Scientific Name
Caleana major R.Br.
Common Name(s)
Flying Duck Orchid, Duck Orchid, Larger Caleana, Large Duck Orchid
Synonym(s)
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
Growing 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: A well-drained soil in open forests and woodlands. Full sun, semi-shade.
Origin
This species is native to New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria.
Links
- Back to genus Caleana
- Plantopedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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