Coast spider orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coast spider orchid |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Caladenia
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| Species: |
conferta
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| Synonyms | |
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The Caladenia conferta, also known as the crowded spider orchid or coast spider-orchid, is a unique plant. It is part of the beautiful orchid family. This special orchid grows only in a small area of South Australia. It is a ground orchid, meaning it grows from the soil. It has one fuzzy leaf and usually a single yellowish-green flower. This flower has cool red markings and grows on a thin, hairy stalk.
What it Looks Like
The Coast spider orchid is a plant that grows from the ground. It is a perennial plant, which means it lives for more than two years. It also has an underground tuber, which is like a small storage organ. Each plant has one dull green, hairy leaf. This leaf is shaped like an egg or a spear and is about 5 to 9 centimeters (2-3.5 inches) long. It is also about 1.5 to 2 centimeters (0.6-0.8 inches) wide.
Usually, only one flower grows on each plant. This flower does not have a smell. It sits on a thin, hairy stem that is about 12 to 25 centimeters (5-10 inches) tall. The flowers are about 3.5 centimeters (1.4 inches) across. They are yellowish-green with red stripes on their sepals and petals.
The top sepal stands up straight and curves forward. It is about 1.8 to 2.6 centimeters (0.7-1 inch) long. The side sepals are curved like a sickle and are about 1.6 to 2.5 centimeters (0.6-1 inch) long. The petals are about 1.5 to 2 centimeters (0.6-0.8 inches) long. Both the side sepals and petals spread out wide.
The most interesting part is the labellum, which is the orchid's special lip. It is shaped like a heart and is about 0.9 to 1.2 centimeters (0.35-0.47 inches) long. It is dark yellowish-green with a dark maroon tip. The edges of the labellum have uneven teeth. There are six rows of small bumps, called calli, along the center of the labellum. These bumps get smaller towards the front. This orchid flowers from August to September.
Naming the Orchid
The Caladenia conferta was first officially described in 1991. A scientist named David L. Jones gave it its formal name. He published his description in a research paper called Australian Orchid Research. The first plant used to describe the species was found between Port Julia and Port Vincent.
The second part of its name, conferta, is a Latin word. It means "crowded." This name refers to the many crowded bumps (calli) found in the center of the labellum.
Where it Lives
This type of orchid grows in a special kind of forest called mallee woodland. It can be found in different parts of South Australia. These areas include the Eyre Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, and the South-East botanical regions.
Protecting the Orchid
The Coast spider orchid is considered "Endangered" in South Australia. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever. The Australian Government also protects it under a law called the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
The main dangers to this orchid include animals eating it, both native animals and wild animals. Other plants, called weeds, also compete with it for space and resources. Losing its natural home due to land clearing is another big threat.
