About Caladenia xantha Hopper & A.P.Br.
Caladenia xantha Hopper & A.P.Br. is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous herb that grows from an underground tuber. It produces a single erect, hairy leaf, which measures 80–200 mm long and 3–5 mm wide. Between one and three flowers, which range in color from pale to bright yellow, are borne on a stalk that reaches 180–260 mm tall. Each flower is 60–100 mm long and 70–100 mm wide. The sepals and petals of this orchid have dark brown, thread-like tips. The dorsal sepal stands erect, is 60–80 mm long and about 2 mm wide. The lateral sepals are 40–60 mm long, about 3 mm wide, and curve downwards. The petals are 30–50 mm long, 2–3 mm wide, and arranged in the same downward-curving shape as the lateral sepals. The labellum is 10–15 mm long and 7–10 mm wide, and is creamy-yellow marked with brown stripes and spots. The sides of the labellum are serrated, its tip curls downwards, and two rows of anvil-shaped, cream-coloured calli run along its mid-line. Flowering takes place from July to early September. This species, commonly known as the primrose spider orchid, is mostly found between the Mogumber Nature Reserve and Kendenup, in the Avon Wheatbelt, Jarrah Forest and Swan Coastal Plain biogeographic regions of Western Australia. It grows in well-drained soil under wandoo and sheoak trees.
