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Cowslip Orchid

Tuberous, perennial herb which grows from underground stems. 5 - 30 cm high.

Leaves

It has a broad, hairy basal leaf up to 25 cm long.

Flowers

The 30 - 40 mm diameter flowers are often solitary but up to four flowers may be borne on a slender stem about 30 cm high. It is a very distinctive species because of its bright yellow flowers which often have crimson spots.

Field Guide

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  • Species Category: Plants
  • Species origin: Native
  • Conservation status: Common

  • What to Observe

    • First fully open single flower

    • Full flowering (record all days)

    • End of flowering (when 95% of the flowers have faded)

  • When and Where

    When To Look

    • Leaf and flowerstalk appear between July to December
    • Flowering occurs in spring
    • Dormant in summer when they die back to an underground tuber

    Where To Look

    • South-west Australia, subspecies found from north of Kalbarri, east to Coolgardie and south to Esperance
    • Habitats include coastal woodlands, winter-wet areas, forest areas, granite outcrops, and sandplains
    • Look in sandy soils, under trees

  • What Else?

    Caladenia from Greek (calos) beautiful and (aden) a gland, referring to the glands on the labellum (the distinctive lip-like petal of orchids).
  • Trails: Bibra Lake WA, Gumblossom Reserve WA, Kings Park & Botanic Garden WA, Murdoch University WA, Piney Lakes Trail WA
  • Species Region: Australia