[3][4] The sandplain duck orchid was first formally described in 2006 by Stephen Hopper and Andrew Brown who gave it the name Paracaleana dixonii.

[5][6] In 2014, based on molecular studies, Joseph Miller and Mark Clements transferred all the species previously in Paracaleana to Caleana so that the present species became Caleana dixonii.

[1][7] The specific epithet (dixonii) honours Kingsley Dixon, the science director at Kings Park and Botanic Garden, who was the first to recognise this species as distinct.

[3][4] Caleana dixonii grows in sandy shrubland between Dongara and the Moore River National Park in the Geraldton Sandplains and Swan Coastal Plain biogeographic regions.

[3][4][8] Caleana dixonii (as Paracaleana dixonii) is classified as "Threatened Flora (Declared Rare Flora — Extant)" by the Department of Environment and Conservation (Western Australia)[8]