Botanical name:

Caladenia alata

Common name(s):

Fairy orchid

About:

A plant belonging to the diverse and stunning orchid family, it is primarily located in the regions of south-eastern Australia and New Zealand. This particular species is classified as a ground orchid, characterised by its small size and typically short-lived flowers. These flowers feature petals and sepals that are held relatively stiffly, presenting a unique visual appeal. In addition, they are adorned with distinctive reddish-purple bars on the lip, known scientifically as the labellum, which adds to their ornamental charm.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to lowland (more rarely montane - up to 800m ). Often in gumland scrub or on open clay pans, in skeletal soils on steep rocky ridges, on the margins of peat bogs or within open sinter and rock in and around geothermal vents. More rarely found in the leaf litter under tall manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) dominated scrub or within seral forest. Usually in dry sites and plants are usually withered off and gone by November.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North Island from Te Paki to about Rotorua thence disjunct to the Horowhenua. Exact distribution still unknown it was only recently (1980s) recognised from New Zealand

Height: 10cm

Flowering:

August – November with a coloured red/pink or white flower/s

Fruiting:

October - January

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Forests & Flowers.

How to grow:

Difficult & should not be removed from the wild.