Lazy Spider Orchid
Caladenia multiclavia
Synonyms
- Jonesiopsis multiclavia
- Calonema multiclavium
- Calonemorchis multiclavia
Notes
The Lazy Spider Orchid is one of the most unique and unmistakable Spider Orchids of Australia. It is easily identified by its upswept petals and sepals, with the dorsal sepal and the two petals held closely together in a characteristic fashion. The smooth, striped labellum with a central band of densely packed calli is likewise unique; it rests on a narrow hinge and is often seen swaying in the wind. The red and green flowers are comparatively small and for that reason easily overlooked.
The Lazy Spider Orchid is endemic to south-western Australia where it occurs throughout the central Wheatbelt from Wongan Hills in the north to Jerramungup and Ravensthorpe in the south. It is more commonly encountered near the southern end of its range and typically grows in winter-wet habitats adjacent to seasonal rivers and creeks, often in Sheoak (Allocasuarina) woodland. The peak flowering period is September to October.
Photos
References
- Caladenia multiclavia in the Australian Plant Name Index
- Caladenia multiclavia in the Atlas of Living Australia
- Caladenia multiclavia in the Western Australian FloraBase