Winter Spider Orchid
Caladenia drummondii
Synonyms
- Arachnorchis drummondii
Notes
The Winter Spider Orchid is endemic to south-western Australia and can be found throughout the Wheatbelt region of WA. It is easily identified by its early flowering period (May–June), small size (5–10 cm tall), and characteristic flowers with white petals and sepals combined with a dark maroon labellum. The orchids often grow in small clumps of usually three to four, sometimes even more, individuals.
The Winter Spider Orchid is one of Australia’s most unusual orchids. Unlike all other Spider Orchids of WA, it flowers in late autumn at a time when the woodland in which it typically grows is still very dry and there is little other vegetation around. Due to their small size and dull colouration, the orchids are very difficult to locate amongst the dry leaf litter.
Photos
References
- Caladenia drummondii in the Australian Plant Name Index
- Caladenia drummondii in the Atlas of Living Australia
- Caladenia drummondii in the Western Australian FloraBase