Northern dwarf spider orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Northern dwarf spider orchid |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
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: |
C. bryceana
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| Subspecies: |
C. b. subsp. cracens
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| Trinomial name | |
| Caladenia bryceana subsp. cracens Hopper & A.P.Br.
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The northern dwarf spider orchid (scientific name: Caladenia bryceana subsp. cracens) is a special type of orchid. It belongs to the orchid family, which is called Orchidaceae. This unique plant only grows in the south-west part of Western Australia. This means it is endemic to that area.
This small orchid has one fuzzy leaf that spreads out. It also has a single flower that can be green or apricot-colored. It's quite tiny and can be hard to spot, even when many are growing nearby! This particular type of dwarf spider orchid lives further north than its close relative, subspecies bryceana, which is found closer to Albany.
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What Does It Look Like?
The northern dwarf spider orchid is a ground-dwelling plant. It is also a perennial, which means it lives for more than two years. It's a deciduous herb, meaning its leaves die back each year.
It grows from an underground tuber (like a small potato). It has one straight, hairy leaf that is about 4 to 8 centimeters (1.6 to 3.1 inches) long. This leaf is about 8 millimeters (0.3 inches) wide.
The orchid usually has just one flower on a stem. This stem grows about 3 to 8 centimeters (1.2 to 3.1 inches) tall. The flower itself is about 1 to 2 centimeters (0.4 to 0.8 inches) long and wide. The side parts of the flower, called the lateral sepals and petals, are short and spread out.
The special lip of the flower, called the labellum, is green or apricot-colored. It has a red tip and smooth edges. There's also a line of small bumps, called calli, along the middle of the labellum.
You can tell this subspecies apart from bryceana because its calli are smaller. Also, the edges of its lateral sepals are rolled under. This orchid blooms between August and early September. After flowering, it forms a dry capsule filled with many tiny seeds. This capsule splits open to release the seeds.
How It Got Its Name
The main type of orchid, Caladenia bryceana, was first officially described in 1914 by a person named Richard Rogers. Later, in 2001, two scientists, Stephen Hopper and Andrew Brown, looked at it more closely. They decided there were two different types, or subspecies.
One of these new types was named subspecies cracens. Their detailed description of these two subspecies was published in a scientific journal called Nuytsia.
Where Does It Live?
The northern dwarf spider orchid grows in a specific area of Western Australia. You can find it between the towns of Northampton and Nerren Nerren Station. This area is part of the Geraldton Sandplains region.
It likes to grow in heathland, which is open land with small shrubs. It also lives in woodland areas. Often, you can find it growing under thick groups of Melaleuca uncinata plants.
Protecting This Special Orchid
The northern dwarf spider orchid is a very important plant. Because it is rare and special, it needs protection. It is officially listed as "endangered" under a law called the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever.
It is also classified as "rare flora" under Western Australia's own law, the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950. These laws help to protect the orchid and its home. This ensures that future generations can also see and appreciate this unique plant.
