Late donkey orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Late donkey orchid |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Diuris
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| Species: |
emarginata
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The Late donkey orchid (Diuris emarginata) is a special type of orchid that grows only in the south-west part of Western Australia. It's known for its bright yellow flowers with brown marks. This unique plant usually blooms after a summer fire.
Contents
What the Late Donkey Orchid Looks Like
The Late donkey orchid is a plant that grows from a tuber (like a small underground storage part). It lives for many years. Each plant has about three to six long, thin leaves. These leaves are usually about 10 to 20 centimeters (4 to 8 inches) long and 3 to 6 millimeters (0.1 to 0.2 inches) wide.
Flowers and Stems
The plant grows a tall stem, usually between 30 and 50 centimeters (12 to 20 inches) high. On this stem, you can find three to eight bright yellow flowers. Each flower has brown markings. They are about 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) long and 2 to 3 centimeters (0.8 to 1.2 inches) wide.
The top part of the flower, called the dorsal sepal, stands straight up. It's about 11 to 13 millimeters (0.4 to 0.5 inches) long. The two side parts, called lateral sepals, point forward. They are a bit longer, about 13 to 16 millimeters (0.5 to 0.6 inches).
Petals and Labellum
The petals of the flower can stand up or spread out. They are about 9 to 12 millimeters (0.4 to 0.5 inches) long. The most interesting part is the labellum, which is like a special lip. It's about 11 to 14 millimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inches) long and points slightly downwards.
The labellum has three parts, called lobes. The middle lobe is shaped like a narrow egg. The two side lobes spread out. There are also two small bumps, called callus ridges, on the labellum. These bumps are outlined in a brownish-red color.
When it Flowers
This orchid usually flowers from November to January. But here's the cool part: it only blooms after there has been a bushfire in the area during the previous summer. This shows how some plants are adapted to fire!
How it Got its Name
The Late donkey orchid was first officially described in 1810. A famous botanist named Robert Brown gave it its scientific name, Diuris emarginata.
The second part of its name, emarginata, comes from a Latin word. It means "without a margin" or "notched at the tip." This likely refers to a specific shape or feature of the plant's parts.
Where the Late Donkey Orchid Lives
You can find the Late donkey orchid mainly in areas of Western Australia that get very wet in winter. It grows mostly between the towns of Augusta and Albany. These areas are part of what scientists call the Jarrah Forest and Warren regions.
Protecting This Orchid
The good news is that the Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife says the Late donkey orchid is "not threatened." This means it's not currently in danger of disappearing.
