Caladenia paludosa Hopper & A.P.Br.

Taxonomic Identity

Caladenia paludosa Hopper & A.P.Br. is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous herb that grows from an underground tuber.

Leaf Characteristics

This orchid produces a single erect, hairy leaf that measures 100–300 mm (4–10 in) long and 5–15 mm (0.2–0.6 in) wide.

Inflorescence Traits

Up to three flowers, colored red, greenish-yellow and cream, are borne on a stalk 300–500 mm (10–20 in) tall.

Flower Dimensions

Each flower is 30–50 mm (1–2 in) long and 50–80 mm (2–3 in) wide.

Sepal Glandular Tips

The sepals of this species have thick, brown, club-shaped glandular tips 10–25 mm (0.4–1 in) long.

Dorsal Sepal Characteristics

The dorsal sepal is erect, measuring 35–60 mm (1–2 in) long and 3–5 mm (0.1–0.2 in) wide.

Lateral Sepal Characteristics

The lateral sepals are 35–60 mm (1–2 in) long and 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) wide, and curve stiffly downwards.

Petal Characteristics

The petals are 30–45 mm (1–2 in) long, 2–4 mm (0.08–0.2 in) wide, and curve upwards.

Labellum Structure

The labellum is 7–25 mm (0.3–1 in) long and 8–16 mm (0.3–0.6 in) wide; it is greenish-yellow with a glossy red tip that curls downwards.

Labellum Ornamentation

The sides of the labellum have linear teeth up to 5 mm (0.2 in) long, and four widely spaced pale or deep red calli run along its mid-line.

Flowering Period

Flowering occurs between September and early December.

Common Name and Distribution

This species, commonly called the swamp spider orchid, is found on the coastal plain between Gingin and Gracetown in Western Australia, within the Jarrah Forest, Mallee, Swan Coastal Plain and Warren biogeographic regions.

Habitat

It grows in thick scrubland that becomes swampy during winter.