Yellow spider orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yellow spider orchid |
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| C. denticulata subsp. denticulata growing near Badgingarra | |
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. denticulata
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| Subspecies: |
C. d. subsp. denticulata
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| Trinomial name | |
| Caladenia denticulata subsp. denticulata |
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The yellow spider orchid (scientific name: Caladenia denticulata subsp. denticulata) is a special type of plant in the orchid family. It is only found in the southwest part of Western Australia. This unique orchid has one tall, hairy leaf. It grows one or two yellowish flowers. These flowers have a white part called a labellum, which is like a landing pad for insects. The labellum also has light red marks.
Contents
What Does the Yellow Spider Orchid Look Like?
The yellow spider orchid is a plant that grows from an underground part called a tuber. It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years. It also loses its leaves each year and grows new ones.
Leaves and Stems
Each plant has one tall, hairy leaf. This leaf is about 6 to 18 centimeters (2.4 to 7.1 inches) long. It is also about 2 to 4 millimeters (0.08 to 0.16 inches) wide. The flowers grow on a stem that is about 15 to 35 centimeters (5.9 to 13.8 inches) tall.
Flower Features
Each flower is quite large, about 7 to 10 centimeters (2.8 to 3.9 inches) long. It is also about 5 to 9 centimeters (2.0 to 3.5 inches) wide.
- Top Sepal: The top part of the flower, called the dorsal sepal, stands straight up. It is 4 to 7 centimeters (1.6 to 2.8 inches) long. It is pale yellow or greenish-yellow. It has a dark brown, thread-like tip that hangs down.
- Side Sepals and Petals: The side sepals and petals curve outwards. They are similar in size and color to the top sepal. The petals are a little bit narrower and shorter.
- Labellum: The labellum is white with light red marks. It curves forward. It has small, white to light red teeth along its edges. These teeth get smaller towards the tip.
- Calli: There are up to 13 pairs of cream-colored bumps called calli. They are shaped like tiny anvils. These calli are arranged in two rows along about half of the labellum. They also get smaller towards the tip.
When Does it Bloom?
The yellow spider orchid flowers between August and early October.
Where Does the Yellow Spider Orchid Live?
The yellow spider orchid lives in the southwest part of Western Australia. You can find it between the towns of Waroona and Eneabba. It grows in woodlands where trees like wandoo and York gum are common.
Protecting the Yellow Spider Orchid
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has looked at the yellow spider orchid. They have said it is "not threatened." This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing.
