SPECIES: Paracaleana dixonii — Sandplain Duck Orchid
CLASSIFICATION: Endangered
As the name suggests, this unique and rare orchid oddly resembles a duck. It grows a single smooth leaf with a single greenish yellow and reddish coloured flower. The Sandplain Duck Orchid is endemic to the south-west of WA and grows to around 18cm in height. Also, as the name suggests, it is found to grow in sandy soils.
Strangely, summer fires mean that this particular orchid will flower more profusely. Perhaps this is a survival mechanism in an attempt to increase the chances of pollination.
The threats to this orchid are much the same culprits facing other threatened flora species. Fire, land clearing, roadworks and infrastructure maintenance.
Photo: Eddy Wajon/ABC