Rusty spider orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rusty spider orchid |
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| Caladenia ferruginea growing near Dunsborough | |
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Caladenia
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| Species: |
ferruginea
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The rusty spider orchid (scientific name: Caladenia ferruginea) is a special type of orchid. It only grows in the south-west part of Western Australia. This means it's endemic to that area, found nowhere else naturally! This orchid has one fuzzy leaf. It also grows up to four flowers that look rusty-brown. Each flower has a white lip, called a labellum, with a red tip.
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What Does the Rusty Spider Orchid Look Like?
The rusty spider orchid has one leaf that stands straight up. This leaf is hairy and can be about 12 to 22 centimeters (5 to 9 inches) long. It is also about 0.4 to 1.5 centimeters (0.2 to 0.6 inches) wide.
The plant grows up to four flowers on a tall stalk. This stalk can be 20 to 60 centimeters (8 to 24 inches) high. The flowers themselves are about 6 to 8 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) long. They are also about 4 to 6 centimeters (1.6 to 2.4 inches) wide.
Flower Colors and Parts
The flowers are usually rusty-brown or brownish-red. Each flower has a top petal, called a dorsal sepal. This sepal is about 3.5 to 5 centimeters (1.4 to 2 inches) long. It is about 0.2 centimeters (0.08 inches) wide at its base.
The two side petals, called lateral sepals, are also 3.5 to 5 centimeters long. They are about 0.3 to 0.4 centimeters wide at the base. These sepals stick out stiffly. Their ends have thick, brownish, fuzzy hairs.
The other petals are about 2.5 to 4 centimeters (1 to 1.6 inches) long. They are 0.2 to 0.4 centimeters wide and curve upwards.
The Labellum (Lip) of the Flower
The most interesting part is the labellum, or lip. It is about 1.5 to 2 centimeters (0.6 to 0.8 inches) long. It is also about 1 to 1.3 centimeters (0.4 to 0.5 inches) wide. The labellum is usually pale yellow to white. It has a bright red tip that bends forward.
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Along the sides of the labellum, there are many thin "teeth." These can be up to 0.7 centimeters (0.3 inches) long. They get smaller as they get closer to the tip. In the middle of the labellum, there are four or more rows of small bumps. These bumps are called calli and are yellowish to reddish.
This orchid usually blooms from September to October.
How Was the Rusty Spider Orchid Named?
The rusty spider orchid was first officially described in 1947. A scientist named William Nicholls wrote about it. His description was published in a journal called The Victorian Naturalist.
The scientific name, ferruginea, comes from a Latin word. It means "rust-coloured." This name perfectly describes the rusty color of the orchid's flowers.
Where Does the Rusty Spider Orchid Live?
The rusty spider orchid is found in Western Australia. You can find it in the area between the cities of Perth and Albany.
It grows in different types of places. Sometimes it lives in woodlands where the soil drains well. Other times, it can be found in swamps that get flooded during the winter months. These areas are part of the Jarrah Forest, Swan Coastal Plain, and Warren regions.
Is the Rusty Spider Orchid Safe?
The Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife keeps track of plants and animals. They have classified Caladenia ferruginea as "not threatened." This means the rusty spider orchid is not currently in danger of disappearing.
