Coastal spider orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coastal spider orchid |
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| Genus: |
Caladenia
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| Species: |
abbreviata
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The coastal spider orchid (Caladenia abbreviata) is a special plant in the orchid family. It grows only in the south-west part of Western Australia, meaning it's endemic there. This orchid has a single, hairy leaf that stands up straight. It can also grow up to three pale, creamy-yellow flowers on a stem that reaches about 35 centimeters (14 inches) tall.
Even though its flowers have long, thin petals and sepals (which are like outer petals), they are shorter and a bit darker than those of other spider orchids. This orchid is quite rare and was only discovered recently. Interestingly, it's often found close to where people live or work.
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What Does the Coastal Spider Orchid Look Like?
The coastal spider orchid is a plant that grows from the ground. It's a perennial, which means it lives for more than two years, and it's a deciduous herb, so its leaves fall off at certain times. It has a special underground part called a tuber, which stores food.
Leaves and Flowers
Each orchid grows one hairy leaf that stands up straight. This leaf is usually between 8 and 20 centimeters (3 to 8 inches) long and about 4 to 5 millimeters (0.16 to 0.20 inches) wide.
The flowers grow on a stem called an inflorescence, which can be 20 to 35 centimeters (8 to 14 inches) tall. Each stem can have up to three flowers. Each flower is quite large, about 6 to 8 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) long and 5 to 7 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) wide.
Flower Parts
The top sepal (the dorsal sepal) stands straight up. The side sepals and petals spread out wide. They have dark, sticky tips and are less than 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) long. The labellum, which is a special lip-like petal, is white with bright red stripes. It also has two rows of white bumps, called calli, down its middle.
When Does It Bloom?
Coastal spider orchids usually bloom between October and early December. After flowering, they produce a dry seed pod called a capsule. This capsule opens up to release many tiny seeds.
How Was This Orchid Named?
The coastal spider orchid was first officially described in 2001. Two scientists, Stephen Hopper and Andrew Brown, gave it its scientific name, Caladenia abbreviata. They found a sample of the plant near a place called Cosy Corner, close to Torbay.
The name abbreviata comes from a Latin word that means "shortened." This name was chosen because this orchid has shorter petals and side sepals compared to other spider orchids.
Where Does the Coastal Spider Orchid Grow?
You can find the coastal spider orchid in different spots between Yallingup and William Bay. These areas are part of a special natural region called the Warren biogeographic region. This orchid likes to grow in sand dunes that have become stable. It can also be found in places that have been disturbed, like the edges of tracks or firebreaks.
How Does the Coastal Spider Orchid Reproduce?
The coastal spider orchid has a clever way to get pollinated. It uses something called "sexual deception." This means the orchid tricks its pollinator into visiting it by pretending to be something else.
Pollination
The orchid is pollinated by a type of wasp called a thynnine wasp, from a group known as Rhytidothynnus. Scientists haven't given this specific wasp a formal name yet. The orchid's flower looks and smells like a female wasp, which attracts the male wasps. When a male wasp tries to mate with the flower, it accidentally picks up or drops off pollen, helping the orchid reproduce.
Is the Coastal Spider Orchid Protected?
Yes, the coastal spider orchid is protected. The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has classified it as "Priority Three." This means that while it's not well-known and is found in only a few places, it's not currently in immediate danger of disappearing. It's still important to protect these special plants and their habitats.
