Berrigan spider orchid facts for kids

The Caladenia callitrophila, commonly known as the Berrigan spider orchid, is a unique plant. It is part of the beautiful Orchid family. This special orchid is found only in a small area of New South Wales, Australia. It has one leaf and usually one or two pale greenish-yellow flowers. These flowers often have interesting red markings. You can only find this orchid in three small groups of plants.

Discovering the Berrigan Spider Orchid

The Berrigan spider orchid is a type of perennial plant. This means it lives for more than two years. It is also a deciduous herb, which means its leaves fall off each year. This orchid grows from an underground part called a tuber. It has a single leaf that is about 7 to 13 centimeters (3 to 5 inches) long. The leaf is also about 0.4 to 1.2 centimeters (0.2 to 0.5 inches) wide.

One or two flowers grow on a stalk that is about 20 to 35 centimeters (8 to 14 inches) tall. The flowers are pale greenish-yellow with reddish marks. They are quite wide, measuring about 5 to 6 centimeters (2 to 2.4 inches) across.

Flower Parts

The flower has different parts:

• The dorsal sepal stands upright. It is about 2.5 to 4 centimeters (1 to 1.6 inches) long.
• The lateral sepals are about the same length but wider. They spread out and point downwards.
• The petals are about 2 to 3 centimeters (0.8 to 1.2 inches) long. They also point downwards.
• The labellum is a special lip-like part of the flower. It is about 1.2 to 1.5 centimeters (0.5 to 0.6 inches) long. It is yellowish with red lines and a maroon tip. The labellum curves forward and down. It has six to nine pairs of red teeth along its sides.
• In the middle of the labellum, there are four or six rows of maroon bumps called calli. These are tiny, about 1 millimeter (0.04 inches) long.

The Berrigan spider orchid flowers during spring, usually from September to October.

Naming the Berrigan Spider Orchid

The Berrigan spider orchid was first officially named Caladenia callitrophila in 1999. It was named by a botanist named David L. Jones. He wrote about it in a publication called The Orchadian. The first plant used to describe it was found near Berrigan.

The second part of its scientific name, callitrophila, is interesting. It comes from the name of a type of tree called Callitris, which are cypress pines. This orchid loves to grow in woodlands where Callitris trees are found. The word "phila" means "loving" or "fond of". So, its name means "cypress pine loving".

Where the Berrigan Spider Orchid Lives

The Berrigan spider orchid is found only in a few small areas near Berrigan. It grows in woodlands where Callitris trees are common. These small groups of orchids are spread out in the area.