Local Stories
Q&A with WA Botanist Katie White.
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Tell us a bit about yourself and your background as a botanist / wildflower expert.
Kaya, hello, my name is Katie and I’m a botanist and an artist. I finished a Botanical Science degree as a Bachelor (Honours) at the University of Western Australia in 2017, and since then the journey began as a practicing botanist across the glorious state of WA.
I’ve been based in Kepa Kurl, Esperance since 2018 and become absolutely obsessed with the weird, wacky and wonderfully beautiful wildflowers of this region. I’ve documented thousands and thousands of plants through flora surveys for conservation and impact assessment, submitted specimens to the WA Herbarium, and led community flora surveys and workshops on how to identify wildflowers.
The wildflowers here constantly remind you it’s one of the last vestiges of wilderness remaining.
What can visitors to Esperance expect to see during wildflower season?
Esperance wildflower season is a kaleidoscope of colour pops in heathland and shrubland, consisting of small, intricate, weird, diverse, spiky and incredibly unique flora. The wildflowers here have adapted to some of the oldest and most nutrient poor soils in the planet, such as our deep sandplains in the subcoastal region. They therefore have traits such as carnivory, parasitism, sexual deception and mimicry to compete for survival.
Visitors can expect to be wowed by wildflowers that astound and break all of natures rules. Be prepared to come with a hand lens (field held microscope) and a keen sense of observation to really make the most of Esperance’s wildflowers.
What species should visitors be on the lookout for?
The Esperance region is home to over 3,400 flora species…. That’s a lot to consider some individual stand outs! However, some of my wildflower heros include the diverse Banksia (including historically the Dryandra’s) species, such as Showy Banksia (Banksia speciosa) or the Honeypot Dryandra (Banksia nivea), These are unique to these region and support delicate relationships with small marsupials.
Also keep a hot eye out for our pygmy Droseras, tiny carnivorous sundews the size of fingernails. And lastly, who can really go past the Silver Mallee (Eucalyptus pleurocarpa) that glows in moonlight, protects its branches with self-made sunscreen and grows only across the Esperance bioregion.
Any tips on where to go or how to best experience wildflowers around Esperance?
The hottest wildflower secret in town is to visit as many different types of bush as you can, giving you the widest range of habitat that wildflowers grow. You’ll be amazed at the diversity that grows in silver Mallee woodlands, lush Melaleuca swamps, dazzling granite outcrops, mega-diverse sandplain heathland and dense coastal shrubland and of course.
Explore local trails close to town, such as the Taananeditj Dempster Head Walk trail, Kepwari Wetland Trail or Lake Monjingup. Further afield, go for a wander around Munglinup Beach area, Cape Le Grand walk trail, or Tjlajtraak Boodja Park (Duke of Orleans Bay).
And of course, never hesitate to pull over (safely) to investigate a shrub that catches your eye on a road reserve, which are often havens for interesting wildflowers.
Tips for responsible wildflower viewing?
Agh yes, the critical importance of being responsible while being in the bush!
A few tips to consider – clean down your shoes and backpacks from all seeds and woody debris to prevent unwelcome introductions to the bush. This hygiene practice will prevent the spread of garden weeds and the highly destructive water mould, Phytophthora cinnamomi (Dieback).
Always stick to tracks. Consider where your feet are going to avoid trampling. Don’t damage other plants in the quest to photograph one goodie. And the biggest… don’t pick the flowers!
Itinerary
Esperance Wildflower Trail
Esperance wildflower season turns heathland, woodland and granite country into a kaleidoscope of colour. This trail takes you through seven of the region's best wildflower spots, starting right in town and working out into the bush.
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