Cinnamon sun orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cinnamon sun orchid |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Thelymitra
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| Species: |
dedmaniarum
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The cinnamon sun orchid (scientific name: Thelymitra dedmaniarum) is a special type of orchid. It belongs to the Orchidaceae family. This beautiful flower is found only in Western Australia, which means it is endemic there. It has a single, flat, leathery leaf. Its golden yellow flowers smell like cinnamon. This orchid is quite rare and grows only in a few places.
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What Does the Cinnamon Sun Orchid Look Like?
The cinnamon sun orchid is a tuberous plant, meaning it grows from a swollen underground stem. It is also a perennial herb, which means it lives for more than two years and has soft stems. Each plant has one flat, leathery leaf. This leaf can be shaped like a spear or an egg. It grows about 7 to 18 centimeters (3 to 7 inches) long and 3 to 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) wide.
Its Unique Flowers
The plant produces a tall flowering stem, usually 25 to 50 centimeters (10 to 20 inches) high. On this stem, you can find between two and fifteen golden yellow flowers. These flowers often have a reddish-brown center and are about 4 to 5 centimeters (1.6 to 2 inches) wide.
The sepals and petals, which look like the flower's "leaves," are about 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters (0.6 to 1 inch) long. The central part of the flower, called the column, is yellow or orange. It is about 6 to 8 millimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inches) long. The column has wide "wings" with small teeth along their edges. At the top of the anther (the part that holds pollen), there is a club-shaped lobe.
When Does It Bloom?
These orchids bloom in November and December. Their flowers have a lovely cinnamon scent. They are pollinated by insects and open up easily on warm, sunny days.
How Did It Get Its Name?
The cinnamon sun orchid, Thelymitra dedmaniarum, was first officially described in 1938. This was done by a scientist named Richard Sanders Rogers. He found a sample of the plant near a place called Toodyay in Western Australia. His description was then published in a scientific journal called Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia.
Honoring the Collectors
When Rogers first named it, he called it Thelymitra dedmanae. However, this was a small spelling mistake. The correct scientific name, dedmaniarum, honors two people: Carlotta Maud Dedman and Winifred Hilda Dedman. They were the ones who collected the very first plant sample, known as the type specimen, that was used to describe the species.
Where Does the Cinnamon Sun Orchid Live?
The cinnamon sun orchid grows in specific areas of Western Australia. You can find it in woodlands between Red Hill and Wooroloo. These areas are part of the Jarrah Forest and Swan Coastal Plain biogeographic regions. These regions have certain types of plants and environments that the orchid needs to survive.
Why Is It Important to Protect This Orchid?
The cinnamon sun orchid is a very special plant, but it is also in danger. The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife lists it as "Threatened Flora." This means it is a rare plant that needs protection. The Australian Government also lists it as "Endangered" (EN) under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). This act helps protect plants and animals that are at high risk of disappearing forever.
What Are the Dangers?
Several things threaten the cinnamon sun orchid:
- Weed invasion: Other plants, called weeds, can grow too much and take over the orchid's space and resources.
- Trampling and grazing: Wild pigs and rabbits can walk on the plants or eat them, which harms the orchids.
- Habitat disturbance: Any changes to the places where the orchids grow, like building or clearing land, can destroy their homes.
Protecting these rare orchids helps keep our natural world diverse and healthy for future generations.
