Scented spider orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Scented spider orchid |
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| Caladenia fragrantissima near Swan Lake, Portland | |
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Caladenia
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| Species: |
fragrantissima
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The Caladenia fragrantissima, also known as the scented spider orchid, is a special type of plant. It belongs to the orchid family. This beautiful flower grows only in Victoria and South Australia in Australia.
It is a ground orchid, meaning it grows in the soil. Each plant has one fuzzy leaf and can have up to three creamy-white or yellowish-green flowers. These flowers have a strong, pleasant smell. Some scientists think it might be the same species as another orchid called Caladenia orientalis.
What Does It Look Like?
The scented spider orchid is a perennial plant. This means it lives for more than two years. It is also a deciduous herb, so its leaves die back each year. It has a special underground tuber (like a small potato) that stores food.
Each plant grows one hairy leaf. This leaf is about 6 to 10 centimetres (2.4 to 3.9 inches) long. It is also about 1 to 1.5 centimetres (0.4 to 0.6 inches) wide.
The plant produces up to three flowers on a hairy stem. This stem can be 20 to 40 centimetres (7.9 to 15.7 inches) tall. Each flower is about 6 to 8 centimetres (2.4 to 3.1 inches) wide. They are creamy-white to yellowish-green and smell very strong.
The parts of the flower, called sepals and petals, become very thin at their ends. These tips are dark red or black. The top sepal stands straight up. It is 6 to 8 centimetres (2.4 to 3.1 inches) long. The side sepals and petals hang downwards.
The special lip of the flower, called the labellum, is cream-coloured. It is about 1.6 to 1.8 centimetres (0.6 to 0.7 inches) long. The sides of the labellum have many small, dark reddish or blackish teeth. There are also rows of reddish bumps, called calli, in the middle.
These orchids usually bloom in September and October.
This orchid looks a lot like Caladenia orientalis and Caladenia patersonii. It can be hard to tell them apart.
How It Got Its Name
This orchid was first officially described in 1940. A scientist named William Henry Nicholls gave it the name Caladenia patersonii var. suaveolens. He wrote about it in a science magazine called The Victorian Naturalist. He found the plant near Portland.
Later, in 1989, two other scientists, David Jones and Geoffrey Carr, decided it was a separate species. They gave it its current name, Caladenia fragrantissima.
The word fragrantissima comes from Latin. It means "smelling very agreeably" or "most fragrant." This name perfectly describes the orchid's strong, sweet scent!
Where It Lives
The scented spider orchid likes to grow in dense heathland or forests. It prefers soil that drains water well. You can find it in areas close to the coast. These areas are between Nelson and Portland in Victoria. It also grows in the very south-east part of South Australia.
Protecting This Orchid
The scented spider orchid is a rare plant. It is listed as "endangered" by the Victorian Government. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever in Victoria. In South Australia, it is listed as "vulnerable." This means it is also at risk, but not as severely as in Victoria.
Efforts are being made to protect this unique and beautiful orchid.
