Broad-lipped Spider Orchid
Caladenia applanata
Synonyms
- Arachnorchis applanata
Notes
The Broad-lipped Spider Orchid is a typical coastal species that can be encountered in coastal heath, usually within a few hundred metres of the ocean, where the orchids are often locally abundant. Its common name is a reference to its relatively broad, maroon-tipped labellum with fairly short fringe segments. While the sepals are prominently clubbed, the petals have pointed ends without clubbing. The Broad-lipped Spider Orchid is restricted to south-western WA and divided into two distinct subspecies:
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Broad-lipped Spider Orchid (Caladenia applanata subsp. applanata)
The nominate subspecies depicted here, can be found along the Leeuwin–Naturaliste Ridge between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. Its flowers are highly variable in colour, ranging from cream-coloured to red. It looks very similar to the Swamp Spider Orchid (Caladenia paludosa), but can be distinguished through its different habitat and the fact that the fringe segments are not quite as distinctly anvil-shaped as in the Swamp Spider Orchid. Furthermore, the sepals and petals are held in a slightly different way. In the northern parts of its range it often grows together with the Exotic Spider Orchid (Caladenia nivalis). -
Rose Spider Orchid (Caladenia applanata subsp. erubescens)
This subspecies can be found along the south coast between Walpole and Two Peoples Bay east of Albany and has pink flowers instead, making it easily recognisable. Otherwise, the flowers look the same as those of the nominate subspecies.
The peak flowering period is from mid September until mid October, slightly later than that of the co-occurring Exotic Spider Orchid.
Photos
Broad-lipped Spider Orchid (Caladenia applanata subsp. applanata)
References
- Caladenia applanata in the Australian Plant Name Index
- Caladenia applanata in the Atlas of Living Australia
- Caladenia applanata in the Western Australian FloraBase