Threatened species & ecological communities

Elegant Spider Orchid (Caladenia elegans) Interim Recovery Plan 2000-2003

Robyn Phillimore, Andrew Brown, Kim Kershaw, Emma Holland and Val English
Department of Conservation and Land Management
Western Australian Threatened Species and Communities Unit, May 2000

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Contents

Foreword

Interim Recovery Plans (IRPs) are developed within the framework laid down in Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) Policy Statements Nos. 44 and 50.

IRPs outline the recovery actions that are required to urgently address those threatening processes most affecting the ongoing survival of threatened taxa or ecological communities, and begin the recovery process.

CALM is committed to ensuring that Critically Endangered taxa are conserved through the preparation and implementation of Recovery Plans or Interim Recovery Plans and by ensuring that conservation action commences as soon as possible and always within one year of endorsement of that rank by the Minister.

This Interim Recovery Plan will operate from May 2000 to April 2003 but will remain in force until withdrawn or replaced. It is intended that, if the taxon is still Critically Endangered, this IRP will be replaced by a full Recovery Plan after three years.

This IRP was approved by the Director of Nature Conservation on 20 August 2000. The provision of funds identified in this Interim Recovery Plan is dependent on budgetary and other constraints affecting CALM, as well as the need to address other priorities.

Information in this IRP was accurate at May 2000.

SUMMARY

Scientific Name: Caladenia elegans ms

Family: Orchidaceae

CALM Region: Midwest

Shire: Northampton

Recovery Team: Geraldton District Threatened Flora Recovery Team (GDTFRT)

Common Name: Elegant spider orchid

Flowering Period: Late July-August

CALM District: Geraldton

Illustrations and/or further information: Brown, A., Thomson-Dans, C. and Marchant, N. (Eds) (1998). Western Australia's Threatened Flora. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Western Australia; Hoffman, N. and Brown, A. (1998). Orchids of South-west Australia. Revised 2nd edition with supplement. University of Western Australia Press, Nedlands.

Current status: Caladenia elegans ms was declared as Rare Flora in May 1991 and was ranked in September 1995 as Critically Endangered (CR). It is currently ranked 'CR' under IUCN Red List criteria B1+2c (IUCN 1994) due to continued decline in the quality of the habitat and populations being severely fragmented. Threats include weeds, water erosion, accidental destruction due to road and track maintenance, grazing, inappropriate fire regimes and chemical drift.

Habitat requirements: Caladenia elegans ms grows west-north-west and east of Northampton and is known from eight populations, growing amongst open Melaleuca low scrub in low heath in winter-wet depressions. This species co-occurs with two other species of DRF, Pterostylis sp. Northampton and Caladenia hoffmanii subsp. hoffmanii at Population 1, and Pterostylis sp. Northampton at Populations 1, 2, 3, and 6.

Critical habitat: The area of occupancy of the known populations, the local catchment for the surface and ground waters that provide the wetland habitat of the species; areas of similar habitat ie. open Melaleuca low scrub in low heath in winter-wet depressions within 200 metres of known populations; corridors of remnant vegetation that link populations; additional occurrences of similar habitat ie. open Melaleuca low scrub in low heath in winter-wet depressions.

Existing Recovery Actions: The following recovery actions have been or are currently being implemented:

  1. Appropriate land managers have been informed of the species' locations and the associated legal obligations.
  2. Declared Rare Flora (DRF) markers have been installed at Population 1 and at Subpopulations 3a, 4a, 5a and 7a.
  3. Dashboard stickers and posters that illustrate DRF markers and describe their purpose have been distributed.
  4. A poster that provides a description of the species, and information about threats and recovery actions has been produced for the species.
  5. Population 2 and Subpopulations 3b, 7b and 7c were fenced to prevent grazing, and to help prevent illegal clearing.
  6. A 1080 baiting program was undertaken in 1989 by the Agriculture Protection Board to control feral pigs that were impacting populations.
  7. Leaf material was collected in 1999 for DNA analysis.
  8. A quadrat was established at Population 1 in 1990 by CALM staff. The quadrat continues to be monitored.
  9. A Rare Flora information session and maps have been provided to personnel involved in road maintenance at Population 5.
  10. The gravel pit above Population 1 has been ripped and a culvert rock wall constructed to improve drainage.
  11. Weed control was conducted at Populations 1, 6 and 7 in April/May 2000.
  12. The Geraldton District Threatened Flora Recovery Team is overseeing the implementation of this IRP.
  13. Staff from CALM's Geraldton District Office regularly monitor the populations.

