Caladenia longiclavata, arrecta, ensata, rhomboidiformis – The Clubbed Spider Orchid Group

Collectively known as the Clubbed Spider Orchids, this group contains five similar species, four of which are represented on this page. They all share the features of relatively short labellum fringes and heavy clubbing (thickened tips) on the petals and sepals. As a group, they are found mainly between Perth and Albany and out to the western edge of the wheatbelt. The Reaching Spider Orchid is also found along the coast as far east as Esperance.

Caladenia longiclavata - Clubbed Spider Orchid

The Clubbed Spider Orchid is the most common of this group. It is found in a variety of habitats from forests to open woodlands. It is a variable species, in size, shape and colour. Plants usually range from 15-35cm tall with one to three flowers up to 9cm long.

Caladenia longiclavata - Clubbed Spider Orchid

Caladenia longiclavata x longicauda - White Clubbed Orchid

This orchid is a cross between the Clubbed Spider Orchid and the White Spider Orchid. It is identified by the clubbed, greenish white petals and the red-tipped labellum with short fringing. The flower size is intermediate between that of the parent species.

Caladenia longiclavata x longicauda - White Spider x Clubbed Spider

Caladenia arrecta - Reaching Spider Orchid

The Reaching Spider Orchid is easily distinguished by the way it holds its petals high (hence the name 'Reaching'). It is found in much the same habitat as the Clubbed Spider Orchid and can be found growing with it. The flowers are usually a tad smaller and the stems are shorter.

Caladenia arrecta - Reaching Spider Orchid

Caladenia rhomboidiformis - Diamond Spider Orchid
Caladenia ensata - Stumpy Spider Orchid

The Diamond Spider Orchid is named after the diamond shaped labellum. It has less pronounced clubs than the other species in this group and has shorter petals and sepals.
The Stumpy Spider Orchid is pretty much a mini Clubbed Spider Orchid. It has smaller flowers (4-7cm) and shorter labellum fringes. It can, however, have quite tall stems, reaching up to 45cm tall. It is mainly found closer to the south coast.

Caladenia rhomboidiformis - Diamond Spider Orchid

Caladenia ensata - Stumpy Spider Orchid

Caladenia magniclavata - Big Clubbed Spider Orchid

The Big Clubbed Spider Orchid is a variant of the Clubbed Spider Orchid. The only difference is slightly smaller flowers with considerably longer clubs on the petals and sepals. In this photographer's opinion, it should be regarded as a variation of the Clubbed Spider Orchid, rather than a species in its own right.

Caladenia magniclavata - Big Clubbed Spider Orchid