About Caladenia oenochila G.W.Carr
Caladenia oenochila is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous herb that grows from a spherical underground tuber. It produces a single, sparsely hairy, lance-shaped leaf. The leaf measures 70–120 mm (3–5 in) long and 8–12 mm (0.3–0.5 in) wide, and has reddish spots near its base. One or two flowers, each 60–80 mm (2–3 in) across, are borne on a flowering spike that grows 200–400 mm (8–20 in) tall. The flowers are pale yellow-green with purple stripes or blotches. The sepals and petals are broad near their bases, then suddenly narrow to long, thin, reddish, glandular tips. The dorsal sepal is erect, 40–55 mm (1.6–2.2 in) long and 2–3 mm (0.08–0.1 in) wide. The lateral sepals are 40–55 mm (1.6–2.2 in) long and 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) wide; they spread widely and curve downwards. The petals are 35–40 mm (1–2 in) long, about 2 mm (0.08 in) wide, and also curve downwards. The labellum is 12–15 mm (0.5–0.6 in) long and 9–11 mm (0.35–0.43 in) wide. It is dark red or pale yellow with dark red edges, and its tip curls under. The sides of the labellum bear dark red, linear teeth up to 2.5 mm (0.1 in) long, which decrease in length towards the tip. Four or six well-spaced rows of calli run along the mid-line of the labellum. Flowering takes place in August and September, and is more abundant after summer bushfire. This species, commonly called the red-lipped spider orchid, is mostly found in the southern foothills of the Great Dividing Range, where it grows in shaded areas of forest or woodland.