IRP Objective: The objective of this Interim Recovery Plan (IRP) is to abate identified threats and maintain or enhance in situ populations to ensure the long-term preservation of the taxon in the wild.

Recovery criteria

Criteria for success: The number of individuals within populations and/or the number of populations have increased.

Criteria for failure: The number of individuals within populations and/or the number of populations have decreased.

Recovery actions

1.Coordinate recovery actions.

9.Develop and implement a fire management strategy.

2.Undertake weed control.

10.Monitor populations.

3.Seek to acquire buffers, and rehabilitate land adjacent to Population 1.

11.Control feral animals that impact the species. Obtain biological and ecological information.

4.Develop and implement a drainage and rehabilitation strategy for Population 1.

12.Propagate plants for translocation. Undertake and monitor translocation.

5.Collect seed and tissue culture material.

13.Promote awareness.

6.Conduct further surveys.

14.Negotiate to acquire land at Population 6.

7.Fence Population 5.

15.Write full Recovery Plan.

8.Liaise with land managers.

1 BACKGROUND

1.1 History

The genus Caladenia is comprised of approximately 180 species, distributed widely over southern Australia and extending to New Zealand, New Caledonia and Java. Caladenia elegans ms is one of 140 species of the genus found in the south west of Western Australia (Hoffman and Brown, 1998).

Caladenia elegans ms was first collected by A. Brown in August 1982 from west of Northampton. In 1990, two further populations, Populations 2 and 3 were discovered north of the original population. Unfortunately, the largest of these populations was cleared shortly after discovery, leaving 2200 plants in the two remaining populations. Some regeneration of Population 2 was noted during a survey in 1996.

Three previously unrecorded populations were also discovered during the 1996 survey, increasing the range of the species to 61 km. A total of over 3000 plants was recorded from the populations that were known at this time.

In 1996 a further population (Population 6) was discovered on a shire reserve west of Northampton by a member of the general public. The reserve also contains a population of another Critically Endangered orchid, Pterostylis sp. Northampton.

Further survey in 1998 by the West Australian Native Orchid Study and Conservation Group (WANOSCG) located another population of Caladenia elegans ms on a pastoral station well north of its previously known range. It is currently known from eight populations totalling about 900 plants.

1.2 Description

Caladenia elegans ms is an erect tuberous herb to 30 cm high, and has a narrow hairy leaf, 6 to 12 cm long and 3 to 5mm wide. It has up to three large creamy-yellow flowers, 5 to 8 cm across and dark maroon hairs on the tips of the slender, filamentous petals and sepals. The pale yellow labellum (lip) is striped with dark red. The edge of the labellum has irregular teeth and the calli (glands) are in two rows. Flowering occurs from late July to August (Brown et al. 1998; Hoffman and Brown, 1998).

1.3 Distribution and habitat

Caladenia elegans ms is known from eight populations growing west-north-west, and east of Northampton growing amongst open Melaleuca low scrub in low heath in winter-wet depressions.

Associated species include Thryptomene denticulata, Chorizema ericifolium, Dodonaea inaequifolia, Acacia acuminata, Hakea recurva, Melaleuca uncinata, Grevillea thelemanniana subsp. pinaster, Conostylis prolifera and Drosera neesii subsp. borealis. Caladenia elegans ms co-occurs with two other species of DRF, Pterostylis sp. (Northampton) and Caladenia hoffmanii subsp. hoffmanii at Population 1, and Pterostylis sp. Northampton at Populations 1, 2, 3 and 6.

1.4 Critical Habitat

Critical habitat is habitat identified as being critical to the survival of a listed threatened species or listed threatened ecological community. Habitat is defined as the biophysical medium or media (a) occupied (continuously, periodically or occasionally) by an organism or group of organisms; or (b) once occupied (continuously, periodically or occasionally) by an organism, or group of organisms, and into which organisms of that kind that the potential to be reintroduced. (sections 207A and 528 of Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)).

The critical habitat for Caladenia elegans ms comprises:

1.5 Biology and ecology

As for other terrestrial orchids, seed germination of Caladenia elegans ms relies on the presence of a species specific mycorrhizal fungus. This symbiotic relationship is essential for any seedling establishment. Although very large quantities of seed are released from each capsule, few grow to maturity (Carstairs and Coates, 1994).

