Flowering Times of Tasmanian Orchids - The Forest Practices ...

Flowering Times of Tasmanian Orchids: A Practical Guide for Field Botanists
Genus and Species SPRING SUMMER AUTUMN WINTER
* Caladenia cardiochila S S O O N N D D J J F F M M A A M M J J J J A A
Flowering period on mainland Australia is August to November but collected in Tasmania only once (from somewhere on Flinders Island) in October 1947.
Caladenia carnea S S O O N N D D J J F F M M A A M M J J J J A A
C. carnea is part of a complex of closely related species involving at least C. fuscata in Tasmania, but possibly also C. tonellii. Where C. carnea and C. fuscata grow together (which is in many
places), C. carnea usually begins flowering about two weeks after C. fuscata. Field workers should watch for possible hybrids and use the key warily.
* Caladenia caudata S S O O N N D D J J F F M M A A M M J J J J A A
It appears that populations in the south of the State consistently have a peak flowering in late August to late September (although this is even variable with the population at Waverley Flora
Park peaking in late August to mid September but populations at Coningham and Ridgeway peaking in late September to mid October), while northern populations flower later (October, even
early November). This species responds with prolific flowering the first season after a hot fire, diminishing to few or none in subsequent seasons. Despite its size and distinctive appearance,
this species can be hard to detect in its often dried-off grassy habitat.
Caladenia clavigera S S O O N N D D J J F F M M A A M M J J J J A A
A relatively early spider-orchid with a distinct peak in the latter half of October (lowland areas) and into first half of November (north of the State and higher elevations).
Caladenia cleistantha S S O O N N D D J J F F M M A A M M J J J J A A
Only recently recognised for Tasmania (reported from images of specimens from Hunter Island, first noted in the 1970s). The flowering time in Victoria and NSW is described as August to
September, which is presumably the same in Tasmania.
* Caladenia congesta S S O O N N D D J J F F M M A A M M J J J J A A
There is a definite peak in flowering in November (most records are from the last half of November but it is in full flower in early November in the Port Sorell area and has been seen
flowering in late October) but in colder areas this species may flower into early January. This is a highly distinctive species and finished flowers may be identifiable by dissection because of
the highly distinctive labellum.
Caladenia cracens S S O O N N D D J J F F M M A A M M J J J J A A
This lowland species flowers from early October to mid November, while the closely related and similar C. alpina is typically a species of higher altitudes, and flowers later.
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