About Caladenia filamentosa R.Br.
Caladenia filamentosa R.Br. is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous herb that grows from an underground tuber, and sometimes forms dense clumps. It produces a single, densely hairy, narrow linear leaf that is 10–18 cm (4–7 in) long and 4–7 mm (0.2–0.3 in) wide. One or two (rarely up to four) flowers grow on a stalk 300–450 mm (10–20 in) high. Most flowers are dark red, though some may be pale red or reddish-green. The dorsal sepal stands erect, is 50–70 mm (2–3 in) long and about 2 mm (0.08 in) wide, with inrolled edges. The lateral sepals and petals have long, dark, thread-like, glandular tips that sometimes tangle with surrounding plants. Lateral sepals are a similar size to the dorsal sepal, while petals are slightly shorter. The labellum is egg-shaped or oblong, 5.5–8 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long and 3.5–5 mm (0.1–0.2 in) wide, with its forward-curved end. It is red with darker markings, and has many short, broad teeth along its edges. Two rows of flattened calli run along the center of the labellum, but do not reach its tip. Flowering takes place from September to November. Commonly called the daddy long-legs orchid, this species has a widespread distribution but is rarely common. It grows in forest and scrub in well-drained soil. In New South Wales, it mostly grows in drier inland areas; it is widespread across Victoria; in South Australia it only occurs in the far south-eastern corner; and in Tasmania it is found in the eastern half of the state.
