About Caladenia roei Benth.
Caladenia roei is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous herb that grows from an underground tuber. It produces a single erect, hairy leaf that measures 60–150 mm (2–6 in) long and about 5 mm (0.2 in) wide. Up to three greenish-yellow and red flowers grow on a stalk 120–300 mm (5–10 in) tall; each flower is 30–40 mm (1–2 in) long and 20–30 mm (0.8–1 in) wide. The sepals of this species have thick, yellowish-brown, club-like glandular ends that are 3–4 mm (0.1–0.2 in) long. The dorsal sepal is erect, 15–20 mm (0.6–0.8 in) long, about 2 mm (0.08 in) wide, and often curves gently forward. The lateral sepals and petals are roughly the same size as the dorsal sepal, and angle obliquely downward to form a shape resembling a crucifix. The labellum is 8–11 mm (0.3–0.4 in) long and 13–16 mm (0.5–0.6 in) wide. It is greenish-yellow with a small, curling red tip that folds under the labellum. The sides of the labellum are smooth and lack teeth, while a dense band of dark reddish-purple calli up to 1.5 mm (0.06 in) long runs through the centre of the labellum. Flowering occurs between August and October. This species, commonly known as the clown orchid, is widespread across the south-west of Western Australia, ranging from as far north as the Murchison River to as far east as Ravensthorpe. It grows in a range of habitats, and is especially common on granite outcrops.
