Journal Number 96
August 2005

ORIGINAL PAPERS

A Couple of Caladenias
By Gordon Sylvester

When I first noted Caladenia on my place I wasn't in any position to make close observations. This last summer I was in a better position and these are the details noted. The outstanding feature was the margins to the labellum and the colour of the plants in general.

Caladenia species Kumara plateau - 80m asl
There are two distinct species of Caladenia growing on the property. Both grow in the sphagnum moss mounds in the manuka environment; it is doubtful if they have any connection with the soil horizon in the vicinity as the moss hummocks are about 30cm deep.

Several photos were taken on 27 Dec 2004 after a search on the 26th which revealed the two species. Of the two the red stem variety is definitely the rarer of the two. On 28 Dec 2004 two specimens were collected and examined closely to determine species.

Species one . Single green leaf 2-3mm wide 80-100mm long and lax at moss level no hairs. Stem pale green with glandular hairs present as a fuzz visible under microscope as blunt globose glands; length 80-180mm. Ovary pale apple green with yellow stripe.

Flower single and double, pale green sepals, white tepals, labellum white, with white calli present. Lip not reflexed and jagged. Column white with a green head; this extends down the back of the column (posterior). The second flower does not appear until the first flower is finished. Forms loose colonies with up to 10-12 plants together all various heights. Caladenia minor (C. chlorostyla).

Further observations revealed the delayed flowering trait after the old flower was finished or pollinated. Pollinator not observed at this time.

Species two . Single green leaf 2-3mm wide 80-100mm long and lax at moss level sparsely hairy 1 mm long. Stem dark red brown with glandular hairs present as a fuzz visible under microscope sheathing bract midshaft, length 80-100mm. Ovary pale greenish white with red stripe.

Flower single or occasionally two, pale red-brown/green sepals, with a red brown rib, pale red brown overlaying white tepals, labellum cream with ribbon like process on end red, with magenta topped yellow calli present in 2 rows. Lip reflexed and jagged. Column white with red bars and a dark head (posterior).

Plant is loose colony forming with single plants sparsely scattered about on the sides of the moss hummocks, in dappled shade. Caladenia aff. chlorostyla.