About Caladenia iridescens R.S.Rogers
Caladenia iridescens R.S.Rogers is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous herb that grows from a spherical underground tuber. It produces a single, sparsely hairy, linear leaf that is 50–100 mm (2–4 in) long and 1–2 mm (0.04–0.08 in) wide. One or two flowers are borne on a stalk 100–250 mm (4–10 in) tall. The flowers are dusky red, ranging from purplish to greenish-brown, often with golden tints, and are greenish to brownish on the back. The dorsal sepal is 11–13 mm (0.4–0.5 in) long, about 3 mm (0.1 in) wide, and curves forward to more or less form a hood over the column. The lateral sepals are 13–16 mm (0.5–0.6 in) long, about 3 mm (0.1 in) wide, and spread widely or curve downwards. The petals are 13–16 mm (0.5–0.6 in) long, about 2 mm (0.08 in) wide, and also spread widely. The labellum is 5–6 mm long, about 3 mm (0.1 in) wide, whitish in colour with red or purple lines. The sides of the labellum bear blunt, dark red teeth, its tip is rolled under, and there are four crowded rows of calli along its mid-line. Flowering takes place in October and November. This species, commonly called bronze caps, occurs mainly in the Grampians, where it grows in woodland and shrubby forest.
