Jonesiopsis

Jonesiopsis is a genus in the Orchidaceae family named in 2001 by Dariusz Szlachetko. After that date it was considered to be one of six genera in the splitting of Caladenia by some authors, considered a subgenus by others, and not recognized as a genus by others. As described species were terrestrial plants growing from tubers and with a hairy basal leaf. Flowers in this group were spidery with sepals and lateral petals narrowly elongated (filiform). You sometimes see species in this group referred to by a common name of Daddy Long Legs. Further taxonomic work by MA Clements, CG Howard CG1, and JT Miller published in 2015 did not support recognition of Jonesiopsis as a genus. For historical purposes and to avoid confusion we are keeping this page, but adding the species pictured below to the Caladenia wiki page.

The Australian terrestrial orchids are notoriously challenging to grow, although some enthusiasts are starting to achieve success by cultivating the symbiotic fungus that many of the orchids require in order to grow. Very careful fertilization is required to keep the fungus and orchid in balance. There's a good discussion of the relationship by clicking on mycorrhiza here.


Jonesiopsis footeana (Hopper & A.P.Br.) D.L.Jones & M.A.Clem. syn. Caladenia footeana Hopper & A.P.Br. is native to southwestern Western Australia where it is found growing in clay, loam, or gravel in moist areas. It has red flowers and a red and white striped labellum. Photograph by Mary Sue Ittner of a specimen in a wildflower show in southwestern Australia.

Jonesiopsis footeana, Mary Sue Ittner

Jonesiopsis polychroma (Hopper & A.P.Br.) D.L.Jones & M.A.Clem.syn. Caladenia polychroma Hopper & A.P.Br., known as Joseph's Spider Orchid is a Western Australia species found in woodlands and displaying a range of colors (white, yellow, orange, red). I believe that this orchid seen in the Stirling Range National Park in late September 2007 could be this species. Some of the segments had been broken off or perhaps eaten giving it an unusual appearance. Photos by Mary Sue Ittner.

Jonesiopsis polychroma, Mary Sue IttnerJonesiopsis polychroma, Mary Sue Ittner

See PBS wiki pages for these genera sometimes included in Caladenia :
Arachnorchis, Cyanicula, Drakonorchis, Petalochilus, Stegostyla


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Page last modified on June 30, 2017, at 08:36 AM
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