Smooth-lipped spider orchid facts for kids
Caladenia integra, also known as the smooth-lipped spider orchid, is a special type of plant in the Orchid family. It grows only in the south-west part of Western Australia. You can easily spot it because its labellum (a special lip-like petal) has smooth edges, and its side petals (called lateral sepals) curve upwards.
Quick facts for kids Smooth-lipped spider orchid |
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| Caladenia integra | |
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Caladenia
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| Species: |
integra
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What Does It Look Like?
The smooth-lipped spider orchid is a plant that grows from an underground part called a tuber. It's a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years. It's also deciduous, so its leaves fall off at certain times.
It has one hairy leaf that is about 15 to 25 centimeters (6-10 inches) long and about 1 centimeter (0.4 inches) wide. The plant grows one or two flowers on a stem that can be 20 to 50 centimeters (8-20 inches) tall.
The flowers are quite large, about 6 to 8 centimeters (2.4-3.1 inches) across and 6 to 10 centimeters (2.4-3.9 inches) long. They are green with maroon (dark reddish-purple) marks.
- The top petal, called the dorsal sepal, stands straight up. It's about 4.5 to 7 centimeters (1.8-2.8 inches) long.
- The two side petals, called lateral sepals, are close together below the flower. They first point downwards, then curve upwards in front of the labellum. They are about 4 to 6 centimeters (1.6-2.4 inches) long.
- The other petals are a bit shorter and point downwards.
- The labellum (the special lip) is loosely attached. It's about 1.8 to 2.2 centimeters (0.7-0.9 inches) long and 1.5 to 2 centimeters (0.6-0.8 inches) wide. It's green to yellowish with a dark purple tip.
Unlike many other spider orchids, the smooth-lipped spider orchid's labellum does not have jagged edges or "teeth." Instead, it has purplish bumps called calli along its middle. This orchid blooms from late September to November.
Naming the Orchid
The smooth-lipped spider orchid was first officially described in 1932 by a person named Edith Coleman. She found a sample of the plant near a place called Tunney.
The second part of its scientific name, integra, comes from a Latin word. It means "whole," "entire," or "complete." This might refer to the smooth, untoothed edge of its labellum.
Where It Lives
This orchid lives in specific areas between Clackline and Tenterden in Western Australia. There's also a separate group of them near Kalbarri.
It grows in different natural areas like the Avon Wheatbelt, Esperance Plains, Geraldton Sandplains, Jarrah Forest, and Mallee regions. It especially likes to grow under sheoak trees on rocky areas made of granite.
Protecting the Orchid
The Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife has given Caladenia integra a special classification: "Priority Four." This means the plant is rare or close to becoming threatened. Efforts are made to protect these special orchids so they can continue to grow in the wild.
See also
In Spanish: Caladenia integra para niños
