Caladenia pectinata, heberleana, procera – King and Heberle’s Spider Orchids

The King Spider Orchids are distinguished by large flowers on tall stems. Heberle's Spider Orchids resemble hybrids between King Spider Orchids and White Spider Orchids but is found in pure populations where one or both parent species are not present.

Caladenia pectinata - King Spider Orchid

The King Spider Orchid is the most common species in this group. It is found from Perth to Albany in a variety of habitats. It is easily distinguished by the way it holds its petals, with two held stiffly upwards. It is quite variable in colour with petals and sepals ranging from pale orange to deep red. Plants found in the south-eastern areas of its range tend to be more colourful.

Caladenia pectinata - King Spider Orchid

Caladenia pectinata x - King Spider Orchid Hybrids

The King Spider Orchid sometimes forms hybrids with other orchid species where they are growing in the same habitat. In 2020, one of the best displays ever seen of this and other hybrids was seen in a burnt area in the Tonebridge district. Most of the photos in this section were taken in 2020 from that area.

Caladenia pectinata x longicauda - White King Spider Orchid

Caladenia pectinata x barbarossa - Dragon King

Caladenia heberleana - Heberle's Spider Orchid

The Heberle's Spider Orchid looks a lot like hybrids between the King and White Spider Orchids, but is found in areas where the parent species are not. It is similar to the King Spider Orchid, but differs in that it does not hold its petals stiffly upward and is usually not as brightly coloured.

Caladenia heberleana - Heberle's Spider Orchid

Caladenia heberleana - Heberles' Spider Orchid

Caladenia heberleana - Heberle's Spider Orchid

Caladenia heberleana x Caladenia longicauda - Heberle / White Spider Hybrid

This orchid is probably a cross between the Heberle's Spider Orchid and the White Spider Orchid.

Caladenia heberleana x Caladenia longicauda - Heberle / White Spider Hybrid

Caladenia procera - Carbunup King Spider Orchid

The Carbunup King Spider Orchid is a variety of the King Spider Orchid. It is distinguished by the yellow colouring and considerably taller plants. These can reach up to 1 metre in height with three flowers. This orchid shares the feature of stiffly held petals with the King Spider Orchid, Caladenia pectinata. The Carbunup Spider Orchid, while locally common, is not widespread and is listed as Threatened Flora.

Caladenia procera - Carbunup King Spider Orchid