Green Comb Spider Orchid

~ Caladenia dilatata ~

ORCHIDACEAE

Orchids are considered to be one of the most evolved forms of plant life due to their incredible structures and ability to cultivate relationships with pollinating insects. They play some wicked games, all in the quest for cross-pollination. The story of the Spider Orchid and the Thynnid Wasp was my first experience learning about the deceptive and intelligent nature of Orchids. The Spider Orchid masks itself as a female wasp in scent and sight, attracting a male for a frisky affair (see p. vii for the full dramatic break down).

Aside from pollination, there is another love story nature has orchestrated and that is the symbiotic relationship between Orchids and Mycorrhizal Fungi. The fungi assist with germination and can strengthen the immunity of an orchid, helping it take in nutrients and carbon, and then the fungi extracts the nutrients (such as sugars) it needs from the plant. This means that cultivation of some Orchids isn’t possible without the fungi present.

WHERE TO LOOK

Spider Orchids can be found solo or in their own tiny meadows in heathland areas throughout the temperate south-east corner of Victoria and lutruwita (Tasmania), spreading ever so slightly into South Australia. Although heaths are infertile land, they can be a treasure trove of biodiversity and quite wondrous places to observe. You’ll find these flowers in the company of low-growing vegetation and low-density Eucalypt woodland in coastal and near-coastal scrub. Orchids tend to like a little bit of disturbance in their environment and can often be found growing beside or directly on walking paths. When not in flower, a lot of Orchids can look like a single blade of grass and be easily overlooked or trampled on, so watch those thumpers.

Locations → Victoria: Baluk Willam Nature Conservation Reserve, Anglesea Heath and Wonthaggi Heathlands Nature Conservation Reserve; Tasmania: South Arm Nature Recreation Area and Peter Murrell Reserve.

FEATURES

Its greenish spider-like flower is supported by a single hairy stem alongside a single hairy leaf. It stands 20–35cm tall with its flower about 5cm in size. This particular species looks almost identical to its mates C. parva and C. tentaculata, but can be identified by its larger size.

FLOWERING SEASON

Summer → A perennial herb and late bloomer in comparison to its other genus friends, it usually flowers between November and January.