Caladenia praecox
Early Caladenia
Very slender erect perennial growing from round tubers, scattered or in loose colonies. Stem green or reddish. Dies down in hot weather.
Additional information
- SynonymStegostyla praecox
- FamilyOrchidaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Sizeto 15 cm high
- Plant groupingOrchids
- LeavesSingle narrow sparsely hairy leaf 5-20 cm x 1-3 mm, reddish at base.
- Flower colourWhite with green or pink markings, back covered in red glands
- Flowering timeAugust to October
- Flowers1-4 flowers to 30 mm across; sepals & petals stiff, spreading, central sepal hooded. Lip white, entire, mid lobe reddish, tip long-fringed, 4-6 rows of yellow or white clubbed warts (calli) almost to tip.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsWell drained soil in grasslands and open forest. Full sun, semi shade. Requires fire to flower well.
- 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 statusRare in Victoria with few known populations. Locally common within its preferred growing conditions
- Aboriginal Use Food - tuber
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 James Booth, Natureshare ©; 2 Richard Hartlands ©; 3 Dave Allan ©
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