488B-2-Caladenia-oenochila-RH.jpg

Caladenia oenochila

Wine-lipped Spider-orchid

Slender erect perennial growing from round tubers. Hairy green-brown stem. Dies down in hot weather.

Additional information

  • SynonymCaladenia lindleyana; Arachnorchis oenochila
  • FamilyOrchidaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size19-36 cm high
  • Plant groupingOrchids
  • LeavesSingle lance-shaped sparsely hairy leaf 5-12 cm x 3-14 mm, reddish spots on base.
  • Flower colourPale yellow-green, dark red hairs on tips & back, mid-lobe red
  • Flowering timeAugust to October
  • Flowers1-2 flowers; sepals and petals to 60 mm, spreading, broad at base, abruptly tapering to fine points. Lip (labellum) curved with 4-6 rows of stalked, clubbed red warts (calli) to the bend, deep red narrow teeth on margins, tip curved under.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsMoist well drained soil in grassy and heathy foothill forests. Semi shade.
  • Garden useUse of orchids in gardens is not recommended, unless they already occur naturally, in which case they need to be protected. Removing orchids from the bush usually results in their death and further depletes remaining wild orchid populations.
  • Commercially availableNever
  • Conservation statusVulnerable in Victoria to continued depletion. Occurs in very few locations in the Shire.
  • Aboriginal Use Food - tuber
Photographer/s: 1 Marty White ©; 2 Richard Hartlands ©; 3 Cathy Powers ©

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