About Caladenia chapmanii Hopper & A.P.Br.
Caladenia chapmanii Hopper & A.P.Br. is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous herb that often grows in large groups. It has an underground tuber and a single erect, hairy leaf that measures 15–20 cm (6–8 in) long and 2–5 mm (0.08–0.2 in) wide. Its inflorescence is a raceme that grows 20–45 cm (8–20 in) high and bears up to three flowers. Each individual flower is 8–16 cm (3–6 in) long and 6–12 cm (2–5 in) wide. Flowers can be maroon, yellow, or cream-coloured, with long, tapering, drooping lateral sepals and petals. Compared to other caladenias, this species has a relatively large labellum that is white with red stripes, and has serrated or toothed edges. Two rows of red or white calli run along the centre line of the labellum. Flowering takes place from September to mid-October. This species, commonly known as Chapman's spider orchid, occurs in scattered populations between Yallingup and Waroona, within the Avon Wheatbelt, Geraldton Sandplains, Jarrah Forest, Mallee and Swan Coastal Plain biogeographic regions. It grows in woodland habitat in these areas.
