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Range of Paracaleana minor
Range of Paracaleana minor.

Small Duck Orchid
Paracaleana minor (R.Br. 1810) Blaxell 1972

Synonyms

Notes

Despite its wide distribution, the Small Duck Orchid is rarely seen because of its diminutive size and green colouration. It is found throughout south-eastern Australia from south-eastern SA across VIC, the ACT, eastern NSW and into south-eastern QLD; it also occurs in TAS and parts of New Zealand. The peak flowering period is late spring until early summer. The Small Duck Orchid is the only Paracaleana species currently known to occur along the east coast of Australia and hence cannot be confused with any other species in QLD, NSW, eastern VIC and TAS. Although superficially similar in appearance to the Large Duck Orchid (Caleana major), both species are readily distinguished by their different colour and labellum shape.

Photos

Paracaleana minor
View of the duck-shaped flower with the characteristic black labellum. (Berowra Valley NP, NSW, 08 / 11 / 2014)
Paracaleana minor
The flowers are held upside-down, with the labellum at the top. (Berowra Valley NP, NSW, 08 / 11 / 2014)
Paracaleana minor
Small Duck Orchids are easily overlooked due to their small size and green colour. (Berowra Valley NP, NSW, 08 / 11 / 2014)

References