Flying Duck Orchid

Caleana major

''Caleana major'', the Flying Duck Orchid, is a small orchid found in eastern and southern Australia. This terrestrial plant features a remarkable flower, resembling a duck in flight. The flower is an attractant to insects, such as male sawflies which pollinate the flower in a process known as pseudocopulation. In 1986 this orchid was featured on an Australian postage stamp.
Flying Duck Orchid - Caleana Major  Australia,Caleana major,Flying Duck Orchid,Geotagged,Spring

Appearance

''Caleana major'' is encountered as a terrestrial herb, up to 50 cm tall. 2-4 flowers grow on the green stem. The single leaf, appears near the base of the stalk. It is usually prostrate, narrow-lanceolate, to 12 cm long and 8 mm wide, often spotted. The flower is reddish-brown, 15 to 20 mm long. In rare cases, the flower can be greenish with dark spots. The plant is pollinated by insects. A sensitive strap is attached to the flower, which is triggered by vibration. Flowering occurs from September to January.
Flying Duck Orchid  Australia,Caleana major,Flying Duck Orchid,Geotagged,Summer

Distribution

Occurring from Queensland to South Australia, to even Tasmania, this plant is found in eucalyptus woodland in coastal or swampy shrubland and heathland. Mostly near the coast, but occasionally at higher altitudes. Because of the small size, it is a difficult plant to notice in the wild.
Flying Duck orchid (Caleana major) A small cluster of about a dozen were found in dry sandy loam beside a walking track. Plants were about 280mm tall. The Duck is about 20mm from top to bottom. Australia,Caleana major,Flying Duck Orchid,Geotagged,Langwarrin Reserve,Spring

Habitat

Occurring from Queensland to South Australia, to even Tasmania, this plant is found in eucalyptus woodland in coastal or swampy shrubland and heathland. Mostly near the coast, but occasionally at higher altitudes. Because of the small size, it is a difficult plant to notice in the wild.

References:

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Taxonomy
KingdomPlantae
DivisionAngiosperms
ClassMonocots
OrderAsparagales
FamilyOrchidaceae
GenusCaleana
SpeciesC. major
Photographed in
Australia