About Caladenia falcata (Nicholls) M.A.Clem. & Hopper
Caladenia falcata, commonly known as the fringed mantis orchid, has one single erect, hairy leaf that measures 100–200 mm (4–8 in) long and 5–15 mm (0.2–0.6 in) wide. One or two flowers, each 60–100 mm (2–4 in) long and 50–80 mm (2–3 in) wide, are produced on a stalk that grows 200–400 mm (8–20 in) high. The flowers are greenish yellow with distinct prominent maroon markings. The dorsal sepal is erect, 45–80 mm (2–3 in) long, and 3–4 mm (0.1–0.2 in) wide at its base. Both the lateral sepals and petals have brownish, glandular tips. The lateral sepals are 35–75 mm (1–3 in) long and 3–5 mm (0.1–0.2 in) wide at the base; they lie closely parallel to each other and curve strongly upwards. The petals are 35–55 mm (1–2 in) long and 2–3 mm (0.08–0.1 in) wide at the base; they spread widely and curve downwards. The labellum is 15–24 mm (0.6–0.9 in) long and 20–30 mm (0.8–1 in) wide, and is yellowish-green with a curved-under, maroon-coloured tip. Pointed, comb-like teeth up to 8 mm (0.3 in) long line the sides of the labellum, and four or more densely crowded rows of maroon calli, each up to 4 mm (0.2 in) long, run along its centre line. Flowering takes place from late August to October. This orchid is found between Wongan Hills and Jerramungup, in the Avon Wheatbelt, Esperance Plains, Jarrah Forest and Mallee biogeographic regions of Australia. It grows in woodland, shrubland, or near granite outcrops.
