Caladenia infundibularis explained

Caladenia infundibularis, commonly known as the funnel-web spider orchid, is a species of orchid endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It has a single hairy leaf and up to three greenish-yellow flowers which have a red-tipped labellum.

Description

Caladenia infundibularis is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous, herb with an underground tuber and a single hairy leaf, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and about 12sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide. Up to three greenish-yellow flowers NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide are borne on a stalk NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 tall. The dorsal sepal is erect, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide. The lateral sepals are NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long, NaNsigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 wide and have thin, yellowish-brown, club-like glandular tips NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long. The petals are NaNsigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 long, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide and spread widely or turn slightly downwards. The labellum is greenish-yellow with a red tip, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide with the tip turned downwards. It is funnel-shaped at its tip and has many spreading teeth up to 5sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long, along its sides and four or six rows of yellowish calli along its mid-line. Flowering occurs in October and November.[1] [2] [3]

Taxonomy and naming

Caladenia infundibularis was first formally described by Alex George in 1984 and the description was published in Nuytsia from a specimen found near Augusta.[4] The specific epithet (infundibularis) is a Latin word meaning "funnel-shaped",[5] referring to the shape of the base of the labellum.

Distribution and habitat

The funnel-web spider orchid occurs between Dunsborough and Northcliffe in the Jarrah Forest, Swan Coastal Plain and Warren biogeographic regions where it grows in coastal heath, forest and woodland.

Conservation

Caladenia infundibularis is classified as "Not Threatened" by the Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Jones. David L.. A complete guide to native orchids of Australia including the island territories. 2006. New Holland. Frenchs Forest, N.S.W.. 1877069124. 90–91.
  2. Book: Brown. Andrew. Dundas. Pat. Dixon. Kingsley. Hopper. Stephen. Orchids of Western Australia. 2008. University of Western Australia Press. Crawley, Western Australia. 9780980296457. 121.
  3. Book: Hoffman. Noel. Brown. Andrew. Orchids of South-West Australia. 2011. Noel Hoffman. Gooseberry Hill. 9780646562322. 140. 3rd.
  4. Web site: Caladenia infundibularis. APNI. 12 February 2017.
  5. Book: Brown. Roland Wilbur. The Composition of Scientific Words. 1956. Smithsonian Institution Press. Washington, D.C.. 358.