Sandplain white spider orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sandplain white spider orchid |
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| Caladenia speciosa growing near Capel | |
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Caladenia
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| Species: |
speciosa
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The sandplain white spider orchid, known scientifically as Caladenia speciosa, is a special type of orchid. It grows only in the south-west part of Western Australia. This plant has one upright, hairy leaf. It also grows up to three large, white flowers. These flowers often have a pink tint and long, fringe-like teeth on the sides of their labellum (a special lip-like petal).
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What Does the Sandplain White Spider Orchid Look Like?
The sandplain white spider orchid is a plant that grows from the ground. It lives for many years and has an underground storage part called a tuber. Each plant has one upright, hairy leaf that is about 15 to 25 centimeters (6 to 10 inches) long. The leaf is about 0.5 to 1.2 centimeters (0.2 to 0.5 inches) wide.
Up to three flowers grow on a tall stalk, which can be 35 to 60 centimeters (14 to 24 inches) high. Each flower is quite large, about 12 to 18 centimeters (5 to 7 inches) long and 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches) wide. The flowers are usually white, but they can have hints of pink or red.
Flower Parts
The sepals and petals of the orchid have long, thin, brownish tips that look like threads.
- The top sepal, called the dorsal sepal, stands upright. It is about 8 to 13 centimeters (3 to 5 inches) long.
- The side sepals are about 8 to 15 centimeters (3 to 6 inches) long. They spread out wide at their base and then curve downwards.
- The petals are similar to the side sepals. They are about 6.5 to 10.5 centimeters (2.5 to 4 inches) long.
The labellum (or lip) of the flower is about 2 to 3 centimeters (0.8 to 1.2 inches) long and 0.8 to 1.6 centimeters (0.3 to 0.6 inches) wide. It is white and has upright, narrow red teeth along its sides. These teeth can be up to 1.5 centimeters (0.6 inches) long. The very tip of the labellum curls under. There are also four to six rows of small, raised bumps called calli along the middle of the labellum. These calli can be pink or white.
When Does It Flower?
This orchid usually blooms from September to October. It flowers much more after a bushfire has happened in the area during the previous summer.
How Was the Sandplain White Spider Orchid Named?
Scientists Stephen Hopper and Andrew Phillip Brown officially described the sandplain white spider orchid in 2001. They found a sample of the plant near Bunbury. The description was published in a scientific journal called Nuytsia.
The scientific name speciosa comes from a Latin word. It means "beautiful," "handsome," "splendid," or "showy." This name was chosen because the orchid has large and very attractive flowers.
Where Does the Sandplain White Spider Orchid Live?
The sandplain white spider orchid grows in a specific area of Western Australia. You can find it between the towns of Mundijong and Boyanup. It prefers to grow in woodlands, which are areas with many trees. These areas are part of the Jarrah Forest and Swan Coastal Plain regions.
Protecting the Sandplain White Spider Orchid
The Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife has classified Caladenia speciosa as "Priority Four". This means the orchid is considered rare or almost threatened. It needs special attention to make sure its populations are protected and can continue to grow in the wild.
