The Small Dragon Orchid is a tuberous, terrestrial orchid growing from 8-25 cm high. It has a single leaf, 3-6 mm wide and 3-8 cm long, which lies fairly close to the ground. Flowering occurs from late August to September. There is one flower, approximately 2 cm long and 2 cm broad, on each flowering stalk. The green labellum has shining purple calli at its base and is covered in long purple hairs that attract the pollinators, male thynnid wasps.
Small Dragon Orchid |
Caladenia barbarella
Status: Endangered on the EPBC Act list
Common Dragon Orchid
Government evidence of impact of climate change:
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Australian Government, Conservation Advice, Caladenia barbarella
As the species occurs in small; fragmented populations; stochastic events such as wildfire and slight changes to the species habitat caused by climate change also pose potential risks to the species survival.
As the species primarily occurs in wet depressions and along creek lines; potential droughts due to climate change may be detrimental to the species survival (CALM; 2006).
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Australian Government, Listing Advices, Caladenia barbarella
Climate change is also a potential threat to the Small Dragon Orchid.
Climate change and associated processes are expected to affect biodiversity in WA in the next several decades (CALM; 2004).
As the Small Dragon Orchid occurs in small fragmented populations and has specific habitat requirements; changes in climatic conditions that alter particular parameters of the habitat may threaten the species.
However; the specific effects climate change may have on this species and the degree of severity; are unknown (CALM; 2006).
The Small Dragon Orchid occurs in fragmented populations; with specific habitat requirements; and alterations to the species habitat as a result of climate change may threaten the species.
However; the specific effects that climate change could have on the species; and the degree of severity; is unknown.
As the Small Dragon Orchid occurs in small fragmented populations and has specific habitat requirements; changes to the species habitat due to climate change may pose a threat to the species; but; it is unknown how it will affect this species in the future.
However; fire is considered to be an uncommon event in the area in which the species occurs and is not considered to be a major threat (CALM; 2006).
However; fire is considered to be an unusual event in the area and is not considered to be a major threat (CALM 2006).
However; fire is considered to be an unusual event in the area and is therefore not considered to be a major threat (CALM 2006).