Caladenia macrostylis Fitzg.

Species Nomenclature and Growth Form

Caladenia macrostylis, commonly called the leaping spider orchid, is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous herb.

Leaf Characteristics

It grows from an underground tuber and produces a single erect, hairy leaf that measures 120–160 mm (5–6 in) long and 6–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in) wide.

Inflorescence and Flower Dimensions

Up to three pale greenish-yellow and red flowers are borne on a stalk 160–250 mm (6–10 in) tall; each flower is 40–60 mm (1.6–2.4 in) long and 30–60 mm (1–2 in) wide.

Sepal and Petal Gland Tips

The sepals and petals bear dark, club-shaped glandular tips that are 2–4 mm (0.08–0.2 in) long.

Dorsal Sepal Characteristics

The dorsal sepal curves forward over the flower's column, and is 25–35 mm (0.98–1.4 in) long and 3–4 mm (0.1–0.2 in) wide.

Lateral Sepal Characteristics

The lateral sepals are 25–35 mm (0.98–1.4 in) long and 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) wide, and spread forward and downward.

Petal Characteristics

The petals are 25–30 mm (0.98–1.2 in) long and 3–5 mm (0.1–0.2 in) wide, and spread upwards.

Labellum Color and Dimensions

The labellum is 10–13 mm (0.4–0.5 in) long and 10–11 mm (0.39–0.43 in) wide, yellowish with deep purplish-red markings.

Labellum Edge and Tip Structure

The edges of the labellum are curled under and lined with small, crowded, blunt teeth, and the labellum tip is also curled under.

Labellum Calli Characteristics

A broad, dense band of blackish calli up to 2.5 mm (0.1 in) long runs through the centre of the labellum.

Flowering Period

Flowering occurs from August to early November.

Distribution and Habitat

This orchid is found between Albany and Bindoon in Western Australia's Avon Wheatbelt, Jarrah Forest, Swan Coastal Plain and Warren biogeographic regions, where it grows in forest, woodland and coastal scrub.