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Description
Caleana Minor, commonly known as the Flying Duck Orchid, is a unique and fascinating plant that is endemic to Australia. It is a small orchid that belongs to the family Orchidaceae and is known for its distinctive flower that resembles a duck in flight. The plant has a single leaf that emerges from a tuberous underground stem, which grows up to 20 cm in height. The flower stem can grow up to 30 cm in length and bears a single flower that is approximately 2 cm in length.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Caleana |
Appearance
The Flying Duck Orchid is known for its unique flower that resembles a duck in flight. The flower is approximately 2 cm in length and has a distinctive shape, with the petals and sepals forming the shape of a duck’s body, and the labellum forming the shape of a duck’s head. The flower is usually reddish-brown in color and is covered in fine hairs. The plant has a single leaf that is approximately 10 cm in length and emerges from a tuberous underground stem. The flower stem can grow up to 30 cm in length and bears a single flower.
Care Guide
The Flying Duck Orchid is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does require some specific conditions to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for your Flying Duck Orchid:
- Water: The plant prefers moist soil, but it should never be allowed to sit in water.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers bright, indirect light, but it should be protected from direct sunlight.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Flying Duck Orchid is generally not susceptible to many pests and diseases, but it can be affected by spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. To prevent these pests, make sure to keep the plant clean and free from dust and debris. If you do notice pests on your plant, use an insecticidal soap to control them. The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases such as root rot, which can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overwatering.
Habitat
The Flying Duck Orchid is native to Australia and is found in a variety of habitats, including heathlands, woodlands, and forests. The plant prefers well-drained soils and can be found growing in sandy or rocky soils. The plant is adapted to fire-prone environments and can re-sprout from underground tubers after a fire.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Flying Duck Orchid be grown indoors?
A: While the Flying Duck Orchid can be grown indoors, it requires specific conditions to thrive, including bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Q: How often should the Flying Duck Orchid be watered?
A: The plant prefers moist soil, but it should never be allowed to sit in water. Water the plant when the top layer of soil feels dry.
Q: What is the best fertilizer for the Flying Duck Orchid?
A: The best fertilizer for the Flying Duck Orchid is a balanced fertilizer that is applied once a month during the growing season.
Q: How long does the Flying Duck Orchid flower last?
A: The flower of the Flying Duck Orchid can last up to 6 weeks.
Related Plants
- Caleana Major
- Pterostylis Curta
- Chiloglottis Reflexa
References
- “Flying Duck Orchid.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia), 2021, https://anpsa.org.au/c-min.html.
- “Caleana Minor.” Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, 2021, https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/plants/orchids/flying-duck-orchid.
- “Flying Duck Orchid.” Gardening Australia, 2019, https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/flying-duck-orchid/11521426.
