Dragon's mouth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dragon's mouth orchid |
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| Taken Pancake Bay, Ontario | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Arethusa
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| Species: |
bulbosa
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| Synonyms | |
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The Arethusa bulbosa, often called the dragon's mouth orchid, is a very special plant. It is the only species in its entire orchid genus called Arethusa. This means it's one of a kind!
The name Arethusa comes from a naiad (a type of water spirit) in Greek mythology. In scientific papers, you might see this genus shortened to Aret.
Where Does the Dragon's Mouth Orchid Live?
This rare orchid grows in eastern North America. You can find it from Manitoba in Canada, all the way east to Newfoundland and St. Pierre & Miquelon. It also grows south to Virginia in the United States.
Sometimes, you can find small groups of these orchids in northern Saskatchewan and in the Carolinas. They love wet places like bogs, swamps, and other low, damp areas.
What Does It Look Like?
The dragon's mouth orchid is a small plant, growing up to about 15 centimeters (which is about 6 inches) tall.
It produces one large, beautiful pink flower at the very top of its stem. This flower has a fancy "lip" (a special petal) that stands out. It also has white and yellow fringed crests, which look like little decorative edges.
Gallery
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Western Brook Pond Trail, Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador
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Drawing from Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. (1913). Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada.
See also
In Spanish: Arethusa bulbosa para niños
