Caladenia pusilla

Tiny Caladenia

Slender erect perennial growing from round tubers, forming small loose colonies. Sparsely hairy green stem with brownish base. Dies down in hot weather.

Additional information

SynonymPetalochilus pusillus
FamilyOrchidaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size5-15 cm high
Plant groupingOrchids
LeavesSingle narrow sparsely hairy leaf to 6 cm x 0.5-2 mm.
Flower colourDeep pink with red stripes on lip and column
Flowering timeSeptember to October
FlowersSingle flower to 12 mm across; sepals and petals elliptic, broad-tipped, projecting forward; lighter central sepal erect incurved. Lip 3-lobed, side lobes erect, 2 rows yellow warts (calli) down the centre, mid-lobe small, tongue-like.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsWell drained soil in heathy woodland and open forests. Full sun, 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 statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites.
Aboriginal Use Food - tuber