Diuris bracteata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Diuris bracteata |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Diuris
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| Species: |
bracteata
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Diuris bracteata is a special type of orchid that only grows in New South Wales, Australia. It has two leaves that are folded in half and pretty yellow flowers with dark marks. There can be up to eight flowers on one plant. For a long time, people thought this orchid was gone forever. It was first found in a Sydney suburb in 1888, but then no one saw it again until 2004! That's when it was rediscovered near Gosford.
What it Looks Like
Diuris bracteata is a plant that grows from a tuber, which is like a small underground storage part, similar to a potato. It's a perennial plant, meaning it lives for many years. It has two long, thin leaves that are about 80 to 120 mm (3 to 4.7 inches) long and 6 to 10 mm (0.2 to 0.4 inches) wide. These leaves are folded lengthwise.
The plant usually has three yellow flowers, but sometimes it can have up to eight. These flowers have blackish marks and are about 15 to 20 mm (0.6 to 0.8 inches) wide. They grow on a stem that is about 100 to 180 mm (3.9 to 7.1 inches) tall. Along the stem, there are about five small, curved leaf-like parts called bracts.
Each flower has different parts. The top part, called the dorsal sepal, stands up straight. It's shaped like an egg, about 6 to 8 mm (0.2 to 0.3 inches) long, and has two brown spots near its base. The two side sepals hang downwards and are about 9 to 12 mm (0.4 to 0.5 inches) long.
The petals of the flower look a bit like ears. They are about 6 to 7 mm (0.2 to 0.3 inches) long. The labellum is the special lip-like petal that helps insects land on the flower. It's about 5 to 7 mm (0.2 to 0.3 inches) long and has three parts. There are also two small ridges on the labellum. This orchid blooms, or flowers, in August and September.
Naming the Orchid
The Diuris bracteata orchid was officially named in 1888. It was named by a person called Robert D. FitzGerald. He described it from a plant found by Henry Deane near Gladesville. This description was published in FitzGerald's book, Australian Orchids.
The second part of its scientific name, bracteata, comes from a Latin word. It means "small leaf," which refers to the small bracts found on the flowering stem.
Where it Lives
This special orchid grows in open woodlands and forests. It is found in areas near Gosford in New South Wales.
Protecting the Orchid
For many years, no one found any Diuris bracteata plants. Because of this, in the year 2000, the Australian Government officially listed it as "extinct." This meant they thought it had completely disappeared from the world.
However, in 2004, some plants were found again! This was very exciting. Now, the orchid is listed as "endangered" under the New South Wales Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. This means it is still in danger and needs protection.
The main reasons this orchid is in danger are:
- There are only a few of them left.
- They only grow in a small area.
- Their homes can be disturbed by things like roadworks, especially since some populations grow near roads.
Scientists and conservationists are working to protect this rare and special orchid.
