Yuna spider orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yuna spider orchid |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Caladenia
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| Species: |
pluvialis
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| Synonyms | |
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Caladenia sp. 'Yuna' |
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The Yuna spider orchid (scientific name: Caladenia pluvialis) is a special type of orchid. It grows only in the south-west part of Western Australia. This orchid is often seen after winter rains. It has one fuzzy leaf and usually one or two creamy-yellow flowers. It looks a bit like a spider, which is why it's called a "spider orchid"!
Contents
What the Yuna Spider Orchid Looks Like
The Yuna spider orchid is a plant that grows from an underground tuber (like a small potato). It lives for many years and loses its leaves in some seasons. Sometimes, it grows in small groups.
Its Leaf and Flowers
Each plant has one leaf that stands up straight. This leaf is pale green and feels a bit hairy. It is about 40 to 120 millimeters (1.6 to 4.7 inches) long and 4 to 6 millimeters (0.16 to 0.24 inches) wide.
The plant usually has one or two flowers. These flowers are a dull cream or creamy-yellow color. They can be quite large, about 70 to 130 millimeters (2.8 to 5.1 inches) across. The flowers grow on a stalk that is 120 to 200 millimeters (4.7 to 7.9 inches) tall.
Flower Parts
The flower has parts called sepals and petals. These parts are thin and pointy, like threads, at their tips. The tips are reddish-black.
- The top sepal stands up or curves slightly forward. It is about 60 to 100 millimeters (2.4 to 3.9 inches) long.
- The two side sepals are also 60 to 100 millimeters (2.4 to 3.9 inches) long. They spread out sideways at first, then curve downwards.
- The petals are similar to the side sepals in how they are arranged. They are about 60 to 100 millimeters (2.4 to 3.9 inches) long.
The most interesting part is the labellum, which is the orchid's special lip. It is cream-colored with red lines and spots. The sides of the labellum have small, wide, pointy edges that face forward. The tip of the labellum curls under. There are also two rows of anvil-shaped bumps, called calli, along its center. These calli are about 1.5 millimeters (0.06 inches) long.
When it Flowers
The Yuna spider orchid blooms from August to early September. It flowers best when there has been good rain in winter.
How the Yuna Spider Orchid Got its Name
Scientists Andrew Phillip Brown and Garry Brockman first described the Yuna spider orchid in 2015. They published their description in a science journal called Nuytsia.
The scientific name pluvialis comes from a Latin word. It means "of rain." This name was chosen because rain is very important for this orchid to flower. It grows in an area that doesn't get much rain normally.
Where the Yuna Spider Orchid Lives
The Yuna spider orchid is found in specific areas of Western Australia. You can find it near the towns of Yuna and Mullewa. These areas are part of the Avon Wheatbelt and Geraldton Sandplains regions.
Protecting the Yuna Spider Orchid
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has given Caladenia pluvialis a special status. It is classified as "Priority Two".
This means that we don't know much about this orchid yet. It is only found in one or a few places. Because it's rare and not well-known, it's important to protect its habitat so it can continue to grow and thrive.
