Caladenia cruciformis

18-SEP-2025

lots of people don’t know we have so many - or any - native orchids in Aotearoa! we have around 120 species of native orchid in several different genera, and several undescribed species as well. these are a few of my favourite native species from the last year or so :)

A rather vivid spider orchid growing in some abundance in wandoo woodland in Julimar State Forest north of Perth, where I was helping with a BioBlitz in September.

First described in 1840 by John Lindley in A Sketch of the Vegetation of the Swan River Colony. The specific epithet means 'thread-bearer'

Endemic to the SW where it grows in well-drained soils in forest and scrubland. It previously was more widespread but its distribution has been reduced due to changes in fire regimes caused by humans - prescribed fires that are supposed to protect human-occupied areas are badly affecting species that need those fires to happen in summer, and not the result of carpet bombing the area with incendiary devices in wetter months. That sort of planning isn't much good for the animals that get caught inside the area either.

Black-tongue Caladenia Caladenia congesta

Caladenia sp.

Caladenia sp.

Pterostylis sp.