Dagger orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dagger orchid |
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| Dendrobium pugioniforme near Fitzroy Falls | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Dendrobium
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| Species: |
pugioniforme
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| Synonyms | |
The dagger orchid (scientific name: Dendrobium pugioniforme) is a special type of orchid found only in eastern Australia. It's called the dagger orchid because its leaves are shaped like small daggers! This plant often grows on trees or rocks in damp forests. It is an epiphytic or lithophytic orchid, which means it grows on other plants or rocks, but it doesn't take food from them. It has long, thin stems, thick, pointed leaves, and flowers that are usually greenish or yellowish with a white lip.
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What Does the Dagger Orchid Look Like?
The dagger orchid is a plant that hangs down. It has thin, branched stems that can be up to 2 m (7 ft) long. Its leaves are thick, green, and shaped like an egg, about 30–70 mm (1–3 in) long. They have a very sharp, pointed tip, just like a dagger!
The plant produces one or two flowers from the base of a single leaf. These flowers are usually pale green, light brown, or yellowish. They are about 10–15 mm (0.39–0.59 in) long and 15–20 mm (0.59–0.79 in) wide. The flowers have brown stripes near their base. Each flower has a special part called a labellum, which is white and has three main sections. The dagger orchid usually blooms from September to November.
How Did the Dagger Orchid Get Its Name?
The dagger orchid was first officially described in 1839 by a botanist named Allan Cunningham. The scientific name pugioniforme comes from two Latin words: pugio, which means "dagger," and forma, which means "shape." This name perfectly describes its unique dagger-shaped leaves!
Where Does the Dagger Orchid Live?
You can find the dagger orchid growing on trees and rocks in humid forests. It lives in eastern Australia, from the Bunya Mountains in south-east Queensland all the way down to Tathra in New South Wales. It can grow from sea level up to 1,000 m (3,000 ft) high in the mountains.
Can You Grow Dagger Orchids at Home?
Yes, the dagger orchid is quite easy to grow at home! You can grow it in special baskets with an orchid mix, or you can attach it to rocks or pieces of bark. It likes a spot that gets some shade and needs extra water to stay moist.
