Cyanicula gemmata

Cyanicula gemmata (Lindl.) Hopper & A.P.Br.

Caladenia pellita; Caladenia gemmata; Pentisea gemmata

Blue China Orchid

Cyanicula gemmata (China Orchids)

John Lindley in A Sketch of the Vegetation of the Swan River Colony: lii. (1840) as Caladenia gemmata

Kalbarri to Israelite Bay, growing in sandy, sandy-clay, lateritic and granitic soils in forests, woodlands and shrublands, flowering best in the season following summer fire.

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A common, widespread species 40–50 mm high with a shortly hairy leaf, 20–40 mm long by 10–20 mm wide, which is tinged reddish-purple on the underside and up to two (rarely three) mauve-blue to purple flowers 20–150 mm across.

It is distinguished from other members of the Cyanicula gemmata complex by its darker, royal blue to purple flowers and more rounded labellum with shorter hemispherical calli that are found scattered over the lamina rather than in rows.

Not Listed