About Caladenia stricta (R.J.Bates) R.J.Bates
Caladenia stricta is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous herb that grows from an underground tuber. It produces a single dull green, hairy linear leaf that is 60–100 mm long and 10–15 mm wide, with reddish blotches near the leaf base. Usually only one flower, 25–40 mm across, is borne on a spike that grows 150–400 mm tall. The flowers are pale green, with central stripes along the sepals and petals that taper to fine points. The dorsal sepal is erect, 25–33 mm long, 2–3 mm wide, and curves gently forwards. The lateral sepals are around the same size as the dorsal sepal, are usually curved downwards, and sometimes cross each other. The petals are 16–23 mm long, 2–3 mm wide, and are held either horizontally or curve downwards. The labellum is 15–17 mm long and 14–16 mm wide; it is pale green with a pale yellow central region and a dark red tip. Each side of the labellum has between five and seven thin green teeth up to 5 mm long. The tip of the labellum curls under, and four to six rows of thick, crowded, reddish-black calli up to 2 mm long run along the mid-line of the labellum. Flowering takes place from September to November. This species, commonly called the upright spider orchid, is found in the Little Desert and Big Desert regions of Victoria, and in south-eastern areas of South Australia. It grows in mallee scrub and woodland.
