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© Donald Hobern from Canberra, Australia, some rights reserved (CC-BY) · Wikimedia Commons
Caladenia, Genus, fuscata, Species,
- Genus & species
dusky fingers
Overview
Caladenia fuscata is a small terrestrial orchid of southeastern Australia, one of the finger or fairy orchids, growing from an underground tuber. Each plant sends up a single narrow, hairy leaf 2-5 inches (5-12 cm) long, followed in spring by a slender flowering stem 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) tall that usually carries one flower, occasionally two. The flower is about 0.8-1.2 inches (2-3 cm) across, white to pink on the inner face and flushed dusky red to bronze on the back, with spreading, pointed segments. A faint scent and the flower colour draw native bees, which pollinate it while seeking nectar that is not actually present. After flowering, the plant dies down to its tuber and rests through the dry summer. It grows in open eucalypt forest and woodland on sandy or gravelly, free-draining soils, often among leaf litter. Like other native ground orchids it depends on soil fungi, which makes it slow and unreliable to grow away from its natural habitat. Plants are small and easily hidden among grasses until they flower.
Native Range
Native to southeastern Australia, including New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia. It grows in open eucalypt forest and woodland on sandy or gravelly soils, often among leaf litter and grasses.Suggested Uses
Caladenia fuscata is grown almost only by native orchid enthusiasts and in conservation collections rather than in general gardens. In its native range it is part of the spring ground flora of eucalypt woodland and features in bushland study and restoration. It is also of interest for its bee-deception pollination.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 6"
Width/Spread1" - 3"
Bloom Information
A single flower, occasionally two, opens in spring, mainly August to October, on a short hairy stem. Each flower lasts one to two weeks if the weather stays cool. Flowering and leaf growth depend on autumn and winter rainfall, so numbers vary from year to year.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to pink with dusky red reverseFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
