Chapman's spider orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chapman's spider orchid |
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| Caladenia chapmanii growing near Dunsborough | |
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| Genus: |
Caladenia
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| Species: |
chapmanii
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Caladenia chapmanii, commonly known as Chapman's spider orchid, is a special type of flower. It belongs to the orchid family and only grows in the south-west part of Western Australia. This unique plant has one tall, fuzzy leaf and can have up to three flowers. These flowers can be maroon, yellow, or cream-colored.
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What Does Chapman's Spider Orchid Look Like?
Chapman's spider orchid is a plant that grows from the ground. It lives for many years and often grows in big groups. This plant has a special underground storage part called a tuber. It also has one upright, hairy leaf that is about 15 to 20 centimeters (6 to 8 inches) long and 2 to 5 millimeters (0.08 to 0.2 inches) wide.
The flowers grow on a stem that can be 20 to 45 centimeters (8 to 18 inches) tall. Each plant can have up to three flowers. Each flower is quite large, about 8 to 16 centimeters (3 to 6 inches) long and 6 to 12 centimeters (2 to 5 inches) wide.
The flowers come in maroon, yellow, or cream colors. They have long, thin petals and sepals (which look like petals) that hang down. A very important part of the flower is the labellum. This is a large, lip-like petal that is white with red stripes. It has edges that look like they have tiny teeth. You can also see two rows of small bumps, called calli, that are red or white along the middle of the labellum. These orchids usually bloom from September to mid-October.
How Did It Get Its Name?
The Chapman's spider orchid was first officially described in 2001. Two scientists, Stephen Hopper and Andrew Brown, wrote about it after finding a sample near Boyup Brook. The description was published in a science journal called Nuytsia.
Before this, another orchid expert named Herman Rupp had noticed this orchid around 1940. He thought it was a new species, but he didn't publish his findings. The name chapmanii was chosen to honor Mr. Eric Chapman. He was an amateur orchid enthusiast who had a group of these orchids growing on his own land.
Where Does Chapman's Spider Orchid Grow?
Chapman's spider orchid grows in different places across the south-west of Western Australia. You can find scattered groups of these orchids between Yallingup and Waroona. They grow in areas like the Avon Wheatbelt, Geraldton Sandplains, Jarrah Forest, Mallee, and Swan Coastal Plain. These orchids prefer to grow in woodland areas, which are places with many trees.
Is Chapman's Spider Orchid Protected?
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has looked at Chapman's spider orchid. They have classified it as "not threatened." This means that, for now, there are enough of these plants, and they are not considered to be in danger of disappearing.
