Club-lipped spider orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Club-lipped spider orchid |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Caladenia
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| Species: |
corynephora
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| Synonyms | |
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The club-lipped spider orchid (scientific name: Caladenia corynephora) is a special type of flower from the Orchid family. It only grows in the south-west part of Western Australia, which means it's endemic there – you won't find it naturally anywhere else! This unique orchid has a single, upright, hairy leaf. Its flowers are usually greenish-yellow and red, and they have a very interesting part called a labellum (which is like a special lip). This labellum has a tip that looks like a small club, making it quite unique among Western Australian orchids.
What Does It Look Like?
The club-lipped spider orchid is a plant that grows from an underground storage part called a tuber. It has one upright, hairy leaf that is about 15 to 20 centimeters (6-8 inches) long and 8 to 10 millimeters (0.3-0.4 inches) wide.
Its Unique Flowers
This orchid usually grows one or two flowers on a stem that can be 25 to 45 centimeters (10-18 inches) tall. Each flower is about 6 to 7 centimeters (2-3 inches) long and 4 to 6 centimeters (1.5-2.5 inches) wide.
- The top part of the flower, called the dorsal sepal, stands straight up.
- The side parts, called the lateral sepals and petals, hang downwards. They are greenish-yellow with red stripes in the middle. Their tips are covered in tiny, sticky hairs.
- The labellum (the orchid's special lip) is greenish-yellow. It has a red tip that looks like a small club.
- Around the edge of the labellum, there are many long, thin parts that look like a fringe.
- Down the center of the labellum, there are four or more rows of small, red bumps called calli.
You can see these beautiful orchids in bloom between late November and early February.
Where Does It Grow?
The club-lipped spider orchid lives in different kinds of places in Western Australia. You might find it in swamps that are wet in winter, on rocky granite outcrops, or in forests with tall Karri trees. It grows in the area between the cities of Albany and Margaret River.
Is It Protected?
Good news! The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife says that the club-lipped spider orchid is "not threatened." This means it's not currently in danger of disappearing.
