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Reclining spider orchid facts for kids

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Reclining spider orchid
Caladenia cruscula.jpg
Caladenia cruscula growing near Scaddan
Scientific classification
Genus:
Caladenia
Species:
cruscula
Synonyms

Arachnorchis cruscula (Hopper & A.P.Br.) D.L.Jones & M.A.Clem.

The reclining spider orchid, also known as Caladenia cruscula, is a special type of orchid. It grows only in a small part of Western Australia in the south-west. This orchid has one hairy leaf and a single cream-colored flower. The flower has a long red fringe on the sides of its labellum, which is a special lip-like part of the flower.

What Does the Reclining Spider Orchid Look Like?

The reclining spider orchid is a plant that grows from an underground tuber, like a small potato. It can grow alone or in small groups. This plant is a perennial, meaning it lives for more than two years. It is also deciduous, which means some parts die back each year.

Leaves and Stems

Each orchid has one leaf that stands straight up. This leaf is covered in hairs and is about 8 to 13 centimeters (3 to 5 inches) long. It is also about 4 to 6 millimeters (0.16 to 0.24 inches) wide. The flowers grow on a stalk that is about 18 to 25 centimeters (7 to 10 inches) tall.

Flower Features

The flowers are usually creamy-white or yellowish-cream. They can be 40 to 50 millimeters (1.6 to 2.0 inches) wide and 40 to 60 millimeters (1.6 to 2.4 inches) long. The sepals and petals of the flower are held stiffly and point downwards. They are about 3 to 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) long and end in a thin, thread-like tip.

The Labellum: A Special Flower Part

The labellum is a unique part of the orchid flower. For the reclining spider orchid, it is all cream-colored except for a red fringe along its edges. It also has red bumps called calli in its center. The labellum is about 12 to 15 millimeters (0.47 to 0.59 inches) long. It stands up near its base but then curves strongly forward.

The red fringe on the labellum is made of thread-like teeth. These teeth can be up to 5 millimeters (0.20 inches) long and have pale whitish tips. They get smaller towards the front of the labellum. In the middle of the labellum, there are four rows of maroon, golf stick-shaped calli. These also get smaller towards the tip. This orchid usually flowers from August to September.

How Was This Orchid Named?

The Caladenia cruscula was officially described in 2001 by two scientists, Stephen Hopper and Andrew Brown. They studied a plant collected by Alex George near Esperance. The description was published in a science journal called Nuytsia.

The name cruscula comes from a Latin word meaning "little leg." This name was chosen because the sepals and petals of this orchid are quite short compared to similar types of orchids.

Where Does the Reclining Spider Orchid Live?

You can find the reclining spider orchid in Western Australia. It grows in areas between Salmon Gums and Mount Ragged. This orchid likes moist places, especially near granite rocks, salt lakes, and flat areas. It often grows under eucalypt trees or melaleuca bushes.

Is This Orchid Protected?

The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has looked at the reclining spider orchid. They have classified it as "not threatened." This means that, for now, there are enough of these orchids, and they are not in danger of disappearing.

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