About Caladenia variegata Colenso
Caladenia variegata is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous herb that grows from an underground tuber. It usually grows alone, and sometimes forms small colonies of up to ten individuals. This species produces a single dark green, sparsely hairy leaf. The leaf reaches up to 300 mm (10 in) long and 4 mm (0.2 in) wide, and lies flat on the ground. One or two flowers, most often pink and occasionally white, grow on a thick stem that can reach up to 300 mm (10 in) tall. Each flower is about 30 mm (1 in) across. The dorsal sepal is upright near its base before curving forward, forming a hood over the flower's column, and is greenish on its outer surface. The lateral sepals have a broadly elliptic shape, spread apart from one another, and curve slightly downwards. The petals are also elliptic, but often take a sickle shape and end in a pointed tip. The labellum is pale pink, white along its edges, and marked with dark red bars. The sides of the labellum curve upwards to partially surround the column; the tip of the labellum is yellow with notched edges. Two rows of stalked calli with bright yellow heads run along the center of the labellum. Flowering takes place from November to January. This species is found on the North Island, South Island, and Chatham Islands of New Zealand, where it grows in forest, most commonly in leaf litter.
