Late spider orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Late spider orchid |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Caladenia
|
| Species: |
ultima
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The late spider orchid, known scientifically as Caladenia ultima, is a special type of orchid. It grows only in the south-west part of Western Australia. This orchid has a single, upright, hairy leaf. It also grows up to three creamy-yellow flowers. These flowers have a unique labellum (a special lip petal) with red stripes. It's called the "late" spider orchid because it's one of the last spider orchids to bloom each year.
Contents
What the Late Spider Orchid Looks Like
The late spider orchid is a plant that grows from an underground tuber (like a small potato). It's a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years. It's also deciduous, so some parts might die back in certain seasons.
Each plant has one upright, hairy leaf. This leaf is usually 6 to 15 centimeters (about 2.5 to 6 inches) long. It is also about 2 to 4 millimeters wide.
The orchid produces up to three flowers. These flowers are creamy yellow or pale lemon-yellow. They are quite large, about 8 to 11 centimeters (3 to 4.3 inches) long. Each flower grows on a stalk that is 15 to 25 centimeters (6 to 10 inches) tall.
The flower has special parts called sepals and petals. The sepals have long, brown, thread-like tips. The top sepal stands straight up. The side sepals point downwards. The petals turn slightly upwards.
The most interesting part is the labellum, or lip. It is about 1.2 to 1.5 centimeters long. It is creamy-white with red stripes and blotches. The tip of the labellum curls downwards. The sides of the labellum are jagged. There are also two rows of white, anvil-shaped bumps called calli down the middle.
This orchid blooms from late October to early December. This makes it one of the last spider orchids to flower.
How the Late Spider Orchid Got Its Name
The Caladenia ultima was first officially described in 2001. Two scientists, Stephen Hopper and Andrew Phillip Brown, gave it its name. They found a sample of the orchid in the Stirling Range. Their description was published in a science journal called Nuytsia.
The second part of its scientific name, ultima, comes from a Latin word. It means "farthest" or "last." This name was chosen because this orchid is one of the last spider orchids to bloom each year.
Where the Late Spider Orchid Lives
You can find the late spider orchid in the Stirling Range National Park. It also grows near Mount Barker in Western Australia. These areas are part of the Esperance Plains and Jarrah Forest regions.
This orchid likes to grow in low-lying areas. These places often get wet during the winter months.
Why This Orchid Needs Protection
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has a special list. On this list, Caladenia ultima is called "Priority Two."
"Priority Two" means that this orchid is not very well known. It has only been found in one or a few places. This classification helps protect the orchid. It ensures that people are aware it is rare and need to be careful not to harm it.
