The Large Duck Orchid, Caleana major, is always exciting to find with its maroon, duck-like, glossy flower.
Large Duck Orchid
The Little Duck, C. minor, is a smaller flower, yellowish-green in colour, the labellum covered in black warty glands.
Little Duck Orchids
The flowers of both species are upside-down with the labellum on the top resembling a duck’s head. The labellum is highly sensitive, snapping shut to briefly trap the wasp or sawfly that has been attracted by the scent and appearance. This allows pollen to be transferred.
Both these orchids have a long flowering period from late spring to autumn. Look for them in gravelly and sandy soil habitats. If it is the first time you have seen these orchids, enjoy the experience!
Margaret MacDonald and Alison Watson