Caleana major (Flying Duck Orchid)

Scientific Name

Caleana major R.Br.

Common Names

Flying Duck Orchid, Duck Orchid, Larger Caleana, Large Duck Orchid

Synonyms 

Caleya major

Scientific Classification

Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Orchidoideae
Tribe: Diurideae
Genus: Caleana

Flower

Color: Reddish-brown
Bloom Time: September to January

Description

Caleana major is a terrestrial orchid that grows up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall. The single leaf is usually prostrate, narrow-lanceolate, up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) long, and up to 0.3 inches (8 mm) wide. It is often spotted and appears near the base of the stalk. The flower is reddish-brown and up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long. Flowering occurs from September to January.

How to Grow and Care

Use of Flying Duck Orchids in gardens is not recommended unless they already occur naturally, in which case they need to be protected. Removing Caleana major from the bush usually results in their death and further depletes remaining wild orchid populations. Plants flower for one or sometimes two years but progressively weaken until they die.

Growing Conditions: Well-drained soil in open forest and woodlands. Full sun, semi-shade.

Origin

Native to New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria.

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