Blue Fairy Orchid
Pheladenia deformis
Synonyms
- Caladenia deformis
- Caladenia unguiculata
- Cyanicula deformis
- Pentisea deformis
Notes
The Blue Fairy Orchid is one of the most common orchids of Australia. It is widespread throughout southern Australia, including south-western WA, south-eastern SA, central and southern VIC and much of TAS. The species also occurs across parts of south-eastern NSW, but is uncommon there. Blue Fairy Orchids can be found in a variety of different soils and habitats such as granite outcrops, the margins of creeks and swamps, winter-wet flats, open forests, woodland and heath. They often grow in large colonies and occasionally form dense clumps. The peak flowering period is mid winter to early spring.
Despite their small size, the orchids are usually fairly easy to spot, as they often grow in open areas and — as a result of the deep blue colour of their flowers — stand out against the surrounding vegetation. While there are several superficially similar species, in particular blue-coloured species of China Orchid (Cyanicula sp.) such as the Blue China Orchid (Cyanicula gemmata), the Blue Fairy Orchid is easily identified by its usually much earlier flowering period and the unique, dark-purple labellum.
Photos
References
- Pheladenia deformis in the Australian Plant Name Index
- Pheladenia deformis in the Atlas of Living Australia
- Pheladenia deformis in the New South Wales Flora Online
- Pheladenia deformis in the Flora of Victoria
- Pheladenia deformis in the Electronic Flora of South Australia
- Pheladenia deformis in the Western Australian FloraBase