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Spectacular Spider Orchid
Caladenia × spectabilis Hopper & A.P.Br. 2001

Notes

The Spectacular Spider Orchid is a hybrid between the Cowslip Orchid (Caladenia flava) and the Pink Fairy Orchid (Cala­denia latifolia). Despite the fact that both parent species are abundant and widespread across south-western Australia, hybrids between the two are surprisingly uncommon. Flowering between August and October, the Spectacular Spider Orchid occurs throughout the range of the Pink Fairy Orchid from north of Geraldton to east of the Esperance.

As its name suggests, the Spectacular Spider Orchid comes in a wide range of spectacular colours that can range anywhere from yellow to deep pink. The petals and sepals often feature prominent red or pink spots and stripes.

Photos

Caladenia flava × Caladenia latifolia
Hybrid between the Cowslip Orchid and the Pink Fairy Orchid (Caladenia flava × Caladenia latifolia). (West Coolup, WA, 16 / 09 / 2018)
Caladenia flava × Caladenia latifolia
Hybrid between the Cowslip Orchid and the Pink Fairy Orchid (Caladenia flava × Caladenia latifolia). (West Coolup, WA, 16 / 09 / 2018)
Caladenia flava × Caladenia latifolia
The hybrids are extremely variable in colour. (West Coolup, WA, 11 / 09 / 2022)
Caladenia flava × Caladenia latifolia
A pale-yellow specimen with strong purple markings. (West Coolup, WA, 10 / 09 / 2023)
Caladenia flava × Caladenia latifolia
A pale-coloured, red-spotted variant. (West Coolup, WA, 10 / 09 / 2023)
Caladenia flava × Caladenia latifolia
A pink-coloured specimen. (West Coolup, WA, 11 / 09 / 2022)
Caladenia flava × Caladenia latifolia
As they can multiply asexually, the orchids are often found growing in groups. (West Coolup, WA, 16 / 09 / 2018)
Caladenia flava × Caladenia latifolia
The parent species: Cowslip Orchid (Caladenia flava) and Pink Fairy Orchid (Caladenia latifolia). (West Coolup, WA, 16 / 09 / 2018)

References