White donkey orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids White donkey orchid |
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| Diuris alba from Curtis's Botanical Magazine | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Diuris
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| Species: |
alba
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| Synonyms | |
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Diuris punctata var. alba (R.Br.) Ewart & B.Rees |
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The Diuris alba, also known as the white donkey orchid, is a special type of orchid that grows only in eastern Australia. This plant usually has up to three leaves. Its stem can grow tall and hold as many as seven beautiful white flowers, often with pretty purple marks.
Contents
What Does the White Donkey Orchid Look Like?
The white donkey orchid is a plant that grows from a tuber (like a small potato underground). It's a perennial plant, meaning it lives for many years, and it's a herb, so it doesn't have a woody stem. This orchid typically grows to be about 150 to 400 millimeters (6 to 16 inches) tall.
Leaves and Stem
The plant has up to three long, thin leaves that grow from its base. Each leaf is about 100 to 300 millimeters (4 to 12 inches) long and 2 to 3 millimeters (0.08 to 0.12 inches) wide. These leaves are often rolled up, so their sides face each other. The plant's stem holds between two and seven white flowers. These flowers often have lilac or purple markings.
Flower Parts
Each flower is about 20 millimeters (0.8 inches) wide. Let's look at its parts:
- The dorsal sepal (the top part of the flower) is shaped like an egg. It's 8 to 17 millimeters (0.3 to 0.7 inches) long and 5 to 9 millimeters (0.2 to 0.4 inches) wide. Its edges usually curve downwards.
- The lateral sepals (the two side parts) are long and thin, like a spear. They are 20 to 40 millimeters (0.8 to 1.6 inches) long and 2 to 3 millimeters (0.08 to 0.12 inches) wide. These sepals point downwards, either staying close together or crossing over each other.
- The petals stand upright, looking a bit like ears above the flower. They are 10 to 22 millimeters (0.4 to 0.9 inches) long and 4 to 8 millimeters (0.16 to 0.3 inches) wide. Each petal has a dark, stalk-like part called a "claw" that is about 4 to 6 millimeters (0.16 to 0.24 inches) long.
- The labellum (the orchid's special lip) is 10 to 14 millimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inches) long and has three parts, called lobes.
- The central lobe is wide and almost round, about 7 to 11 millimeters (0.3 to 0.4 inches) wide, with a raised line down the middle.
- The two side lobes are thin and pointed, about 3 to 4 millimeters (0.12 to 0.16 inches) long and 1 to 2 millimeters (0.04 to 0.08 inches) wide.
- Inside the flower, there are also two raised bumps called calli, which are about 5 to 6 millimeters (0.20 to 0.24 inches) long.
When Does it Bloom?
The white donkey orchid flowers from August to November, which is late winter to spring in Australia.
Where Does the White Donkey Orchid Grow?
This orchid is found along the coast and in the nearby mountain ranges of New South Wales and Queensland in Australia. It grows best in forests, often among grasses.
How Was it Named?
The white donkey orchid was first officially described in 1810 by a botanist named Robert Brown. He published its description in a book called Prodromus florae Novae Hollandiae. The second part of its scientific name, alba, is a Latin word that means "white," which perfectly describes its flower color!
