Journal Number 100
August 2006

THE COLUMN

Les Belles Inconnues
By Eric Scanlen

HB Matthews' Caladenia "nitida rosea" from Scott Point with 3-4 calli to the base of each midlobe margin and dark red column back. Out of view, a wide maroon stripe down the backs of the tepals.

Not uncommon in lowland Te Paki in the far north but isolated plants occur the length of the North Island into the montane zone.
 

Caladenia aff. variegata from the Aorangis is difficult to separate from C. "nitida rosea" in a key. But note, only bumps on the midlobe margin, its uncluttered twin rows of disc calli closer together, bright green column back and a pale green band down the backs of the five tepals with maroon midribs.

It has a more southerly montane to subalpine habitat from Eastern Volcanic Plateau to Northwest Nelson.