Cossack spider orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cossack spider orchid |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Caladenia
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| Species: |
dorrienii
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| Synonyms | |
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The Cossack spider orchid (scientific name: Caladenia dorrienii) is a special type of orchid. It grows only in the south-west part of Western Australia. This means it's endemic to that area, found nowhere else naturally.
This orchid has one fuzzy leaf. It usually grows one to three small flowers. These flowers are creamy-white. Their side parts often curve around and cross each other. The Cossack spider orchid is quite rare. You can only find it in the far south-east of Western Australia.
Contents
What Does the Cossack Spider Orchid Look Like?
The Caladenia dorrienii is a plant that grows from an underground part called a tuber. It is a perennial herb, meaning it lives for more than two years. It also grows in groups or clumps.
Leaves and Stems
Each plant has a single leaf. This leaf stands up straight and is narrow. It is also quite hairy. The leaf is about 6 to 10 centimeters (2.4 to 3.9 inches) long. It is also about 3 to 7 millimeters (0.12 to 0.28 inches) wide.
Flowers and Petals
The flowers grow on a stalk. This stalk can be 10 to 25 centimeters (3.9 to 9.8 inches) tall. There are usually one, two, or three flowers on each stalk. The flowers are white to creamy-white. They are about 4 to 5 centimeters (1.6 to 2.0 inches) long. They are also 2 to 3 centimeters (0.79 to 1.18 inches) wide.
The sepals and petals of the flower are short. They are greenish-white with thin red lines. Their tips have dark, sticky glands. The top sepal stands up straight. The side sepals and petals usually curve downwards. They often cross over each other.
The labellum (the orchid's special lip petal) is pale white. It is quite wide. Its edges are mostly smooth or slightly toothed. Down the middle of the labellum are two rows of small bumps. These bumps are called calli. They are white or have pale red tips. This orchid blooms from September to November.
How Was This Orchid Named?
The Cossack spider orchid was first officially described in 1912. A scientist named Karel Domin gave it its formal name. He used a plant sample collected by Arthur Algernon Dorrien-Smith. This sample was found near Bridgetown.
The name dorrienii was chosen to honor Arthur Dorrien-Smith. He was the person who collected the first example of this plant. The description was published in a science journal.
Where Does This Orchid Live?
The Cossack spider orchid is found in a few separate areas. These areas are between Kojonup and Boyup Brook. It is also found near West Dale. These places are in the Avon Wheatbelt and Jarrah Forest regions.
This orchid likes to grow in moist clay soils. It lives among thick, small plants. You can find it in woodlands where wandoo trees grow.
Why Is This Orchid Protected?
The Cossack spider orchid is considered "endangered." This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever. The Australian Government protects it under a law called the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
In Western Australia, it is also listed as "rare flora." This protection comes from the Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950. These laws help to protect this special and rare orchid.
