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Winter Spider Orchid
Caladenia drummondii Benth. 1873

Synonyms

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

Caladenia drummondii
Winter Spider Orchids are easily identified by their small size and dark maroon labellum. (Bejoording, WA, 10 / 05 / 2015)
Caladenia drummondii
The petals and sepals are white with maroon stripes and often curled at the end. (Bejoording, WA, 10 / 05 / 2015)
Caladenia drummondii
Another view of the characteristic flower. (Bejoording, WA, 10 / 05 / 2015)
Caladenia drummondii
Close-up view of the maroon labellum. (Bejoording, WA, 10 / 05 / 2015)
Caladenia drummondii
Winter Spider Orchids often grow in clumps of three or four individuals. (Bejoording, WA, 10 / 05 / 2015)
Caladenia drummondii
Due to their small size and brown colour, the orchids are difficult to find amid the leaf litter. (Bejoording, WA, 10 / 05 / 2015)
Caladenia drummondii
Each plant grows a single small leaf at the bottom of the flower stem. (Bejoording, WA, 10 / 05 / 2015)
Caladenia drummondii
Winter Spider Orchids usually grow in dry woodland. (Bejoording, WA, 10 / 05 / 2015)

References