Northern elf orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Northern elf orchid |
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| Acianthella sublesta illustration by Lewis Roberts | |
| Scientific classification | |
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Acianthella
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| Species: |
A. sublesta
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| Acianthella sublesta (Dockrill) D.L.Jones & M.A.Clem.
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The Acianthella sublesta is a special kind of orchid often called the Northern elf orchid. It's part of a small group of orchids known as Acianthella, or "elf orchids." These tiny plants grow on the ground in warm, tropical places. They used to be grouped with other orchids, but scientists found they were unique.
Elf orchids like Acianthella sublesta are special because of their very small, green flowers. These flowers have long, thin parts that hold the seeds. Their petals are narrow, and they don't have special glands at the base of their lip-like petal, which is called the labellum.
About the Northern Elf Orchid
The Northern elf orchid is a fascinating plant. It's known for its small size and delicate appearance. These orchids are quite rare and only grow in specific areas. They are a great example of the amazing variety of plants found in nature.
Where the Orchid Lives
This particular orchid is found in only a few places in Queensland, Australia. It grows from the Atherton Tableland all the way to Eungella. You can find it high up in the mountains, usually between 700 and 1300 meters above sea level.
The Northern elf orchid prefers to grow in certain types of environments. It likes loose soil and leaf litter found in rainforests. You might also spot it along the sides of hills or next to walking tracks. These places offer the right conditions for it to thrive.
What the Flowers Look Like
The flowers of the Northern elf orchid are very tiny, only about 3 millimeters across. They are a lovely green color. These small flowers don't last very long once they bloom. They grow on green stems that are usually between 30 and 60 millimeters tall.
The part of the flower that helps with reproduction, called the anther, can be green, pink, or even purplish. This small detail adds a bit of color to the otherwise green plant. The orchid typically blooms during the months of March, April, and May.
