Caleana major

Large Duck-orchid

Erect perennial herb. Slender greenish-brown stem with a basal narrow sheathing bract. Can form large dense colonies. Dormant during summer-autumn.

FamilyOrchidaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size15-40 cm high
Plant groupingOrchids
LeavesSingle dark green and reddish narrow lance-shaped leaf 4-12 cm x 4-8 mm, often withering by flowering time.
Flower colourReddish-brown
Flowering timeSeptember to January
Flowers1-5 shiny duck-like flowers to 25 mm long. Glossy darker lip is above the narrow, channelled petals and sepals on a curved flat strap which is sensitive to touch. Central sepal curved below winged column, side sepals reflexed behind the flower.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsWell drained soil in open forest and woodlands. 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 and at risk.
Aboriginal Use Food - tuber