Caladenia flava (Cowslip Orchid, Butter Orchid)


Botanical Information

FamilyOrchidaceae
GenusCaladenia
Speciesflava
CategoryPerennials
OriginFound from the Murchison River to Israelite in South-Western Australia.

Details

USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height30 cm
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodJuly, August, September, October, November, December

Description and Growing Information

PropagationSeed.
Notable SpecimensKings Park and Botanical Garden, Perth, Australia.
HabitatWinter wet areas, forest, coastal woodlands and granite outcrops.
Leaf DescriptionBroad, hairy, basal and grow up to 25 cm long.
Flower DescriptionFlowers grow on a long stalk and are between 2 - 5. Sepals and petals are broad but long, tapering to a point and contracted at the base. The lateral sepals can be 2 - 3 mm long with the upper sepal being smaller. Has a lip over 5 mm with a small claw-shaped structure. 3 lobes are separate, lateral lobes are ovate, the middle is longer and slightly broad.
Colour DescriptionThe flowers are yellow, occasionally pinkish-white and have magenta speckles.

Photographs