Bell sun orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bell sun orchid |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Thelymitra campanulata near Eneabba | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Thelymitra
|
| Species: |
campanulata
|
The bell sun orchid or shirt orchid (scientific name: Thelymitra campanulata) is a special type of orchid. It belongs to the Orchidaceae family. This plant grows only in the south-west part of Western Australia. This means it is endemic to that area. It's a common plant to find there.
This orchid has a single, narrow leaf. It can grow up to fifteen flowers. These flowers are shaped like cups. They are often blue or mauve with clear stripes. On top of the anther (part of the flower), there are many small, finger-like glands.
Contents
About the Bell Sun Orchid
The Thelymitra campanulata is a tuberous plant. This means it has a swollen underground stem that stores food. It is also a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years and has soft stems.
Each plant has one leaf. This leaf is usually about 100 to 250 mm (4 to 10 inches) long. It is also about 3 to 6 mm (0.1 to 0.2 inches) wide.
Its Flowers
The bell sun orchid can have between two and fifteen flowers. These flowers are dark blue or mauve. They have wide, darker blue stripes. Each flower is shaped like a cup and is about 15 to 20 mm (0.6 to 0.8 inches) wide.
The sepals and petals are parts of the flower that look like petals. They are about 7 to 10 mm (0.3 to 0.4 inches) long. They are also about 4 to 6 mm (0.16 to 0.24 inches) wide.
The column is a special part of the orchid flower. It is dark blue and has three parts. These parts have black and yellow tips. The top part of the anther has short, finger-like glands. The side parts have white or yellow hairs that look like a hairbrush.
These flowers are pollinated by insects. They only open when the weather is sunny. Bell sun orchids usually bloom in September and October. They bloom even more after a bushfire.
How it Got its Name
The Thelymitra campanulata was first officially described in 1840. This was done by a person named John Lindley. His description was published in a book called A Sketch of the Vegetation of the Swan River Colony.
The second part of its scientific name, campanulata, comes from a Latin word. Campanula means "bell". This is why it's called the "bell sun orchid". The common name "shirt orchid" also comes from its appearance. Early settlers thought the flower's colors looked like a popular shirt style.
Where it Lives
The bell sun orchid grows in many places. You can find it between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay in Western Australia. It is more common near the coast.
It often grows in sandy soil. You can usually find it under shrubs. It is especially common in Kalbarri National Park.
Is it Protected?
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has classified Thelymitra campanulata as "not threatened". This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing.
See also
In Spanish: Thelymitra campanulata para niños
