Rose spider orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rose spider orchid |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Orchidoideae |
| Tribe: | Diurideae |
| Genus: | Caladenia |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: |
C. a. subsp. erubescens
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| Trinomial name | |
| Caladenia applanata subsp. erubescens Hopper & A.P.Br.
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| Synonyms | |
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The rose spider orchid (scientific name: Caladenia applanata subsp. erubescens) is a special type of orchid. It grows only in the south-west part of Western Australia. This means it is endemic to that area.
This orchid is quite common. It has one straight, hairy leaf. It also grows up to three pink, sweet-smelling flowers. These flowers have a wide, flat part called a labellum.
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What Does the Rose Spider Orchid Look Like?
The rose spider orchid is a terrestrial plant. This means it grows in the ground, not on other plants. It is also a perennial herb, which means it lives for more than two years. It's a deciduous plant, so it loses its leaves at certain times.
This plant has an underground tuber, which is like a small storage root. It grows a single, wide, hairy leaf. This leaf is about 120–200 mm (5–8 in) long and 5–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in) wide.
The orchid stalk can grow 250–400 mm (10–20 in) tall. On this stalk, you can find up to three pink flowers. They smell a bit sweet. Each flower is about 80–100 mm (3–4 in) long and 60–80 mm (2–3 in) wide.
Flower Parts
The flowers have parts called sepals and petals. The sepals are like small leaves that protect the flower bud. The sepals of this orchid have narrow, light brown tips that look like clubs. These tips are glandular, meaning they can produce a sticky substance.
- The dorsal sepal stands straight up.
- The lateral sepals and petals spread out stiffly near their base. Then, they turn downwards.
The labellum is a special lip-like petal. It is pink and measures about 20–23 mm (0.8–0.9 in) long and 11–15 mm (0.4–0.6 in) wide. The sides of the labellum have many spreading teeth. These teeth can be up to 4 mm (0.2 in) long.
In the center of the labellum, there are four or more rows of crowded, deep red bumps. These bumps are called calli.
When Does It Flower?
The rose spider orchid blooms from September to late October. This type of orchid is different from another similar one, subspecies applanata, because its flowers are pink.
How Did It Get Its Name?
The rose spider orchid was first officially described in 2001. Two scientists, Stephen Hopper and Andrew Phillip Brown, gave it its formal name. They described two types of Caladenia applanata, including Caladenia applanata subsp. erubescens.
Their description was published in a science journal called Nuytsia. The name erubescens comes from a Latin word. It means "growing red," "redden," or "blush." This name refers to the beautiful pink color of the orchid's flowers.
Where Does It Grow?
The rose spider orchid grows in coastal areas. You can find it in low heath land. Heath is a type of open land with small shrubs.
It grows between William Bay and Albany. This area is part of the Warren biogeographic region. A biogeographic region is a large area with similar plants, animals, and climate.
Is It Protected?
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife keeps track of plants and animals. They have classified Caladenia applanata subsp. erubescens as "not threatened." This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing.
