Caladenia fuscata (Dusky Caladenia)

A common Spring-flowering Caladenia found in open eucalypt forest and heathy grassland. Very easily confused with Pink Fingers (C carnea), fuscata generally is a little earlier to flower, does not have the more intense pink of carnea, has a darker scape and the side lobes of the labellum are distinctly forward-pointing.

This is a small plant maybe 6 – 12 cm tall and occurs in very large colonies at times. Colour ranges from white through to pink.

The images below were captured 16 Sept 2021 in very open gum forrest north of Swansea.