Overview
The Funnel-web Spider Orchid (Caladenia infundibularis) is a striking terrestrial orchid endemic to the windswept south-western coastline of Western Australia. Exhibiting elegantly arching, greenish-yellow sepals flushed with red-brown central lines and an intricately comb-fringed labellum, this coastal beauty thrives in the cool, maritime conditions of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste ridge and south coast national parks.
Biology and Physical Characteristics
Caladenia infundibularis arises from a subterranean tuberoid, producing a single narrow, hairy basal leaf up to eight inches long. The robust flowering scape carries one to two large, nodding flowers characterized by sweeping, tapering lateral sepals and petals that droop gracefully. The labellum is green with a dark red recurved apex, lined along its margins with long, comb-like teeth that give the blossom an appearance reminiscent of a funnel-web spider’s outstretched legs. The center of the labellum features four dense rows of dark red calli.
Behavior and Ecology
Flowering from September to December, Caladenia infundibularis employs sexual deception to secure cross-pollination. The floral glands on the clubs and sepals secrete volatile semiochemicals mimicking the sex pheromones of female thynnid wasps. Patrolling male wasps, lured by the deceptive fragrance, alight on the movable labellum and attempt copulation, driving the insect against the column where pollen packets are precisely deposited or picked up.
Conservation and Human Impact
Caladenia infundibularis is assessed as Least Concern, maintaining robust populations within well-managed coastal reserves such as Leeuwin-Naturaliste and D’Entrecasteaux National Parks. Key conservation management considerations include controlling coastal weed invasion, maintaining natural fire frequencies, and preventing unauthorized off-road vehicular trampling along sand dune tracks.
Interesting Factoid
The common name ‘Funnel-web Spider Orchid’ refers to the prominent comb-like marginal teeth of the labellum, which flare outward in a pattern that strikingly mimics the legs of an ambushing funnel-web spider.
Last updated: October 2026