Caladenia elegans ms does not require fire to complete its life cycle, however there is some evidence to suggest that it may benefit from fire every ten years or so. Fire opens up the understorey thereby reducing competition for space and light, and provides a source of nutrients for the growth of mycorrhiza on which C. elegans ms seedlings depend for their establishment and growth. Research has indicated that adult plants are most vulnerable to fire during their vegetative stage (April-July), when replacing their parent tuber (Carstairs and Coates, 1994).

Adult plants are probably long-lived (tens of years), and flower regularly every year. Flowering is synchronised within and among populations to produce an expansive bloom of short duration. The flowers are sweetly scented and pollinated by male thynnid wasps, possibly attracted in response to pheromones emitted by the flowers. Once the wasp has been attracted to the flower, visual and tactile cues stimulate further pollination responses (Carstairs and Coates, 1994). Mating season (August) is the only time the male thynnid wasp pollinators of Caladenia elegans ms are active above ground.

1.6 Threats

Caladenia elegans ms was declared as Rare Flora in May 1991 and was ranked in September 1995 as Critically Endangered (CR). It is currently ranked 'CR' under IUCN Red List criteria B1+2c (IUCN 1994) due to the severe fragmentation of populations, and continuing decline in the extent and quality of habitat. The main threats include weeds, water erosion, accidental destruction associated with road and track maintenance, grazing, inappropriate fire regimes and chemical drift.

1.7 Summary of population information and threats

Pop. No. and Location

Land Status

Year/No. plants

Condition

Threats

1. WNW of Northampton

Shire road reserve

19902000+

19941000+

1996500+

1998231+

1999150+

Poor

Weed invasion, water erosion, herbicide drift, chemical drift, road maintenance, grazing

2. WNW of Northampton

Private

1990500+

  1. 1

199512

199920+

Poor

Cleared in 1992

Track maintenance, weeds, grazing, chemical drift

3a. WNW of Northampton

Shire road reserve

1990200+*

1994200+*

199610*

199922+*

Moderate

Weed invasion, road and firebreak maintenance, chemical drift, grazing

3b. WNW of Northampton

Private

1990200+*

1994200+*

199610*

199922+*

Healthy

Weed invasion, chemical drift, fire, grazing

4a. WNW of Northampton

Shire road reserve

1994200*

Moderate

Weed invasion, road maintenance, chemical drift

4b. WNW of Northampton

Private

1994200*

Moderate

Weed invasion, chemical drift

5a. East of Northampton

Shire road reserve

1996300+*

1999210+*

Damaged (status to be assessed)

Road maintenance, weed invasion, road widening

5b.East of Northampton

Private / Unallocated Crown Land

1996300+*

1999210+*

Healthy

Weed invasion

6. WNW of Northampton

Shire reserve

19961000+

1998100+

Healthy

Weed invasion, chemical drift, inappropriate fire, grazing

7a. WNW of Northampton

Shire road reserve

1996500+*

199920+

Moderate

Road maintenance, weed invasion, chemical drift, grazing

7b. WNW of Northampton

Private

1996500+*

1999100+

Healthy

Weed invasion, chemical drift, grazing, water erosion

7c. WNW of Northampton

Private

1996500+*

199980+

Healthy

Weed invasion, chemical drift, grazing, water erosion

8. NNW of Northampton

Pastoral Lease

19984

Healthy

Grazing, track and firebreak maintenance

Note: * total for subpopulations combined.

Guide for decision-makers

Section 1 provides details of current and possible future threats. Developments in the immediate vicinity of any of the populations or within the defined critical habitat of Caladenia elegans ms require assessment. No developments should be approved unless the proponents can demonstrate that they will have no significant impact on the species, its habitat or potential habitat, or on the local hydrology.


2 RECOVERY OBJECTIVES AND CRITERIA

Objectives

The objective of this Interim Recovery Plan is to abate identified threats and maintain or enhance in situ populations to ensure the long-term preservation of the taxon in the wild.

Criteria for success: The number of individuals within populations and/or the number of populations have increased.

Criteria for failure: The number of individuals within populations and/or the number of populations have decreased.


3 RECOVERY ACTIONS

Existing recovery actions

All relevant people have been made aware of the existence of this taxon and its location. Local shires and private property owners have been formally notified of the presence of the Caladenia elegans ms populations on lands that they manage. These notifications detailed the Declared Rare status of the taxon and the associated legal responsibilities.

