Caleana major
Pic taken by MacChristiansen in New South Wales, Australia
Caleana major, the Flying Duck Orchid, is a small orchid, about 20 in. tall, found in eastern and southern Australia.
This ground orchid features a remarkable flower, resembling a duck in flight. Each plant consists of a green stem, a single green leaf at the base of the stalk, and 2-4 flowers. Flowering occurs from September to January.
The flower is an attractant to insects, such as male sawflies which pollinate the flower in a process known as pseudocopulation.
This orchid can be found in Queensland to South Australia, to even Tasmania, in eucalyptus woodland, swampy shrubland and heathland, but mostly near the coast although occasionally at higher altitudes. Because of its small size, it is a difficult plant to notice in the wild.
H/t Project Noah
~Eowyn
