Brittle climbing-orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brittle climbing-orchid |
|
|---|---|
_pl._7951_(1904).jpg) |
|
| Illustration from Curtis's Botanical Magazine in 1904 | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Dipodium
|
| Species: |
pictum
|
The Dipodium pictum, often called the brittle climbing-orchid or climbing hyacinth-orchid, is a unique type of orchid. This plant grows naturally in Malesia, which includes places like Indonesia and New Guinea. It is also found in a small area of Australia, specifically on the Cape York Peninsula.
What it Looks Like
The Dipodium pictum is a thin plant that grows like a vine. Its leaves are arranged flat and overlap at their bases. They are quite long, usually about 30 to 40 centimeters (about 12 to 16 inches) and 2 to 3 centimeters (about 1 inch) wide.
The flowers of this orchid are about 5 centimeters (2 inches) across. They have interesting maroon (dark reddish-brown) spots on them.
How it Got its Name
This orchid was first officially described in 1849. An English botanist named John Lindley gave it the name Wailesia picta. He published his findings in The Journal of the Horticultural Society of London.
Later, in 1862, a German botanist named Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach moved the plant to a different group, or genus, called Dipodium. This is why its full scientific name today is Dipodium pictum.
Another orchid, Dipodium pandanum, was described in 1902. Some experts now believe it is the same species as Dipodium pictum. However, other plant lists say it is actually a type of Dipodium scandens.
Where it Lives
In Australia, the Dipodium pictum is found in or near rainforests. It often grows close to rivers or streams. These orchids usually live at heights between 200 and 400 meters (about 650 to 1,300 feet) above sea level.
Only a few of these orchids have ever been officially recorded in Australia. They have been found in Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park and a timber area in the McIlwraith Range. Both of these places are on the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland.
Protecting the Orchid
Because so few Dipodium pictum plants have been found in Australia, this species is considered "endangered." This means it is at a high risk of disappearing forever.
The Australian government protects it under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Biodiversity Conservation Act. The state of Queensland also protects it under its Nature Conservation Act 1992. These laws help to make sure this rare orchid is not harmed and can survive.
See also
In Spanish: Dipodium pictum para niños
