Ruby spider orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ruby spider orchid |
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| Caladenia occidentalis growing in Cockleshell Gully near Leeman | |
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Caladenia
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| Species: |
occidentalis
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The Caladenia occidentalis, also known as the ruby spider orchid, is a special type of orchid. It grows only in the south-west part of Western Australia. This means it is endemic to that area.
This orchid has a single, upright, hairy leaf. It usually grows one or two pinkish-red flowers. These flowers have a unique part called a labellum, which is white with red stripes.
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What Does the Ruby Spider Orchid Look Like?
The ruby spider orchid is a plant that grows from the ground. It is a perennial herb, meaning it lives for more than two years. It also loses its leaves each year, making it deciduous.
This orchid has a special underground part called a tuber, which stores food. From this tuber, a single, hairy leaf grows upwards. This leaf is about 10 to 15 centimeters (4-6 inches) long and 3 to 4 millimeters (0.1-0.2 inches) wide.
Flowers and Their Parts
The orchid produces one or two pinkish-red, white, or pink flowers. These flowers are quite large, about 5 to 8 centimeters (2-3 inches) long and 5 to 7 centimeters (2-3 inches) wide. They grow on a stalk that is 15 to 30 centimeters (6-12 inches) tall.
The flowers have long, reddish, thread-like tips on their sepals and petals.
- The dorsal sepal stands straight up. It is about 4 to 6 centimeters (1.6-2.4 inches) long and 2 millimeters (0.08 inches) wide.
- The lateral sepals are also 4 to 6 centimeters (1.6-2.4 inches) long and about 3 millimeters (0.12 inches) wide. They start out flat, then bend downwards, and finally droop.
- The petals are similar to the lateral sepals. They are 3.5 to 5 centimeters (1.4-2 inches) long and about 3 millimeters (0.12 inches) wide.
The most interesting part is the labellum. It is 8 to 12 millimeters (0.3-0.5 inches) long and 6 to 9 millimeters (0.2-0.4 inches) wide. It is usually creamy-white with red lines or spots. The sides of the labellum have small, blunt teeth. The very tip of the labellum curls underneath.
There are two rows of cream to pinkish, anvil-shaped bumps called calli along the center of the labellum. These are thought to help attract insects for pollination.
When Does it Bloom?
The ruby spider orchid flowers from August to mid-October. This is when you can see its beautiful blooms.
How Was the Ruby Spider Orchid Named?
The Caladenia occidentalis was first officially described in 2001. Two scientists, Stephen Hopper and Andrew Phillip Brown, described it. They found a sample of the orchid near Mandurah. Their description was published in a scientific journal called Nuytsia.
The second part of its scientific name, occidentalis, comes from a Latin word. It means "western." This name was chosen because the orchid mainly grows in the western part of Australia.
Where Does the Ruby Spider Orchid Live?
The ruby spider orchid grows in Western Australia, between the towns of Bunbury and Arrowsmith. It can be found in several different natural areas, including the Geraldton Sandplains, Jarrah Forest, Murchison, and Swan Coastal Plain.
You can often find this orchid growing in woodlands. It also likes to grow on the edges of swamps and lakes that fill up with water during certain seasons.
Is the Ruby Spider Orchid Protected?
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has looked at the ruby spider orchid. They have classified it as "not threatened." This means that, for now, there are enough of these orchids, and they are not in danger of disappearing.
