Plants
Orchids
Sighting 4404315

Caladenia actensis

1 Canberra Spider Orchid at suppressed

Caladenia actensis at suppressed - suppressed
Caladenia actensis at suppressed - suppressed
Caladenia actensis at suppressed - suppressed
Caladenia actensis at suppressed - suppressed
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Identification history

Caladenia actensis 2 Nov 2021 DerekC
Caladenia actensis 2 Nov 2021 petersan

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9 comments

waltraud wrote:
   14 Dec 2021
Peter - I can't see a timeline; I think your record is the first record for this site. Perhaps someone can confirm? I have difficulties bringing up the distribution.
petersan wrote:
   14 Dec 2021
Yes, I think that is correct.
DerekC wrote:
   14 Dec 2021
Peter - in that first photo the flower colour is not typical. The labellum is very light yellow.
petersan wrote:
   15 Dec 2021
Derek - I remember noting that at the time while that nearby appeared normal. I wondered if it was to do with the conditions as it was also a bit stunted.
DerekC wrote:
   15 Dec 2021
It is interesting because it is like some other outliers we saw.
waltraud wrote:
   15 Dec 2021
Peter, I declare you the truffle pig for Canberra Spider Orchid! Reg the yellowish colour, could it be a colour mutant?
petersan wrote:
   15 Dec 2021
Waltraud - I will leave that to the experts ! However, it will be interesting to follow up next year to see if the same colouring emerges
MattM wrote:
   16 Dec 2021
The yellow colour might just be some natural variation. It might also be a function of the flower ageing, a response to nutrient deficiencies or a response to receiving too much/too little water.
waltraud wrote:
   16 Dec 2021
I would exclude
1. ageing - given that nearby specimen which appears of older age has the typical colour;
2. nutrient deficiency - given that the surrounding vegetation appears well-nourished and (1);
3. too little water - given the amount of rain we had and (1).
It might be too much water but this would have an effect on close by specimen too?
colour variation of wildflowers based on mutation is not uncommon - it requires only a change of one locus in the DNA. In fact, these mutations are used by the horticulture industry to create variants.

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Sighting information

Additional information

  • 10cm to 30cm Plant height
  • True In flower

Species information

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  • Verified by an expert moderator
  • Nearby sighting(s) of same species
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  • Additional attributes
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