Declared Rare Flora (DRF) markers have been installed at Population 1 and Subpopulations 3a, 4a, 5a and 7a. These alert people working in the area to the presence of significant flora, helping to prevent accidental damage during maintenance operations. Awareness of the significance of these markers is being promoted to relevant bodies such as shires. To this end, dashboard stickers and posters have been produced and distributed. These illustrate DRF markers, inform of their purpose and provide a contact telephone number to use if such a marker is encountered.

An A4 sized poster that provides a description of the species, and information about threats and recovery actions, has been developed for Caladenia elegans ms. It is hoped that the poster will result in the discovery of new populations.

Population 2 and Subpopulations 3b, 7b and 7c were fenced to prevent grazing by feral pigs, kangaroos and sheep, and to help prevent illegal clearing.

In 1989, the Agriculture Protection Board conducted a 1080 baiting program throughout Northampton in an attempt to control feral pigs. By 1991, pigs had reinvaded the area, and in August 1994 recent pig diggings were observed near the populations of Caladenia elegans ms. Liaison between staff of CALM Geraldton District and Agriculture WA is continuing with regard to pig control.

Leaf material was collected in 1999 for DNA analysis. This is part of the revision of Caladenia and allied genera being undertaken by the Department of Botany at Okhlahoma University, U.S.A.

A 10 x 10 metre quadrat was established at Population 1 in August 1990 by CALM staff. Seventy Caladenia elegans ms plants were originally counted in this plot. The condition of the vegetation and number of Caladenia elegans ms plants are monitored regularly by CALM staff.

A Rare Flora information session and maps have been provided to the shire and personnel involved in road maintenance at Population 5 by Geraldton District staff.

The gravel pit above Population 1 has been ripped and a culvert rock wall constructed in the adjacent drainage channel by the shire to improve drainage.

Weed control was conducted at Populations 1, 6 and 7 in April/May 2000 by Geraldton District staff.

The Geraldton District Threatened Flora Recovery Team (GDTFRT) is overseeing the implementation of this IRP and will include information on progress in its annual report to CALM's Corporate Executive and funding bodies.

Staff from CALM's Geraldton District Office regularly monitor the populations.

Future recovery actions

Where populations occur on lands other than those managed by CALM, permission has been or will be sought from the appropriate land managers prior to recovery actions being undertaken.

3.1 Coordinate recovery actions

The GDTFRT will continue to oversee the implementation of recovery actions for Caladenia elegans ms and will include information on progress in its annual report to CALM's Corporate Executive and funding bodies.

Action:Coordinate recovery actions

Responsibility:CALM (Geraldton District) through the GDTFRT

Cost:$6900 per year.

3.2 Undertake weed control

Weeds are a major threat to all populations. The following actions will be implemented:

  1. Selection of appropriate herbicides after determining which weeds are present.
  2. Controlling invasive weeds by hand removal or spot spraying around Caladenia elegans ms plants when weeds first emerge.
  3. Scheduling weed control to include spraying at other threatened flora populations within the district.

The tolerance of associated native plant species to herbicides at the site of Caladenia elegans msis not known and weed control programs will be undertaken in conjunction with research.

Action:Undertake weed control

Responsibility:CALM (Geraldton District, CALMScience) through the GDTFRT

Cost:$1100 per year.

3.3 Seek to acquire buffers, and rehabilitate land, adjacent to Population 1

The management of drainage at Population 1 is dependent upon managing water flowing from adjacent land. CALM will therefore seek to acquire, fence and rehabilitate buffer areas currently on private land adjacent to the population on either side of the road, and manage drainage in the buffer to control water flow into the road reserve. This will also increase the potential habitat for the orchid, and provide a buffer from weed invasion and chemical drift to extant plants. The rehabilitation strategy will also include seeding of the gravel pit that occurs adjacent to Population 1, and which contributes additional water flow into the road reserve.

Action:Seek to acquire buffers, and rehabilitate land, adjacent to Population 2

Responsibility:CALM (Geraldton District) through the GDTFRT

Cost:$6000 in first year and $9300 in second year.

3.4 Develop and implement a drainage strategy for Population 1

Strategies to restore the habitat through drainage management, controlling weeds and reintroducing plant species native to the site is essential to conserve Population 1. A drainage control and rehabilitation strategy will be developed and implemented in liaison with relevant stakeholders including the local shire. Water flows around the population will be examined during a high rainfall event to help determine local topography and to help determine the most appropriate actions.

