Caladenia applanata, ambusta – Broad-lipped and Boranup Spider Orchids

These two species are similar in appearance and can be found growing together. The Broad-lipped Spider is by far the most common of the two species, being found near the coast between Busselton and Albany. The Boranup Spider Orchid is only found in an area north of Augusta.

Caladenia applanata subsp. applanata - Broad-lipped Spider Orchid

The Broad-lipped Spider is identified by the very short labellum fringing. It is found in coastal areas between Busselton and Albany. Apart from the short labellum fringes, the spider is rather similar to the Karri Spider and the Swamp Spider Orchid. The pinkish tinge on some of the flowers pictured here may be due to some hybridisation with nearby Cherry Spider Orchids (C. gardneri).

Caladenia applanata - Broad-lipped Spider Orchid

Caladenia ambusta - Boranup Spider Orchid

The Boranup Spider Orchid is distinguished from the similar Broad-lipped Spider Orchid by the cupped, elongated labellum, which does not curl under itself as tightly as is usual for most of the large spider orchids. The orchid is found in a few locations north of Augusta.

Caladenia ambusta - Boranup Spider Orchid