About Caladenia amplexans A.S.George
Caladenia amplexans is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous herb. It grows from an underground tuber and produces a single flat, hairy leaf. The leaf measures 40–100 mm (2–4 in) long and 6–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in) wide, and it often lies flat against the ground. One or two pale blue and white flowers, each about 20 mm (0.8 in) long and wide, are borne on a stalk that is 120–250 mm (5–10 in) tall. The dorsal sepal is roughly erect, measuring 8–15 mm (0.3–0.6 in) long and 2–5 mm (0.08–0.2 in) wide. The lateral sepals and petals have roughly the same dimensions as the dorsal sepal, though the petals are slightly wider. The labellum is 5–7 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long and 6–8 mm (0.2–0.3 in) wide, dark blue with fine darker lines and spots. The sides of the labellum curve upward, surrounding the column and almost touching one another. The labellum has a short, roughly triangular, downward-curved tip with about five short teeth on each side, and two rows of cream-coloured calli run along the mid-line of the labellum. Flowering takes place from August to early October. This species, commonly known as the dainty blue china orchid, is found across a broad area from Norseman to north of Kalbarri. It grows in a range of drier habitats, including the edges of salt lakes and rocky hills.
