Crystal helmet orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crystal helmet orchid |
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The crystal helmet orchid (scientific name: Corybas limpidus) is a special type of orchid that grows only in Western Australia. It's called a "helmet orchid" because its flower looks a bit like a helmet! This plant has a round or heart-shaped leaf. Its flower is a see-through greenish color with cool dark red or burgundy spots. The edges of its main petal, called the labellum, have small, blunt teeth.
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What Does the Crystal Helmet Orchid Look Like?
The crystal helmet orchid is a terrestrial plant, meaning it grows from the ground. It's a perennial plant, which means it lives for more than two years. It's also deciduous, so it loses its leaves at certain times, and it's a herb, meaning it doesn't have a woody stem like a tree.
Each plant has one thin leaf that is either round or shaped like a wide heart. This leaf is about 20–35 mm (0.8–1 in) long and wide. The top of the leaf is green, and the bottom is a shiny silvery-green.
The Flower's Unique Features
The plant grows a single, upright flower that is a see-through green color. It has dark red spots and blotches. The flower is usually 10–15 mm (0.4–0.6 in) long and 7–10 mm (0.3–0.4 in) wide.
The top part of the flower, called the dorsal sepal, is burgundy-colored. It's about 16–18 mm (0.6–0.7 in) long and 5–7 mm (0.2–0.3 in) wide. This part curves forward, like a helmet, over the main petal (the labellum).
The side sepals are green and about 5 mm (0.2 in) long. They are joined at their bases and become very thin at the tip. The petals are even smaller, about 3 mm (0.1 in) long, and also taper to a thread-like tip.
The labellum is the largest petal. It's longer than the dorsal sepal, about 8–11 mm (0.3–0.4 in) long and 7–9 mm (0.3–0.4 in) wide. It has a greenish bump in the middle. The edges of the labellum have a few short, blunt teeth. These orchids usually bloom in August and September.
How Was the Crystal Helmet Orchid Named?
The scientific name for the crystal helmet orchid is Corybas limpidus. It was first officially described in 1991 by a botanist named David Jones. He wrote about it in a scientific paper called Australian Orchid Research. He based his description on plants he found near Albany in 1986.
The second part of its scientific name, limpidus, comes from a Latin word. It means "clear," "transparent," or "pure." This name was chosen because of the see-through look of the dorsal sepal and part of the labellum.
Where Does the Crystal Helmet Orchid Live?
The crystal helmet orchid grows in coastal areas of Western Australia. You can find it under thick shrubs between sand dunes. Its habitat stretches from Esperance to Walpole. These areas are part of specific natural regions known as the Esperance Plains, Jarrah Forest, and Warren.
Is the Crystal Helmet Orchid Protected?
Yes, the crystal helmet orchid is a special plant that needs protection. The Government of Western Australia's Department of Parks and Wildlife has classified it as "Priority Four". This means it is considered rare or close to being threatened. Protecting these plants helps make sure they can continue to grow in the wild for many years to come.
