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Caleana spp.
flying duck orchid
Overview
Caleana spp. is a genus of small terrestrial orchids in the family Orchidaceae, native to Australia with one species extending to New Zealand. Plants grow from an underground tuber and send up a single slender stem 4-20 inches (10-50 cm) tall, usually carrying one narrow basal leaf 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long that often withers by flowering time. Each stem bears one to several flowers about 0.6-0.8 inch (15-20 mm) across, coloured reddish-brown to maroon over green. The hinged labellum is the defining structure, held on a sensitive strap-like claw above the column; in C. major this lip resembles the head and body of a duck in flight. When a male sawfly lands, the labellum snaps downward and presses the insect against the column, transferring pollen before releasing it. The plants are dormant as tubers through the dry summer and rely on specific soil fungi to germinate and grow, which makes them very difficult to maintain outside their native habitat. They occupy seasonally moist, sandy soils in eucalypt woodland and heath.
Native Range
The genus is largely endemic to Australia, occurring across the south, east, and southwest, with one species also recorded in New Zealand. Plants grow in well-drained sandy and gravelly soils of eucalypt woodland, scrub, and coastal heath, often among leaf litter.Suggested Uses
Caleana spp. is grown almost only in native-orchid and conservation collections rather than general gardens. It has a place in displays of Australian terrestrial orchids and in habitat-restoration plantings within its native range. Its fungal dependence rules out routine garden or container use.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'8"
Width/Spread2" - 4"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Reddish-brown to maroon over greenFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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