Kangaroo Island spider orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kangaroo Island spider orchid |
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Caladenia
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| Species: |
ovata
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The Caladenia ovata, often called the Kangaroo Island spider orchid, is a special plant. It belongs to the orchid family. This orchid is found only in South Australia.
It is a type of ground orchid. It has one hairy leaf and usually one or two red flowers. Sometimes these flowers have yellow patches. You can find this unique orchid on Kangaroo Island and the nearby Fleurieu Peninsula.
Contents
What Does the Kangaroo Island Spider Orchid Look Like?
The Kangaroo Island spider orchid is a perennial plant. This means it lives for more than two years. It grows from an underground tuber, which is like a small storage root.
Leaves and Stems
Each plant has a single leaf. This leaf is long and thin, like a line. It is also very hairy. The leaf is usually about 5 to 8 centimetres (2 to 3 inches) long.
The flowers grow on a stem called a spike. This spike can be 10 to 30 centimetres (4 to 12 inches) tall.
Flowers and Petals
The orchid usually has one or two flowers. These flowers are red, or sometimes a mix of yellow and red. They often have dark red lines.
The flower has parts called sepals and petals. The sepals are like outer leaves that protect the bud. The petals are the colourful inner parts.
The top sepal is about 2 to 2.5 centimetres (0.8 to 1 inch) long. It curves backwards, then stands up straight. The side sepals are longer, about 3 to 3.5 centimetres (1.2 to 1.4 inches). They spread out wide, then turn upwards.
The petals are about 2 to 2.5 centimetres (0.8 to 1 inch) long. They also spread upwards.
The Labellum
The labellum is a special petal in orchids. It is often shaped differently. For this orchid, the labellum is about 9 to 11 millimetres (0.35 to 0.43 inches) long. It is 6 to 7 millimetres (0.24 to 0.28 inches) wide.
The labellum is red, or yellow and red. It has dark red lines. Its sides are smooth, without any teeth. The very tip of the labellum is rolled under. There are four rows of small bumps, called calli, along the middle of the labellum.
When Does it Flower?
This orchid usually flowers from September to November. However, it often only flowers after a bushfire.
Naming the Kangaroo Island Spider Orchid
The scientific name for this orchid is Caladenia ovata. A botanist named Richard Rogers first described it in 1909. He published his description in a scientific journal.
The word ovata comes from Latin. It means "egg-shaped."
Where Does the Kangaroo Island Spider Orchid Live?
The Kangaroo Island spider orchid grows in two main places. These are Kangaroo Island and the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia.
It likes to grow in thick scrubland. You can often find it growing near a type of gum tree called Eucalyptus viminalis. It might grow alone or in small groups.
Protecting the Kangaroo Island Spider Orchid
The Kangaroo Island spider orchid is a rare plant. It needs our help to survive.
Conservation Status
The Australian government lists Caladenia ovata as "vulnerable." This means it is at risk of becoming endangered. The South Australian government lists it as "Endangered." This means it faces a very high risk of disappearing.
Threats to the Orchid
Several things threaten this special orchid:
- Weed invasion: Weeds can grow fast and take over the orchid's space. They can also use up important water and nutrients.
- Habitat degradation: This means its natural home is getting damaged. This can happen from human activities or other changes.
- Unsuitable fire regimes: The orchid needs fire to flower. But if fires happen too often, or not often enough, it can harm the plants.
Protecting its habitat and managing fires carefully are important steps. These actions help ensure the Kangaroo Island spider orchid can continue to grow.
