‘Orchid Lucid Key’ in the subject line.