Caladenia grampiana explained

Caladenia grampiana, commonly known as the Grampians spider orchid[1] is a plant in the orchid family Orchidaceae and is endemic to the Grampians National Park in Victoria. It is a ground orchid with a single hairy leaf and a one or two pale tawny-yellow or pinkish flowers similar to those of Caladenia oenochila.

Description

Caladenia grampiana is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous, herb with an underground tuber and a single hairy leaf, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide with a reddish base. One or two flowers borne on a spike NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 tall. The sepals NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide and pale tawny-yellow or pinkish with drooping tips. The petals are similar to the sepals but shorter. The labellum is NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide and curves forward with the tip rolled downwards and the sides turned upwards. It is cream to red with linear teeth NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long along its sides and four or six rows of calli along its mid-line. Flowering occurs in August or September.[2]

Taxonomy and naming

The species was first formally described by David L. Jones in 2006 and given the name Arachnorchis grampiana. The description was published in Australian Orchid Research.[3] In 2007, Gary Backhouse changed the name to Caladenia grampiana and the change was published in The Victorian Naturalist.[4]

Distribution and habitat

Caladenia grampiana is only known from the Grampians National Park where it grows in heathy woodland in well-drained soil.

Conservation

This species is classified as "vulnerable" by the Victorian government. and is listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Sparrow. Kevin. Caladenia gampiana Grampians spider-orchid. Nature Share. 8 February 2017.
  2. Web site: Jeanes. Jeffrey. Caladenia grampiana. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria: Vicflora. 8 February 2017.
  3. Web site: Arachnorchis grampiana. APNI. 8 February 2017.
  4. Web site: Caladenia grampiana. APNI. 8 February 2017.
  5. Web site: Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 Threatened List December 2016. Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning. 8 February 2017.