Common sphinx orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Common sphinx orchid |
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| A drawing of the Common Sphinx Orchid by Lewis Roberts | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Liparis (plant)
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| Species: |
habenarina
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The Liparis habenarina, often called the common sphinx orchid or common hobgoblin orchid, is a special plant. It belongs to the orchid family. This orchid is found only in Australia.
It is a deciduous plant, meaning its leaves fall off each year. It grows on the ground, not on other plants. This orchid has two or three leaves that look like eggs. It also has between eight and twenty-two flowers. These flowers are usually brownish or purplish. The side parts of its flowers, called sepals, are joined at the bottom. You can find this orchid growing under trees in forests near the coast.
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What Does the Common Sphinx Orchid Look Like?
The common sphinx orchid is a plant that grows from the ground. It has two special underground parts called pseudobulbs. These pseudobulbs help the plant store food and water. Each one lasts for about a year.
The plant usually has three thin, pleated leaves. These leaves are shaped like an egg. They are about 10 to 25 centimeters (4 to 10 inches) long. They are also about 2 to 4 centimeters (0.8 to 1.6 inches) wide. You can see five clear veins on the leaves.
Flowers of the Common Sphinx Orchid
The common sphinx orchid has a tall stem that holds its flowers. This stem can be 15 to 60 centimeters (6 to 24 inches) tall. On this stem, you will find between eight and twenty-two flowers. Each flower is about 1 to 2.5 centimeters (0.4 to 1 inch) long. They are about 0.5 to 0.6 centimeters (0.2 to 0.24 inches) wide.
The top part of the flower, called the dorsal sepal, points downwards. It is about 0.5 to 1 centimeter (0.2 to 0.4 inches) long. The side sepals are joined together. They are about 0.5 to 0.8 centimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inches) long.
The petals are similar in length to the sepals. But they are much narrower, only about 1 millimeter (0.04 inches) wide. They also curve downwards.
The most special part of the flower is its labellum. This is a modified petal that acts like a landing pad for insects. It is egg-shaped and curves downwards. The labellum is about 0.4 to 0.5 centimeters (0.16 to 0.2 inches) long. It has two small ridges near its base. The center of the labellum is greenish, and its edges are wavy.
This orchid usually blooms between January and May.
How the Common Sphinx Orchid Got Its Name
The common sphinx orchid was first officially described in 1864. A scientist named Ferdinand von Mueller gave it the name Sturmia habenarina. Later, in 1873, another scientist named George Bentham changed its name to Liparis habenarina.
The name habenarina comes from another type of orchid called Habenaria. This shows that the common sphinx orchid looks similar to plants in the Habenaria group.
Where Does the Common Sphinx Orchid Live?
The Liparis habenarina grows in forests. It likes to grow with grasses under the taller trees. You can often find it near the edge of swamps. It prefers areas close to the coast.
This orchid is found in several parts of Australia. It grows in New South Wales, especially north of Coffs Harbour. It is also found along the coast of Queensland. You can see it in the Northern Territory and in the northern part of Western Australia.
