Majestic spider orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Majestic spider orchid |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Caladenia
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| Species: |
winfieldii
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| Synonyms | |
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The majestic spider orchid (Caladenia winfieldii) is a special type of orchid. It grows only in the south-west part of Western Australia. This orchid is quite rare. It has one tall, hairy leaf and one or two bright pink flowers. You can only find it in two wet places, which are very close to each other.
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What Does the Majestic Spider Orchid Look Like?
The majestic spider orchid is a plant that grows from an underground tuber (like a small potato). It has one upright, hairy leaf that is about 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches) long.
It usually has one or two bright pink flowers. These flowers grow on a stalk that can be 30 to 60 centimeters (1 to 2 feet) tall. Each flower is quite large, about 8 to 12 centimeters (3 to 5 inches) long.
The flowers have parts called sepals and petals. The sepals have thin, club-shaped tips that are a light brown color. The top sepal stands straight up. The side sepals and petals spread out, and their tips curve downwards.
The most interesting part is the labellum, which is like the orchid's "lip." It is dark pink and has thin teeth along its sides. The tip of the labellum curls under. There are also four rows of small pink bumps, called calli, down the middle. This orchid blooms from October to late November.
How Did This Orchid Get Its Name?
The majestic spider orchid was first officially described in 2001. Two scientists, Stephen Hopper and Andrew Phillip Brown, wrote about it. They found a sample of the orchid near a place called Manjimup.
The orchid's scientific name, winfieldii, was chosen to honor Harry Winfield. He was the person who first discovered this amazing orchid back in 1987.
Where Does This Orchid Live?
The majestic spider orchid is very rare. It is only found in two small areas near Manjimup in Western Australia. These two spots are only a few hundred meters apart.
It grows in places that are wet during certain times of the year. You can find it under paperbark and Banksia trees in these wet areas.
Why Is This Orchid in Danger?
The majestic spider orchid is considered a "Threatened Flora" by the Western Australian government. This means it is a very rare plant that needs protection. The Australian government also lists it as "Endangered."
There are several things that threaten this special orchid:
- Feral pigs: These wild pigs can damage the plants and their habitat.
- Fires: The wrong kind of fires can harm the orchid's growth cycle.
- Kangaroo grazing: Kangaroos sometimes eat the plants.
- Water changes: Changes in how water flows or collects in its habitat can hurt the orchid.
- Plant disease: A disease caused by a type of mold called Phytophthora cinnamomi can make the plants sick and cause them to die.
