Caladenia xantha Hopper & A.P.Br.

Taxonomic Identity

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

Leaf Morphology

It produces a single erect, hairy leaf, which measures 80–200 mm long and 3–5 mm wide.

Inflorescence Characteristics

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.

Flower Dimensions

Each flower is 60–100 mm long and 70–100 mm wide.

Sepal and Petal Tips

The sepals and petals of this orchid have dark brown, thread-like tips.

Dorsal Sepal Morphology

The dorsal sepal stands erect, is 60–80 mm long and about 2 mm wide.

Lateral Sepal Morphology

The lateral sepals are 40–60 mm long, about 3 mm wide, and curve downwards.

Petal Morphology

The petals are 30–50 mm long, 2–3 mm wide, and arranged in the same downward-curving shape as the lateral sepals.

Labellum Appearance

The labellum is 10–15 mm long and 7–10 mm wide, and is creamy-yellow marked with brown stripes and spots.

Labellum Structure

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 Period

Flowering takes place from July to early September.

Common Name and Distribution

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.

Habitat

It grows in well-drained soil under wandoo and sheoak trees.