Dwarf mustard spider orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dwarf mustard 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. caesarea
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| Subspecies: |
C. c. subsp. transiens
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| Trinomial name | |
| Caladenia caesarea subsp. transiens Hopper & A.P.Br.
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The dwarf mustard spider orchid (scientific name: Caladenia caesarea subsp. transiens) is a special plant. It belongs to the orchid family. This orchid only grows in the south-west part of Western Australia. It has one fuzzy leaf that spreads out. It also grows up to three small, lemon-yellow flowers. These flowers have cool red stripes. You can only find this orchid in one small area near the town of Williams.
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About the Dwarf Mustard Spider Orchid
The dwarf mustard spider orchid is a ground-dwelling plant. It is a perennial herb, meaning it lives for more than two years. It has an underground part called a tuber, which stores food. The orchid also has one upright, hairy leaf. This leaf is about 10–15 cm (4–6 in) long and 3 mm (0.1 in) wide.
What Its Flowers Look Like
The orchid grows up to three lemon-yellow flowers. These flowers grow on a stem that is about 20–30 cm (8–10 in) tall. Each flower is quite large, about 8–10 cm (3–4 in) long and 5–7 cm (2–3 in) wide. The side parts of the flower, called sepals and petals, spread out wide.
The most interesting part is the labellum. This is a special lip-like petal. It is lemon-yellow with brownish-red stripes. The labellum sticks out and has a curled tip. Its edge is uneven or jagged. In the middle of the labellum, there are two rows of shiny yellow bumps called calli.
When It Blooms
This orchid blooms between September and October. After flowering, it forms a dry seed pod. This pod is called a capsule. It opens up to release many tiny seeds.
Naming the Dwarf Mustard Spider Orchid
This orchid was first described in 1912 by Karel Domin. He gave it the name Caladenia filamentosa subsp. caesarea. Later, in 1989, two scientists, Mark Clements and Stephen Hopper, decided it was a unique species.
Why It's Called Transiens
In 2001, Stephen Hopper and Andrew Brown described three different types of this orchid. One of these types was named subspecies transiens. The name transiens means "passing" or "intermediate." This name was chosen because the shape of its labellum is in between two other similar orchids. It looks like a mix between Caladenia filamentosa and the other types of Caladenia caesarea.
Where This Orchid Lives
The dwarf mustard spider orchid is very rare. It only grows near the town of Williams. This area is part of the Jarrah Forest region. It likes to grow under thick rock sheoak and wandoo trees.
Protecting This Special Orchid
The Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife lists Caladenia caesarea subsp. transiens as "Priority One". This means it is a very important plant. It is only found in one or a few places. These places could be at risk, so the orchid needs special protection to survive.
