Caladenia carnea, commonly known as Pink Fingers, is a terrestrial orchid native to a variety of habitats including coastal heathlands, open forests, and grassy woodlands in eastern and southeastern Australia, as well as Tasmania. This orchid is deciduous, with a growth cycle that begins with the emergence of a single, thin green leaf in early winter, followed by flowering from late winter to mid-spring (August to November). It typically produces one to five striking flowers on a slender stalk, each bloom showcasing white or pink petals with prominent red stripes and a labellum adorned with yellow-tipped calli, which are particularly attractive to its native pollinators.

Pink Fingers is valued for its delicate, colorful flowers and is often cultivated by orchid enthusiasts and used in specialized native plant gardens. It requires well-drained soil, moderate water, and a position with dappled sunlight to mimic its natural forest floor habitat. While it is not commonly used in general landscape gardening due to its specific requirements, it can be a rewarding plant for those interested in native flora. It is important to note that Caladenia species, including C. carnea, are protected under conservation laws, and thus, wild collection is prohibited. In cultivation, it is susceptible to root rot if overwatered and may require protection from slugs and snails.CC BY-SA 4.0