Caladenia bryceana subsp. bryceana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dwarf spider orchid |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Orchidoideae |
| Tribe: | Diurideae |
| Genus: | Caladenia |
| Species: |
C. bryceana
|
| Subspecies: |
C. b. subsp. bryceana
|
| Trinomial name | |
| Caladenia bryceana subsp. bryceana |
|
The dwarf spider orchid (scientific name: Caladenia bryceana subsp. bryceana) is a special type of orchid. It belongs to the orchid family, Orchidaceae. This tiny plant only grows in the south-west part of Western Australia. This means it is endemic to that area. It has one fuzzy leaf and a single flower. The flower can be green or apricot-coloured. It's very small and hard to spot, even when there are many around! This orchid lives in the far south-west. Another similar type, cracens, grows further north near Kalbarri.
Contents
What Does the Dwarf Spider Orchid Look Like?
The dwarf spider orchid is a ground-dwelling plant. It is also a perennial, meaning it lives for more than two years. It's a deciduous herb, so its leaves fall off at certain times. This orchid has a special underground tuber (like a small potato). It also has one upright, hairy leaf. This leaf is about 4 to 6 centimetres (1.6 to 2.4 inches) long. It is also about 5 millimetres (0.2 inches) wide.
Flowers and Seeds
Each plant usually grows one flower. The flower is green or apricot-coloured. It grows on a stem that is 5 to 10 centimetres (2 to 4 inches) tall. The flower itself is about 1 to 2 centimetres (0.4 to 0.8 inches) long and wide. The side parts of the flower, called sepals and petals, are short and spread out.
The orchid's "lip" or labellum is also green or apricot. It has a red tip and smooth edges. There are many tall, dense bumps called calli along the middle of this labellum.
The dwarf spider orchid flowers between August and October. After flowering, it produces a dry capsule. This capsule opens up to release many tiny seeds.
How Was the Dwarf Spider Orchid Named?
The dwarf spider orchid was first officially described in 1914. A scientist named Richard Rogers gave it its first scientific name, Caladenia bryceana. Later, in 2001, two other scientists, Stephen Hopper and Andrew Brown, studied it more closely. They decided there were two slightly different types, or subspecies. One of these was subspecies bryceana. They published their findings in a science journal called Nuytsia. The name bryceana was chosen to honor Bryce MacIntyre. He was the first person to collect this orchid in 1914.
Where Does the Dwarf Spider Orchid Live?
The dwarf spider orchid is found in the very south-west corner of Western Australia. It grows in an area between Boyup Brook and Boxwood Hill. This region includes areas known as the Esperance Plains, Jarrah Forest, and Mallee. These are special areas defined by their plants and animals, called biogeographic regions. This orchid likes to grow in shrubland and woodland areas. You can often find it near water sources like streams or rivers.
Why Is This Orchid Endangered?
The dwarf spider orchid is a very rare plant. It is officially listed as "endangered." This classification is under a very important Australian law called the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever. Because it's so rare, a special plan has been made to help it recover. This plan aims to protect the orchid and help its numbers grow. It is also listed as "rare flora" under the Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950. This shows how important it is to protect this unique plant.
