Prior names
Calonemorchis calcicola
Arachnorchis calcicola
Calonema calcicolum
Common names
Eastern Limestone Spider-orchid
Limestone Spider-orchid
Etymology
Caladenia from the Greek 'kallos' meaning beauty and 'aden' meaning a gland, referring to the colourful labellum and the glistening glands at the base of the column that are present in many of the species. Calcicola from the Latin 'calx' meaning lime and 'colo' meaning to inhabit, referring to its habitat in sandy soil on limestone.
Distribution and status
Found in the South-east in South Australia, growing on shallow, sandy soil on limestone ridges in heathy woodland. Also found in south-western Victoria. Native. Endangered in South Australia. Endangered in Victoria. Vulnerable in Australia (EPBC Act).
Herbarium region: South Eastern
AVH map: SA distribution map (external link)
Plant description
Erect terrestrial orchid to 28 cm high in flower, with a single, long,densely hairy lanceolate leaf to 15 cm long. Inflorescence on a slender hairy stem, with one flower, rarely two, pale-yellow with red median stripe. Both sepals and petals are pale yellow, glossy with variable reddish stripes. Sepals have prominent yellow to red clubs and the maroon labellum has glossy, crowded calli. Flowering between September and November. Fruits are brown, hairy papery ellipsoid capsule containing numerous tiny seeds.
Seed collection and propagation
Collect seeds between December and January. Collect fat capsules as they start to dry and turn brown. Pods will split and release the seeds quickly and will require monitoring. To increase the chances of collecting mature pods, it is recommended that a small breathable bag (ie. Organza bags) be used to enclose the developing capsules. Place the capsules in a container that will hold fine seeds and leave to dry for a few weeks or until the capsule split. Then carefully hold the capsule and tap it gently to release the seeds. Store the seeds with a desiccant such as dried silica beads or dry rice, in an air tight container in a cool and dry place, refrigerator or in liquid nitrogen.