Possible actions include:

Action:Develop and implement a drainage and rehabilitation strategy for Population 1

Responsibility:CALM (Geraldton District) through the GDTFRT

Cost:To be determined.

3.5 Collect seed and tissue culture material

Seed from Caladenia elegans ms has yet to be collected. Collection of germplasm will be given a high priority as there is a possibility of extinction of wild populations, and recovery of the species in the long-term may require ex situ propagation techniques. Hand pollination of the orchid may be required to promote a higher seed set. However, if it is not possible to collect adequate quantities of viable seed, other more costly germplasm storage may need to be investigated. This can involve living collections or storage of tissue culture material. If resources are limited these techniques will need to be carefully prioritised in relation to in situ conservation.

Action:Collect seed and tissue culture material

Responsibility:CALM (Geraldton District, Threatened Flora Seed Centre) and Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority (BGPA), through the GDTFRT

Cost:$3600 per year.

3.6 Conduct further surveys

Further surveys will be conducted during the species' flowering period (late July to August). Local volunteers such as members of naturalists clubs, WANOSCG and wildflower societies will be encouraged to be involved in surveys supervised by CALM staff.

Action:Conduct further surveys

Responsibility:CALM (Geraldton District) through the GDTFRT

Cost:$3400 per year.

3.7 Fence Population 5

Wherever feasible, remnant vegetation that contains Population 5 will be fenced. This may include small areas on unallocated Crown land, private land and road reserve. This will help ensure the road is not further widened into areas that contains the orchid.

Action:Fence Population 5

Responsibility:CALM (Geraldton District) through the GDTFRT

Cost:$2300 in the first year.

3.8 Liaise with land managers

Staff from CALM's Geraldton District will continue to liaise with the Shire and adjacent landowners to ensure that populations are not accidentally damaged or destroyed.

Action:Liaise with land managers

Responsibility:CALM (Geraldton District) through the GDTFRT

Cost:$800 per year.

3.9 Develop and implement a fire management strategy

A fire management strategy that defines fire control measures, and fire frequency and timing will be developed in consultation with relevant authorities and land managers. In particular, at Population 1 occasional fire, in conjunction with weed control, may be necessary to reduce competition from dense understorey shrubs.

Action:Develop and implement a fire management strategy

Responsibility:CALM (Geraldton District) through the GDTFRT

Cost:$2600 in first year and $1000 in subsequent years.

3.10 Monitor populations

Monitoring of factors such as weed invasion, pig activity, habitat degradation, and population stability (expansion or decline), pollinator activity, seed production, recruitment, and longevity is essential. The populations will be inspected annually.

Action:Monitor populations

Responsibility:CALM (Geraldton District) through the GDTFRT

Cost:$2300 per year.

3.11 Control feral animals that impact the species

Disturbance by feral animals will be monitored at all populations, and if necessary numbers will be controlled through baiting or other alternative methods.

Action:Control feral animals that impact the species

Responsibility:CALM (Geraldton District) through the GDTFRT

Cost:$1100 per year.

3.12 Obtain biological and ecological information

Increased knowledge of the biology and ecology of the species will provide a scientific basis for management of Caladenia elegans ms in the wild. Investigations will include:

  1. Study of the role of various factors including disturbance, competition, rainfall and grazing in recruitment and seedling survival.
  2. Determination of reproductive strategies, phenology and seasonal growth.
  3. Investigation of the mating system and pollination biology.
  4. Investigation of population genetic structure, levels of genetic diversity and minimum viable population size.

Action:Obtain biological and ecological information

Responsibility:CALM (CALMScience, Geraldton District) through the GDTFRT

Cost:$18,100 per year.

3.13 Propagate plants for translocation

The propagation of plants in readiness for translocation is essential as the only known populations are under threat in the wild.

Action:Propagate plants for translocation

Responsibility:CALM (Geraldton District) and BGPA, through the GDTFRT

Cost:$1400 in the first and second years.

3.14 Undertake and monitor translocation

Although translocations are generally undertaken under full Recovery Plans, the many threats to wild populations of this species indicate that the development of a translocation proposal is required within the time frame of this IRP. This will be coordinated by the GDTFRT. Information on the translocation of threatened animals and plants in the wild is provided in CALM Policy Statement No. 29 Translocation of Threatened Flora and Fauna. All translocation proposals require endorsement by the Director of Nature Conservation. Monitoring of the translocation is essential and will occur during the flowering period of the species.

