White starfish orchid facts for kids
The White Starfish Orchid (Chiloschista phyllorhiza) is a very special type of orchid. Unlike most plants, it doesn't have leaves! Instead, it uses its flat, green roots to make its own food. This amazing plant grows in small groups, with its roots spreading out like rays. It gets its name from its beautiful, star-shaped white flowers. You can find this unique orchid in the northern parts of Australia, often growing in rainforests or near water.
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What Does the White Starfish Orchid Look Like?
The White Starfish Orchid is a plant that lives on other plants (called an epiphyte) or on rocks (called a lithophyte). It's a leafless plant, which means it doesn't have the usual green leaves. Instead, it forms small clumps with many flat, green roots. These roots are about 10 to 20 centimeters (4-8 inches) long and 6 to 10 millimeters (0.2-0.4 inches) wide. They are green because they do the job of leaves by making food for the plant through photosynthesis.
This orchid produces many beautiful, white, star-shaped flowers. These flowers are about 10 to 14 millimeters (0.4-0.6 inches) long and wide. They grow along a thin, arching stem that is about 5 to 15 centimeters (2-6 inches) long. The flowers are described as "crystalline white" because they look almost see-through and sparkly.
Flower Parts
Each flower has parts called sepals and petals. These are shaped like eggs and are about 4 to 6 millimeters (0.16-0.24 inches) long and 3 to 4 millimeters (0.12-0.16 inches) wide. They spread out widely from each other.
The flower also has a special part called the labellum, which is yellow. It's about 2.5 millimeters (0.1 inch) long and has three parts, or lobes. The two side lobes stand up straight. The middle lobe is quite small and covered in tiny hairs, making it look fuzzy.
When Does It Bloom?
The White Starfish Orchid usually blooms from November to February. However, its flowers don't all open at once. They open in small groups, and each flower only lasts for one or two days. So, if you want to see them, you have to be quick!
How Did It Get Its Name?
The White Starfish Orchid was first officially described in 1866 by a scientist named Ferdinand von Mueller. He first gave it the name Sarcochilus phyllorhizus. He wrote about it in a scientific book called Fragmenta phytographiae Australiae.
Later, in 1921, another scientist named Rudolf Schlechter changed its name to Chiloschista phyllorhiza. This is the name it still has today.
What Does the Name Mean?
The second part of its scientific name, phyllorhiza, comes from two ancient Greek words.
- Phyllon means "leaf."
- Rhiza means "root."
So, phyllorhiza basically means "leaf-root." This is a perfect name for this orchid because its roots act like leaves, making food for the plant!
Where Does the White Starfish Orchid Live?
The White Starfish Orchid grows in the northern parts of Australia. You can find it in the north of the Northern Territory, on some of the Torres Strait Islands, and on the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland. It grows as far south as the Tully River.
Its Home
This orchid likes to live in warm, moist places. It often grows on trees near the edge of rainforests. You can also find it on sheltered ridges, in swamps, and close to streams. It prefers places where it can get some protection and plenty of moisture.
