About Caladenia attingens Hopper & A.P.Br.
Caladenia attingens is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous herb that grows from an underground tuber. It produces a single erect, hairy leaf that measures 5–20 cm (2–8 in) long and 5–12 mm (0.2–0.5 in) wide, and the lower section of the leaf often has reddish blotches. One or two flowers grow from a hairy spike that reaches 12–45 cm (5–20 in) high. Each individual flower is 4–8 cm (2–3 in) long and 2–7 cm (0.8–3 in) wide, and is colored green, white and yellow with distinct reddish-purple areas. The dorsal sepal is erect, sometimes curves forward, and measures 3.5–6 cm (1–2 in) long and 1.5–3 mm (0.06–0.1 in) wide, ending in a swollen glandular tip 10–20 mm (0.4–0.8 in) long. The lateral sepals are 3.5–6 cm (1–2 in) long and 1.5–4 mm (0.06–0.2 in) wide, are upswept, and bear a glandular tip matching that of the dorsal sepal. The petals measure 2–4 cm (0.8–2 in) long and 1–2 mm (0.04–0.08 in) wide, spread widely, and usually do not have a glandular tip. The labellum is greenish-yellow with a red tip, has four or more rows of dark red calli running along its center, and has long, green, comb-like teeth along its sides. Flowering of this species occurs between August and November. This orchid, commonly known as the mantis orchid, is found between Perth and Israelite Bay, and grows in a variety of habitats that differ by subspecies.
