The elegant spider-orchid grows to 20-60 cm high, and has a long, single leaf and a pinkish red to deep blood-red flower. This species is restricted to a small area between Cavendish in eastern Victoria and Penola, Kingston and Keith in south-eastern South Australia. There is an estimated 450 elegant spider-orchid individuals across 14 populations, the majority found in two Victorian populations. The elegant spider-orchid is found in heathy woodlands, woodlands that are well-drained with sandy soils. It grows in flat country with low, shrubby understory. Weed invasion is a threat to a number of populations.
Elegant Spider-orchid |
Caladenia formosa
Status: Vulnerable on the EPBC Act list
Blood-red Spider-orchid
Government evidence of impact of climate change:
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Australian Government, Conservation Advice, Caladenia formosa
Too frequent fire or aseasonal fires may pose a threat by altering the habitat; removing organic surface materials and negatively impacting pollinators and mycorrhizal agents.
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