SPECIES: Caladenia ovata — Kangaroo Island Spider-orchid
CLASSIFICATION: Endangered
The Kangaroo Island Spider-orchid is a captivating ground orchid endemic to South Australia, specifically Kangaroo Island and the Fleurieu Peninsula. This terrestrial herb features a single hairy, linear leaf and typically bears one or two striking flowers in shades of red, often with yellow blotches. It often blooms from September to November, particularly thriving following fire events.
Originally listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act in July 2000, it was transferred to the Endangered category in March 2025, reflecting increased concern over its survival. Its restricted distribution, known only from a few subpopulations in eastern Kangaroo Island, makes it particularly susceptible to threats like weed invasion, habitat degradation, unsuitable (both too frequent or too infrequent) fire regimes, grazing, limited pollinator availability, and habitat fragmentation, especially near areas impacted by Phytophthora.
Photo: J Niejalke