Zebra orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Zebra orchid |
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| Caladenia cairnsiana growing in Helms arboretum near Esperance | |
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Caladenia
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| Species: |
cairnsiana
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The zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana) is a special type of orchid. It grows only in the south-west part of Western Australia. This orchid is quite common and can be found in many places there. You can easily spot it because of its unique labellum (which is like the orchid's "lip") that has red stripes. Its other parts, like the petals, are usually pressed close to the main part of the flower.
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What Does the Zebra Orchid Look Like?
The zebra orchid is a plant that grows from the ground. It's a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years. It's also a deciduous herb, which means its leaves fall off at certain times. This plant has a special underground part called a tuber, which helps it store food. You often find these orchids growing in small groups, sometimes with more than ten plants together.
Each zebra orchid has one hairy leaf. This leaf is about 6–20 mm (0.2–0.8 in) long and around 6 mm (0.2 in) wide. The plant usually has one or two flowers at the top of a stalk. This stalk can be 15–30 cm (6–10 in) tall. Each flower is about 20–30 mm (0.8–1 in) long and 10 mm (0.4 in) wide.
The flowers are a mix of greenish-yellow with red patterns. The side parts of the flower, called lateral sepals and petals, hang down close to the ovary (the part that holds the seeds). The labellum, or "lip," points upwards and has red stripes. It has a smooth edge and a special tip that produces a sticky substance. In the middle of the labellum, there's a band of deep purple-red bumps called calli.
When Does the Zebra Orchid Flower?
Zebra orchids usually bloom between August and early November. After the flowers fade, they form a dry seed pod. This pod is called a capsule and it splits open to release many tiny seeds.
How Did the Zebra Orchid Get Its Name?
The zebra orchid was first officially described in 1868. A scientist named Ferdinand von Mueller wrote about it in his book Fragmenta phytographiae Australiae. He found the first plants in the Stirling Range in Western Australia.
The second part of its scientific name, cairnsiana, was chosen to honor a person. It was named after Reverend Adam Cairns.
Where Does the Zebra Orchid Live?
The zebra orchid is very common and can be found in many places in Western Australia. It grows in the area between Esperance and Lancelin. You can find it in different natural areas like the Avon Wheatbelt, Esperance Plains, Jarrah Forest, Mallee, Swan Coastal Plain, and Warren regions.
This orchid likes to grow in different types of soil. It can be found in sand, a reddish soil called laterite, or a rich soil called loam. It grows in forests, woodlands, and areas with low-growing plants called heath.
Is the Zebra Orchid Safe?
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife keeps track of plants. They have classified Caladenia cairnsiana as "Not Threatened." This means that the zebra orchid is not currently in danger of disappearing.
