Cowslip Orchid

~ Caladenia flava ~

ORCHIDACEAE

The Cowslip Orchid is related to our deceptive Green Comb Spider Orchid (see p. 3) under the Spider Orchid genus Caladenia. However, these big yellow blooms appear a little less spider-like and more ‘starfish party’, according to (and accurately described by) my five-year-old son. This party vibe is probably due to the fact that they have the incredible function of cloning themselves and can often be seen in large communities made up of hundreds of individuals. This species has four known subspecies, making these communities quite unique and variegated. Noongar Country in Western Australia is filled with Spider Orchids (136 species to be exact according to scientists Andrew Brown and Garry Brockman), making them the most common genus in the west country. Like most Orchids, Caladenia flava has a symbiotic relationship with Mycorrhizal Fungi that assists in germination, nutrient absorption and immunity, and therefore may be difficult to cultivate.

WHERE TO LOOK

The Cowslip is a Western Australian resident and is widespread throughout the botanical provinces of the south-west (especially Jarrah forest). It can often be found in the presence of the towering Marri (see p. 83).

Locations → WA: Stirling Range National Park, Wongamine Nature Reserve, Kadathinni, Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Palgarup State Forest, Boyagin Nature Reserve and Kings Park and Botanic Garden.

FEATURES

This perennial herb holds two to five flowers supported by a single 30cm hairy stem growing alongside a single hairy leaf to 12cm tall. Flowers are yellow with a dusting of magenta accents and measure 3–5cm. Its labellum acts as a landing pad for potential pollinators and is around 5mm long, toothy and claw shaped. These plants clone themselves by creating daughter tubers at the end of extending horizontal outgrowths that spring up new life. When not in flower, a lot of Orchids can look like a single blade of grass and can be easily overlooked or trampled on.

FLOWERING SEASON

Winter to summer → A winter to summer delight, these blooms can be seen from July to December.