Splendid spider orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Splendid spider orchid |
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Caladenia splendens growing near Rocky Gully | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Caladenia
|
| Species: |
splendens
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The Caladenia splendens, also known as the splendid spider orchid, is a special type of orchid. It grows only in the south-west part of Western Australia. This means it is endemic to that area.
This orchid has one tall, hairy leaf. It can also have up to three flowers. These flowers are mostly white. They have a cool fringe of long teeth on the sides of their labellum (the orchid's special lip). The splendid spider orchid is one of the biggest spider orchids, along with the giant spider orchid (Caladenia excelsa).
Contents
What Does the Splendid Spider Orchid Look Like?
The splendid spider orchid is a plant that grows from the ground. It is a perennial plant, which means it lives for more than two years. It is also deciduous, so it loses its leaves at certain times. This plant has a special underground tuber (like a small potato) that stores food.
It grows a single, hairy leaf that stands straight up. This leaf can be about 150 to 300 mm (6 to 12 inches) long and 8 to 15 mm (0.3 to 0.6 inches) wide.
The Orchid's Beautiful Flowers
The plant produces up to three flowers. These flowers are mostly white. They can be quite large, about 220 to 280 mm (9 to 11 inches) long and 100 to 220 mm (4 to 9 inches) wide. They grow on a tall stalk that can reach 300 to 800 mm (12 to 31 inches) high.
The sepals and petals of the flower have long, thin, brownish tips. You might also see red lines on their backs. The top sepal stands straight up. It is about 95 to 165 mm (4 to 6 inches) long and 3 to 11 mm (0.1 to 0.4 inches) wide.
The two side sepals are longer, about 105 to 180 mm (4 to 7 inches) long and 8 to 11 mm (0.3 to 0.4 inches) wide. They spread out and curve downwards. The petals are similar to the side sepals. They are about 85 to 135 mm (3 to 5 inches) long and 4 to 6 mm (0.2 to 0.2 inches) wide.
The Labellum: A Special Feature
The labellum is the "lip" of the orchid. It is about 30 to 35 mm (1.2 to 1.4 inches) long and 15 to 22 mm (0.6 to 0.9 inches) wide. It is white or cream-colored. The sides of the labellum have narrow red teeth. These teeth can be up to 14 mm (0.6 inches) long.
The very tip of the labellum curls under. There are also four rows of white and red structures called calli along the middle of the labellum. These calli can be up to 3 mm (0.1 inches) long.
When Does the Orchid Flower?
The splendid spider orchid blooms during spring. You can see its beautiful flowers from September to October.
How Was the Splendid Spider Orchid Named?
The Caladenia splendens was officially described in 2001. Two scientists, Stephen Hopper and Andrew Phillip Brown, first wrote about it. They found a sample of the orchid near Gingin. Their description was published in a science journal called Nuytsia.
The second part of its scientific name, splendens, comes from a Latin word. It means "splendid" or "resplendent." This name was chosen because of the orchid's "brilliant white" color.
Where Does the Splendid Spider Orchid Live?
The splendid spider orchid grows in Western Australia. You can find it between the towns of Gingin and Frankland. It lives in several different biogeographic regions. These include the Avon Wheatbelt, Geraldton Sandplains, Jarrah Forest, and Swan Coastal Plain.
This orchid prefers to grow in woodlands and forests. It likes moist areas, such as gullies. It also grows in other places where water is available during the winter months.
Is the Splendid Spider Orchid Protected?
The Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife has classified Caladenia splendens as "not threatened." This means it is not currently at risk of disappearing.
Images for kids
-
A close-up view of the labellum (lip) of the splendid spider orchid, showing its unique features.
