Brockman’s Duck Orchid
Paracaleana brockmanii
Synonyms
- Caleana brockmanii
Notes
Brockman’s Duck Orchid is one of several species of Duck Orchid endemic to south-western Australia. It is found in sandy or lateritic soils in Eucalyptus forests between Perth and Albany. As the last of WA’s Duck Orchids to flower each season, its flowers usually do not emerge until mid November, with the flowering period extending well into the summer across southern parts of its range. Due to its small size, dull colouration and forest habitat, Brockman’s Duck Orchid is extremely difficult to find, and one can be standing right next to a group of plants without noticing their presence.
While Brockman’s Duck Orchid looks similar to several other species of Duck Orchid, in particular the very rare Darling Range Duck Orchid (Paracaleana ferricola), it can usually be distinguished by its somewhat later flowering period and slightly larger flowers, with the black calli covering about one third of the length of the labellum.
Photos
References
- Paracaleana brockmanii in the Australian Plant Name Index
- Paracaleana brockmanii in the Atlas of Living Australia
- Paracaleana brockmanii in the Western Australian FloraBase