Simple pauper orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Simple pauper orchid |
|
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Aphyllorchis
|
| Species: |
anomala
|
The simple pauper orchid (scientific name: Aphyllorchis anomala) is a special kind of orchid. It's unique because it doesn't have any leaves! This plant gets its food from fungi in the soil, which is why it's called a "mycotrophic" plant. You can find it growing in the shady rainforests of tropical north Queensland, Australia. It has a deep purple stem with up to twenty white flowers that have purple marks.
Contents
What the Simple Pauper Orchid Looks Like
The simple pauper orchid is a plant that grows on the ground. It doesn't have leaves and gets its food from fungi. It has a shiny, dark purple stem that can break easily. This stem holds between four and twenty white flowers with purple markings.
Flower Details
Each flower is about 10–12 mm (0.39–0.47 in) long and wide. The top part of the flower, called the dorsal sepal, is 10–12 mm (0.4–0.5 in) long. It forms a small hood over the center part of the flower, which is called the column.
The two side sepals, known as lateral sepals, are about the same size. They point slightly downwards and spread out wide from each other. The petals are similar in length to the sepals but a bit thinner. Their tips often look a little twisted.
The special lip-shaped petal, called the labellum, is oblong. It measures 9–11 mm (0.35–0.43 in) long and about 2.5 mm (0.1 in) wide. This part of the flower also often has a twisted tip.
How It Got Its Name
The simple pauper orchid was first officially described in 1965. A scientist named Alick William Dockrill wrote about it in a publication called The Orchadian.
Meaning of Anomala
The second part of its scientific name, anomala, comes from an Ancient Greek word. This word means "uneven," "irregular," "unusual," or "not following the usual rules." This name might have been chosen because of its unique features, like not having leaves.
Where the Orchid Grows
You can find the simple pauper orchid growing in moist, shady rainforests. It usually grows close to sea level. The main areas where it lives are between Rossville and the Atherton Tableland. It can also be found near Airlie Beach in Queensland, Australia.
