Semaphore spider orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Semaphore spider orchid |
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Caladenia
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| Species: |
evanescens
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The Caladenia evanescens, also known as the semaphore spider orchid, is a special type of orchid. It is found only in a small area near Albany in the south-west of Western Australia. This orchid is quite rare. It has a single, hairy leaf and usually one or two cream-coloured or greenish-cream flowers.
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What Does the Semaphore Spider Orchid Look Like?
The semaphore spider orchid is a plant that grows from an underground tuber, which is like a small storage root. It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for many years. It's also a deciduous herb, so its parts above ground die back each year, but it regrows from its tuber.
This orchid has one upright, hairy leaf. This leaf is about 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches) long and 4 to 5 millimeters (about 0.2 inches) wide. Often, the leaf dries up when the plant is flowering.
The plant produces one or two flowers that are cream or greenish-cream. These flowers are about 6 to 8 centimeters (2.4 to 3.1 inches) long and 5 to 7 centimeters (2 to 2.8 inches) wide. They grow on a stalk that is about 15 to 20 centimeters (6 to 8 inches) tall.
Flower Parts
The top petal-like part, called the dorsal sepal, stands straight up. It is about 3 to 4 centimeters (1.2 to 1.6 inches) long. The side petal-like parts, called lateral sepals, are similar in size. They stick out stiffly below the flower and then curve downwards.
The petals are about 2.5 to 3.5 centimeters (1 to 1.4 inches) long. They are held stiffly above the flower and curve upwards. The special lip petal, called the labellum, is creamy yellow. It has red lines and spots. The sides of the labellum have short teeth. Along its center, there are about ten pairs of white or cream-coloured, anvil-shaped bumps called calli. This orchid usually flowers in November.
How the Semaphore Spider Orchid Got Its Name
The semaphore spider orchid was first officially described in 2001. Two scientists, Stephen Hopper and Andrew Brown, found a specimen near Peaceful Bay in Denmark. They published their description in a science journal called Nuytsia.
The scientific name for this orchid is Caladenia evanescens. The second part of its name, evanescens, comes from a Latin word. It means "disappearing." This name was chosen because the orchid is very rare and hard to find.
Where the Semaphore Spider Orchid Lives
The semaphore spider orchid is only found in two places. These spots are located between Albany and Peaceful Bay in Western Australia. It grows at the bottom of sand dunes along the coast. These areas are part of the Jarrah Forest and Warren biogeographic regions. These regions are special areas known for their unique plants and animals.
Protecting the Semaphore Spider Orchid
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has listed Caladenia evanescens as "Priority One" flora. This means it is a very important plant to protect. It is known from only a few locations, and these places might be at risk. Protecting these areas helps ensure this rare orchid can survive.
