Common wasp orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Common wasp orchid |
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The Chiloglottis diphylla, also known as the common wasp orchid, is a special type of orchid. It grows only in Australia. This orchid has two wide leaves. It also has a single flower that is usually greenish-brown or reddish. The flower has a unique black part called a callus. This callus looks a lot like an insect.
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Contents
What Does the Common Wasp Orchid Look Like?
The common wasp orchid is a plant that grows from the ground. It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years. It is also deciduous, so its leaves fall off at certain times.
Leaves and Stem
This orchid has two leaves. Each leaf is about 30–60 mm (1–2 in) long. They are also about 10–15 mm (0.4–0.6 in) wide. The plant has a flowering stem that stands tall. This stem is usually 70–100 mm (3–4 in) high.
The Flower
A single flower grows on each stem. The flower is greenish-brown to reddish. It is about 30–45 mm (1–2 in) long. The flower is also about 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) wide.
Flower Parts
The flower has several parts. The top part is called the dorsal sepal. It is shaped like a spatula. This sepal is about 12–14 mm (0.5–0.6 in) long. It has a tiny tip that is 3–4 mm (0.1–0.2 in) long.
The side parts are called lateral sepals. They are longer, about 15–22 mm (0.6–0.9 in) long. These sepals curve downwards. They also have a glandular tip that is 7–10 mm (0.3–0.4 in) long.
The petals are oblong, meaning they are longer than they are wide. They are about 7–9 mm (0.3–0.4 in) long. The petals turn strongly downwards.
The most interesting part is the labellum. It is diamond-shaped. The labellum is about 7–10 mm (0.3–0.4 in) long. It has a black, insect-like part called a callus. This callus covers most of its top surface.
When Does it Flower?
The common wasp orchid flowers from February to May.
How Did the Common Wasp Orchid Get Its Name?
The scientific name for this orchid is Chiloglottis diphylla. It was first officially described in 1810. A famous botanist named Robert Brown gave it this name. He published his description in a book called Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van Diemen.
Where Does the Common Wasp Orchid Live?
The common wasp orchid grows in moist places. It likes to live in shrubby forests. You can find it along the coast and mountain ranges. Its habitat stretches from Carnarvon Gorge in Queensland to Batemans Bay in New South Wales.
