Norfolk Island cane orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Norfolk Island cane orchid |
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The Dendrobium macropus, also known as the Norfolk Island cane orchid, is a unique type of orchid. It grows on other plants or rocks. This special orchid is found only on Norfolk Island. It has long, cane-like stems and produces yellowish-green flowers. These flowers do not open very wide.
Contents
About the Norfolk Island Cane Orchid
What it Looks Like
The Norfolk Island cane orchid is an epiphytic or lithophytic plant. This means it can grow on trees or rocks. It has yellowish-green, cane-like stems called pseudobulbs. These pseudobulbs are usually about 15 to 35 centimeters (6 to 14 inches) long. They are also about 8 to 11 millimeters (0.3 to 0.4 inches) wide.
Each pseudobulb has three to six thin, dark green leaves. These leaves are shaped like narrow spear tips. They grow at the end of the pseudobulb. The leaves are typically 7 to 15 centimeters (3 to 6 inches) long and 1 to 2.5 centimeters (0.4 to 1 inch) wide.
Its Flowers and How it Reproduces
This orchid produces between five and ten creamy yellow flowers. These flowers are usually 8 to 10 millimeters (0.3 to 0.4 inches) long and wide. They grow on a flowering stem that is 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) long. The flowers also have a nice smell.
The outer parts of the flower, called sepals, are about 10 millimeters (0.4 inches) long. The inner parts, called petals, are similar in length but thinner. The special lip-shaped petal, known as the labellum, is also similar in size. It is curved.
The Norfolk Island cane orchid flowers between August and October. Its flowers are self-pollinating. This means they can pollinate themselves without needing insects or other plants. Because of this, the flowers do not open widely.
How it Got its Name
The History of its Name
The Norfolk Island cane orchid was first described in 1833. A scientist named Stephan Endlicher gave it the name Thelychiton macropus. He wrote about it in his book, Prodromus Florae Norfolkicae.
Later, in 1858, another scientist named John Lindley changed its name. He renamed it Dendrobium macropus. This new name was based on discoveries by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach.
What the Name Means
The second part of its scientific name, macropus, comes from two old Ancient Greek words. Makros means "long," and pous means "foot." This name refers to the orchid's relatively long pseudobulbs. It helps to tell it apart from another orchid, Dendrobium brachypus, which has shorter pseudobulbs.
Where it Lives
The Dendrobium macropus orchid is found only on Norfolk Island. This island is a territory of Australia. It is located in the Tasman Sea. The orchid likes to grow on trees and rocks in forests where the air is very moist and humid.
Fun Fact
This special orchid was even featured on a postage stamp! It appeared on a stamp issued in Fiji in 1997.
