Dark-tipped spider orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dark-tipped spider orchid |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Caladenia
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| Species: |
postea
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| Synonyms | |
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The Caladenia postea, also known as the dark-tipped spider orchid, is a special type of orchid. It is found only in the south-west part of Western Australia. This orchid has a single upright, hairy leaf. It also grows up to three small, pale creamy-white flowers. What makes it stand out is that it blooms later than other similar spider orchids.
Contents
What Does the Dark-tipped Spider Orchid Look Like?
The dark-tipped spider orchid is a plant that grows from an underground tuber (like a small potato). It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for many years. Each year, its above-ground parts die back, but it regrows from its tuber.
Leaves and Stems
It has one upright, hairy leaf. This leaf is about 70–100 mm (3–4 in) long and 3–7 mm (0.1–0.3 in) wide. The flowers grow on a stalk that stands about 160–200 mm (6–8 in) tall.
Flowers
Each plant can have up to three flowers. These flowers are pale creamy-white with red marks. They are about 60–70 mm (2–3 in) long and 40–50 mm (1.6–2.0 in) wide.
Flower Parts
The flower has parts called sepals and petals. These parts have long, thin, brown, thread-like tips.
- The dorsal sepal is the one that stands straight up. It is about 40–55 mm (1.6–2.2 in) long and 2 mm (0.08 in) wide.
- The lateral sepals are similar in size. They start out straight and then bend downwards.
- The petals are about 35–45 mm (1–2 in) long and 2–3 mm (0.08–0.1 in) wide. They are arranged like the lateral sepals.
The Labellum
The labellum is a special lip-like petal on the orchid. It is about 8–14 mm (0.3–0.6 in) long and 7–9 mm (0.3–0.4 in) wide. It is creamy-white with light red lines and spots. The sides of the labellum have short, blunt teeth. Its tip is curled under. There are also two rows of cream-coloured bumps, called calli, along the middle of the labellum.
When Does it Flower?
This orchid blooms from October to November. This is considered a late flowering period compared to other similar spider orchids.
How Was it Named?
The Caladenia postea was first officially described in 2001. Two scientists, Stephen Hopper and Andrew Phillip Brown, found a specimen in the Mundaring State Forest. They published their description in a science journal called Nuytsia.
Meaning of the Name
The second part of its scientific name, postea, comes from a Latin word. It means "after" or "following." This name was chosen because this orchid flowers later in the season than other spider orchids.
Where Does the Dark-tipped Spider Orchid Live?
This orchid is found in only a few places in Western Australia. You can find it between York and the Brookton Highway. It grows in damp areas within the Jarrah Forest.
Is the Dark-tipped Spider Orchid Protected?
Yes, the Caladenia postea is a protected plant. The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has classified it as "Priority Two."
What Does "Priority Two" Mean?
"Priority Two" means that this orchid is not very well known. It is found in only one or a few locations. This status helps protect the orchid and its habitat.
