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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What to Observe
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First fully open single flower
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Full flowering (record all days)
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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).
