Slender pencil orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Slender pencil orchid |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Dendrobium
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| Species: |
mortii
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The slender pencil orchid (scientific name: Dendrobium mortii) is a special type of orchid. It only grows in eastern Australia, which means it's endemic there. This amazing plant is an epiphyte, meaning it grows on other plants, like trees, but doesn't harm them.
It has long, hanging stems and leaves. Its flowers are usually pale green to dark green. They also have a white part called a labellum with cool purple patterns. You can often find this orchid high up in rainforest trees, especially where it's misty.
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What Does the Slender Pencil Orchid Look Like?
The slender pencil orchid is a type of herb that grows on trees. It has long, thin stems that hang down. These stems are about 1 millimeter (0.04 inches) thick. They can grow up to 0.7 meters (2.3 feet) long.
Leaves of the Orchid
The leaves of this orchid are shaped like cylinders. They are thick and a dark green color. Each leaf is about 40 to 100 millimeters (1.6 to 3.9 inches) long. They are also 2 to 4 millimeters (0.08 to 0.16 inches) wide. You might notice a long groove running along each leaf.
Flowers of the Slender Pencil Orchid
The slender pencil orchid produces beautiful flowers. Up to three flowers grow on a short stem, about 10 millimeters (0.4 inches) long. The flowers are pale green to dark green. They are usually 12 to 14 millimeters (0.47 to 0.55 inches) long. They can be 17 to 20 millimeters (0.67 to 0.79 inches) wide.
Flower Parts
The outer parts of the flower are called sepals. They are 12 to 15 millimeters (0.47 to 0.59 inches) long. The inner parts are petals, which are 10 to 13 millimeters (0.39 to 0.51 inches) long.
The most interesting part is the labellum. This is a special lip-like petal. It is white with purple marks. The labellum is 14 to 17 millimeters (0.55 to 0.67 inches) long. It has three parts, called lobes. The side lobes stand up straight. The middle lobe curves down and has cool crinkly edges. This orchid usually flowers from September to November.
How the Slender Pencil Orchid Got Its Name
The scientific name Dendrobium mortii was first officially given in 1859. A scientist named Ferdinand von Mueller described it. He wrote about it in a book called Fragmenta phytographiae Australiae. He studied a plant sample found near the Hastings River. This sample was collected by Hermann Beckler.
Where Does the Slender Pencil Orchid Live?
The slender pencil orchid likes to grow in rainforests. It usually attaches itself to the higher branches of trees. These trees are often on ridge tops. This means they get lots of breezes and mist.
You can find this orchid in eastern Australia. Its home stretches from the McPherson Range in Queensland. It goes all the way down to Barrington Tops in New South Wales.