Action:Undertake and monitor translocation

Responsibility:CALM (CALMScience, Geraldton District) through the GDTFRT

Cost:$15,500 in first year and $4900 in subsequent years.

3.15 Promote awareness

The importance of biodiversity conservation, the preservation of Critically Endangered species generally and the existence of Caladenia elegans ms in particular will be promoted to the public. Awareness will be encouraged in the community by a publicity campaign through the local print and electronic media and poster displays. Formal links with local naturalist groups and interested individuals will also be encouraged.

An information sheet for Caladenia elegans ms has been produced and distributed (see existing recovery actions). CALM will also produce a mail-out information flier for distribution in the Northampton area. These fliers are aimed at local residents to provide information and a contact if they locate the species.

Action:Promote awareness

Responsibility:CALM (Geraldton District, Corporate Relations) through the GDTFRT

Cost:$700 per year.

3.16 Negotiate to acquire land at Population 6

Population 6 of Caladenia elegans ms is located on a Shire reserve for 'Picnic Ground and Flora'. The possibility of acquiring this reserve and placing it under the control of the National Parks and Nature Conservation Authority will be investigated.

Action:Negotiate to acquire land at Population 6

Responsibility:CALM (Geraldton District, WATSCU) through the GDTFRT

Cost:$500 in second year.

3.17 Write full Recovery Plan

At the end of the three-year term of this Interim Recovery Plan, the need for further recovery will be assessed. If the species is still ranked Critically Endangered, a full Recovery Plan will be developed to describe action required for long-term maintenance. A Recovery Plan will be prepared with the benefit of knowledge gained over the time frame of this Interim Recovery Plan.

Action:Write full Recovery Plan

Responsibility:CALM (WATSCU, Geraldton District) through the GDTFRT

Cost:$18,200 in the third year.


4 TERM OF PLAN

This Interim Recovery Plan will operate from May 2000 to April 2003 but will remain in force until withdrawn or replaced. It is intended that, if the taxon is still Critically Endangered, this IRP will be replaced by a full Recovery Plan after three years.


5 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The following people have provided assistance and advice in the preparation of this Interim Recovery Plan:

Andrew BattyBotanic Gardens and Parks Authority

Alanna ChantConservation Officer, CALM Geraldton District

Stephen HopperDirector, Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority

Mike MeinemaDistrict Manager, CALM Geraldton District

Sue PatrickSenior Research Scientist, CALM W.A. Herbarium

Phil RobertsWildlife Officer, CALM Geraldton District

Thanks also to staff of the W.A. Herbarium for providing access to Herbarium databases and specimen information, and CALM's Wildlife Branch for their extensive assistance.


6 REFERENCES

Brown, A., Thomson-Dans, C. and Marchant, N. (Eds) (1998). Western Australia's Threatened Flora. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Western Australia.

CALM (1992). Policy Statement No. 44 Wildlife Management Programs. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth.

CALM (1994). Policy Statement No. 50 Setting Priorities for the Conservation of Western Australia's Threatened Flora and Fauna. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth.

CALM (1995). Policy Statement No. 29 Translocation of Threatened Flora and Fauna. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth.

Carstairs, S. and Coates, D. (1994). Conservation Genetics and Population Ecology of Five Rare and Threatened Western Australian Orchids. Final report from Department of Conservation and Land Management to the Endangered Species Unit, Australian Nature Conservation Agency. Endangered Species Program Project No. 19.

Hoffman, N. and Brown, A. (1998). Orchids of South-west Australia. Revised 2nd edition with supplement. University of Western Australia Press, Nedlands.

Western Australian Herbarium (1998). FloraBase - Information on the Western Australian Flora. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Western Australia. http://www.calm.wa.gov.au/science/

IUCN (1994). IUCN red list categories prepared by the IUCN Species Survival Commission, as approved by the 40th meeting of the IUCN Council. Gland, Switzerland.


7 TAXONOMIC DESCRIPTION

From Brown et al. (1998).

Caladenia elegans ms is an erect tuberous herb to 30 cm high that has a narrow hairy leaf, 6 to 12 cm long and 3 to 5mm wide. It has up to three large creamy-yellow flowers, 5 to 8 cm across and dark maroon hairs on the tips of the slender, filamentous petals and sepals. The pale yellow labellum (lip) is striped with dark red. The edge of the labellum has irregular teeth and the calli (glands) are in two rows.