Description
Caleana major, Monkey Orchid
Caleana major, the flying duck orchid, is a small orchid found in eastern and southern Australia. This terrestrial plant features a remarkable flower, resembling a duck in flight.
Plant Specifications
*above specification are indicative only. actual dimensions may vary by +-10%
Common Name |
Caleana major, Monkey Orchid |
Maximum Reachable Height |
50 centimetres (20 inches), |
Flower Colour |
reddy-brown |
Bloom Time |
July to August |
Difficulty Level |
Easy to grow |
Planting and care
Deadhead to prolong flowering.Maintain moderate soil moisture and fertilize lightly.plant will die with the first frost.
Flying duck orchids are pollinated by insects such as sawflies, that are attracted to the flower and are temporarily trapped to collect and transfer pollen.Flying duck orchids are extremely difficult to grow or propagate, thus they are virtually exclusive to woody forests or shrubby habitats.The height of flying duck orchid plants can reach 50 centimetres (20 inches), and they grow from a tuber and have long narrow leaves.The flying duck orchid was pictured on a 90 cent Australian postage stamp, released in 1986, as one of a set of four stamps featuring Australian orchids.Due to what seems to be a lack of pollinating insects, as well as habitat destruction, the flying duck orchid plant is listed as vulnerable in the state of South Australia.Flying Duck Orchid care
The Caleana major orchid, native to the southern and eastern regions of Australia, is most commonly referred to as the flying duck orchid (for obvious reasons). It, s an itty bitty thing with flowers that measure just 1/2-3/4 of an inch in length.
Sunlight |
Full Sun to Partial Shade |
Watering |
Medium |
Soil |
Well-drained soil |
Temperature |
15-20 Celsius |
Fertilizer |
Apply any organic fertilizer |
Flying Duck Orchid special feature
At up to 50 centimeters in height, it, s definitely not the smallest flower in the world, but its red-and-purple coloring helps it blend so well in its wild surroundings that it becomes almost invisible.
Flying Duck Orchid uses
Ornamental Use:
- The plant is used for ornamental purpose
Medicinal Use:
- Like orchids, the Orchid is used in Chinese medicine and is
- is most commonly referred to as the flying duck orchid (for obvious reasons)