Ballerina orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ballerina orchid |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Caladenia
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| Species: |
melanema
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| Synonyms | |
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The Caladenia melanema, also known as the ballerina orchid, is a special type of orchid. It grows only in the south-west part of Western Australia. This rare orchid has a single, upright, hairy leaf. It also has one or two cream-coloured or pale yellow flowers. These flowers have pretty red marks and black tips on their petals.
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What Makes the Ballerina Orchid Special?
The ballerina orchid is a plant that grows from the ground. It has an underground tuber, which is like a small storage root. It also has one upright, hairy leaf that is about 40 to 120 mm long.
Its flowers are cream-coloured with red marks. They are about 40 to 60 mm long and 40 to 50 mm wide. These flowers grow on a stalk that is about 80 to 150 mm tall. The tips of the sepals and petals are covered with dark, reddish-brown to black threads.
The top sepal stands up straight. The side sepals spread out or hang down a little. The petals are arranged like the side sepals. The labellum (the orchid's special lip petal) is white with red stripes and spots. Its tip is curled under. The sides of the labellum have short, white-tipped teeth. There are also two rows of small bumps called calli in the middle. This orchid blooms from August to mid-September.
How Did It Get Its Name?
The ballerina orchid was first officially described in 2001. Two scientists, Stephen Hopper and Andrew Phillip Brown, found a specimen near Lake Grace. They published their findings in a science journal called Nuytsia.
Its scientific name, melanema, comes from two ancient Greek words. Melas means "black" and nema means "thread." This name refers to the black, thread-like hairs found on the ends of the sepals and petals.
Where Does the Ballerina Orchid Live?
The ballerina orchid is very rare. It is only found in one known area near Lake Altham in Western Australia. It grows in sandy soil close to salt lakes.
Why Is It in Danger?
In 2006, there were only about 300 adult ballerina orchid plants known. They were found in just two small groups. Because it is so rare, the Western Australian government lists it as "Threatened Flora." The Australian government also lists it as "Critically Endangered." This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever.
The main reasons this orchid is in danger are:
- Land clearing: Even though most plants are now in a protected area, some land has been cleared.
- Grazing: Kangaroos sometimes eat the plants.
- Salt levels: The increasing saltiness of the soil can harm the plants.
- Road maintenance: Work done on roads nearby can also affect their habitat.
It's very important to protect this unique and beautiful orchid!
