Caladenia latifolia, reptans, nana – Pink Fairy and Pink Fan Orchids

While having flowers of similar shape and colour, the four species on this page do have some differences. See the notes under each species for more information.

Caladenia latifolia - Pink Fairy

The Pink Fairy Orchid is found between Geraldton and Esparence, mainly in coastal areas. The pink colour is highly variable, from almost white to very dark. These orchids often recolonise disturbed habitat and can be found growing in gardens. Plants can be quite large, reaching 60cm in height with up to 5 flowers per stem. The Pink Fairy will readily hybridise with the Cowslip where the two are found together, producing the named hybrid Caladenia spectabilis.

Caladenia latifolia - Pink Fairy

Caladenia latifolia - Pink Fairy Orchid

Caladenia latifolia - Pink Fairy

Caladenia latifolia - Pink Fairy Orchid

Caladenia latifolia - Pink Fairy

Caladenia latifolia x Caladenia longicauda subsp. calcigena - Coastal Fairy

This orchid is a cross between the Pink Fairy and the Coastal White Spider Orchid. It is not a common hybrid, despite the parent species being present in good numbers.

Caladenia latifolia x longicauda subsp. eminens - Coastal Fairy

Caladenia reptans - Dwarf Pink Fairy

The Dwarf Pink Fairy is very similar to the Pink Fairy and is pretty much a miniature version of it. It is common throughout the Darling Range and western Wheatbelt. It often hybridises with the Cowslip to produce colourful hybrids similar to the named hybrid Caladenia spectabilis.

Caladenia reptans - Dwarf Pink Fairy

Caladenia reptans - Dwarf Pink Fairy Orchid

Caladenia reptans - Dwarf Pink Fairy

Caladenia nana subsp. nana - Little Pink Fan Orchid
Caladenia nana subsp. unita - Pink Fan Orchid

These two species are very similar with flowers that are almost identical. They are distinguished by plant size, habitat and flowering time. The Little Pink Fan Orchid flowers from September - October, has short plants usually less than 10cm in height and favours well drained, sandy soils. The Pink Fan Orchid flowers from October to November, has slightly larger flowers, plants ranging from 10-25cm in height and favours wet soils in swamps and along creek lines. Both species are seen at their best after summer fire when large colonies of the plants can be seen in flower.