Dwarf zebra orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dwarf zebra orchid |
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| Caladenia pachychila growing near Esperance airport | |
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| Genus: |
Caladenia
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| Species: |
pachychila
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The Caladenia pachychila, also called the dwarf zebra orchid, is a type of orchid. It is found only in the south-west part of Western Australia. This orchid has one upright, hairy leaf. It grows one or two greenish-yellow and red flowers. The flower's "lip" or labellum has red stripes. In the middle of the labellum, there is a thick group of deep purple bumps. This orchid looks a bit like the zebra orchid (Caladenia cairnsiana). However, the dwarf zebra orchid has smaller flowers.
Contents
What Does the Dwarf Zebra Orchid Look Like?
The dwarf zebra orchid is a perennial plant. This means it lives for more than two years. It is a herb that grows from an underground tuber. Often, these orchids grow in groups.
Leaves and Stems
Each plant has a single leaf. This leaf stands up straight and is covered in fine hairs. It is usually about 50–120 mm (2.0–4.7 in) long and 5 mm (0.20 in) wide. The flowers grow on a stalk that is 80–200 mm (3.1–7.9 in) tall.
Flowers
The dwarf zebra orchid usually has one or two flowers. Each flower is about 20–30 mm (0.79–1.18 in) long and 10 mm (0.39 in) wide. The flowers are greenish-yellow and red.
Flower Parts
- The top part of the flower, called the dorsal sepal, stands up. It is about 10–15 mm (0.39–0.59 in) long.
- The side parts, called lateral sepals, point downwards. They are also about 10–15 mm (0.39–0.59 in) long.
- The petals are similar to the lateral sepals. They are about 8–15 mm (0.31–0.59 in) long.
- The labellum, or "lip," is a special part of the flower. It is about 8–12 mm (0.31–0.47 in) long and 7–10 mm (0.28–0.39 in) wide. It is greenish-cream with light red lines.
- The sides of the labellum are rolled under. The very tip is thick and red, shaped like a "V," and curled under.
- In the center of the labellum, there is a thick group of purplish-red bumps called calli.
- These orchids usually bloom from July to September.
How the Dwarf Zebra Orchid Got Its Name
The dwarf zebra orchid was first officially described in 2001. Two scientists, Stephen Hopper and Andrew Phillip Brown, gave it its scientific name, Caladenia pachychila. They found a sample of the plant near Salmon Gums. Their description was published in a science journal called Nuytsia.
Meaning of the Name
The second part of its scientific name, pachychila, comes from two Ancient Greek words:
- pachys means "thick"
- cheilos means "lip" or "rim"
This name refers to the thick tip of the labellum, which is a key feature of this orchid.
Where the Dwarf Zebra Orchid Lives
The dwarf zebra orchid is found in many places in Western Australia. It grows between Kalbarri and Mount Ragged, which is in the Cape Arid National Park. You can find it growing in areas with shrubs and in mallee woodlands. It especially likes rocky hills.
Conservation Status
The Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife has looked at the dwarf zebra orchid. They have classified Caladenia pachychila as "not threatened." This means that, for now, there are enough of these orchids in the wild, and they are not in danger of disappearing.
