Rare orchids found

A HEALTHY population of a rare and endangered native orchid species has been found in Western Australia's southwest.

The 246 grand spider orchids are in a nature reserve near Pinjarra, 89km south of Perth.

It was the third largest known population of Caladenia huegelii, the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) said today.

In 1995 a single, flowering grand spider orchid was found at the same site, CALM said.

Another survey, in 2004, also found just one of the plants, about 500m from the previous sighting.

It is hoped more surveys of the reserve next year will find more of the orchids.