White beauty spider orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids White beauty spider orchid |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Caladenia
|
| Species: |
argocalla
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The Caladenia argocalla, also known as the white beauty spider orchid, is a special type of plant in the orchid family. It grows only in South Australia, meaning it is endemic there. This orchid grows from the ground, either by itself or in small groups. It has one fuzzy leaf and usually one or two white or greenish-white flowers on a thin, hairy stem. There are thought to be between 2,000 and 4,500 of these orchids left. Because of this, it is listed as an "Endangered" species, meaning it is at high risk of disappearing forever.
Contents
What Does the White Beauty Spider Orchid Look Like?
The white beauty spider orchid is a plant that grows from the ground. It is a perennial, which means it lives for more than two years. It is also deciduous, meaning its leaves fall off at certain times. This plant has a special underground part called a tuber, which helps it store food. It grows a single, fuzzy leaf that is long and narrow, like a spear. This leaf stands up straight and is about 12 to 22 cm (5-9 inches) long and 10 to 18 mm (0.4-0.7 inches) wide. It is a dull green color.
The leaf usually appears in April or May. However, the plant does not always grow leaves or flowers every year. The number of flowering plants can change a lot from one year to the next.
The Flowers of the White Beauty Spider Orchid
Each orchid plant grows one or two flowers on a thin, hairy stem that can be 30 to 60 cm (12-24 inches) tall. These flowers do not have a smell. They are about 9 cm (3.5 inches) across and are white or greenish-white. Each flower part has a thin stripe running down it.
Orchid flowers have special parts:
- The top part, called the dorsal sepal, is about 9 to 13 mm long. It is thin and thread-like at its tip.
- The two side parts, called lateral sepals, are longer, about 10 to 15 mm long. They are wider at the bottom and also become thin and thread-like at their ends.
- The petals are similar to the sepals in shape but are a bit shorter, about 7.5 to 9.5 mm long.
- The most interesting part is the labellum, which is like a special lip. It is shaped like an egg or a heart. It stands up near its base but then curves forward.
- The labellum has small bumps called calli. There are 10 to 12 white or purplish calli along the edges. In the middle, there are 6 to 8 rows of red or white calli that look like tiny golf clubs. These extend almost to the tip of the labellum.
- The column is a central part of the flower, about 15 to 17 mm long. It looks clear with reddish stripes and other shapes, and it has wide "wings."
These beautiful flowers bloom from September to October.
How the White Beauty Spider Orchid Got Its Name
The white beauty spider orchid was first officially described by a botanist named David L. Jones in 1991. The description was published in a research paper called Australian Orchid Research. The first plant used to describe the species, called the type specimen, was found near a place called Kapunda.
The scientific name, argocalla, comes from two ancient Greek words:
- Argos means "white."
- Kallos means "beautiful."
So, the name argocalla means "beautiful white," which fits its common name, "white beauty spider orchid."
Where the White Beauty Spider Orchid Lives
The white beauty spider orchid grows on hills and slopes. It likes to live in forests, often where there are sheoak trees. This orchid is only found in 13 small groups, or subpopulations, in the hills north of Adelaide. One of these places is the Spring Gully Conservation Park.
Protecting the White Beauty Spider Orchid
In 2006, experts estimated there were only between 2,000 and 4,500 of these orchids left. This low number means the orchid is in danger.
Here are the main reasons why this orchid is threatened:
- Habitat damage: The places where it lives are being changed or destroyed.
- Weeds: Invasive plants (weeds) are growing and taking over the orchid's space.
- Lack of pollinators: There might not be enough insects or other animals to help the orchid reproduce.
- Grazing: Animals like native animals, farm animals, and wild animals eat the orchids.
Because of these threats, the white beauty spider orchid is listed as "Endangered." This protection comes from two important laws: the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 and the Australian Government's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC) Act. These laws help protect the orchid and its habitat.
