Unidentified Spider Orchid
Caladenia sp.
Notes
I found this spectacular spider orchid growing in lateritic soil on the Darling Scarp south-east of Armadale in Western Australia. Most of the plants had already finished flowering at the time (mid October), but this single specimen was still in bloom. I first thought that I had found yet another White Spider Orchid (Caladenia longicauda), however there are several characteristica that differ significantly. To begin with, the plants are taller and the flowers much larger than in any White Spider Orchid I have seen so far. Secondly, the extremely long petals and sepals are rather narrow and stiffly held rather than drooping as in the White Spider Orchid. The labellum, too, is unusually narrow. So, in summary, this orchid does not quite look like a White Spider Orchid, but I have no idea what else this could possibly be.
Photos
