Crimson Spider Orchid

The Crimson Spider-orchid (Caladenia concolor) is a terrestrial orchid which grows to 30cm when flowering. Flower is dark pinkish or deep crimson red in colour with petals approximately 4cm long. The leaf of the Crimson Spider-orchid can reach up to 15cm long and is sparsely hairy. This species generally occurs in Box-Ironbark country. They are sporadically distributed in dry open or intact Box-Ironbark forest habitats and it is believed that fewer than 10 populations remain.

Majority of the species are located in southern NSW. The Crimson Spider Orchid is considered a high priority threatened flora in the South West region of Victoria. In Nillumbik a small population of the Crimson Spider-orchid had previously been found in Wattle Glen and Cottles Bridge, however it is believed to be locally extinct due to grazing by rabbits and predation of the tubers by White-winged Choughs.

This species is listed as Vulnerable in Australia under the EPBC Act and is endangered in Victoria. It is listed as threatened under the FFG Act. Major threats include weed invasion, habitat disturbances, predation by White-winged Choughs, inappropriate fire regimes, and stock and rabbit grazing.