Sparkle orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sparkle orchid |
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| Illustration by Lewis Roberts | |
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Dendrobium
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| Species: |
toressae
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The Sparkle orchid (Dendrobium toressae), also known as the mica orchid, is a special kind of orchid. It grows on trees or rocks, forming thick, bushy patches. Its leaves are dark green, thick, and look like they sparkle! This amazing plant has pretty cream or pale pink flowers with a yellow center. You can only find the Sparkle orchid in tropical North Queensland, Australia.
What the Sparkle Orchid Looks Like
The Sparkle orchid is a plant that grows on other plants or rocks. It forms dense, spreading mats with many branches. This orchid is an herb, meaning it has soft stems, not woody ones.
Its leaves are thick and shaped like an egg. They are dark green and have a glittery surface, which is why it's called the "sparkle orchid." Each leaf is about 6 to 8 millimeters (about 0.2 to 0.3 inches) long and 3 to 4 millimeters (about 0.1 inches) wide.
A single flower grows where a leaf meets the stem. These flowers are usually cream-colored or pale pink. They are about 6 millimeters (0.2 inches) long and wide.
The flower has parts called sepals and petals. These do not spread out very wide. They are about 3 millimeters (0.1 inches) long. The petals are about half as wide as the sepals.
The flower also has a special part called a labellum. This part is about 6 millimeters (0.2 inches) long and 2.5 millimeters (0.1 inches) wide. It has three sections, or lobes. The two side lobes stand up straight. The middle lobe is yellow, thick, and rounded. You can see these beautiful flowers at different times throughout the year.
How the Sparkle Orchid Got Its Name
The Sparkle orchid was first officially described in 1889. A scientist named Frederick Manson Bailey gave it the name Bulbophyllum toressae. He wrote about it in a report about plants and animals found in the Bellenden-Ker Range.
Later, in 1964, another scientist named Alick Dockrill changed its name to Dendrobium toressae. The second part of its scientific name, toressae, was chosen to honor "Miss Toressa Meston."
Where the Sparkle Orchid Lives
The Sparkle orchid is found only in a specific area of Australia. It grows in tropical North Queensland. You can find it on trees and rocks.
It often grows in places that are open and exposed to the elements. These areas are usually between the Atherton Tableland and Tully Falls.
