Pale yellow doubletail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pale yellow doubletail |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Diuris
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| Species: |
flavescens
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The pale yellow doubletail or Wingham doubletail (Diuris flavescens) is a special type of orchid. It only grows in a small part of New South Wales, Australia. This orchid has two long, thin leaves and pretty pale yellow flowers with dark brown spots. Sadly, there are fewer than 200 of these plants left in the wild, mostly in forests near Wingham.
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What the Pale Yellow Doubletail Looks Like
The pale yellow doubletail is a plant that grows from a tuber (a swollen underground stem, like a potato). It lives for many years. It has two long, thin leaves that are about 8 to 17 centimeters (3 to 7 inches) long and 3 to 4 millimeters (0.1 to 0.2 inches) wide. These leaves are folded down the middle.
This orchid can have up to five pale yellow flowers with dark brown markings. Each flower is about 12 millimeters (0.5 inches) wide. The flowers grow on a stem that is 10 to 20 centimeters (4 to 8 inches) tall.
Flower Parts
The top part of the flower, called the dorsal sepal, points forward. It is shaped like a narrow egg and is 6 to 9 millimeters (0.2 to 0.4 inches) long. It is yellow with greenish-brown and reddish-brown spots.
The two side parts, called lateral sepals, are green and brown. They are 12 to 18 millimeters (0.5 to 0.7 inches) long and 1 to 2 millimeters (0.04 to 0.08 inches) wide. They point downwards and might cross over each other.
The petals stand upright and spread apart. They are shaped like an oval or almost a circle. Each petal is 6 to 9 millimeters (0.2 to 0.4 inches) long. They sit on a curved stalk that is 4 to 6 millimeters (0.16 to 0.24 inches) long.
The bottom lip of the flower, called the labellum, is 6 to 8 millimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inches) long and has three parts. The middle part is egg-shaped and 4.5 to 6.5 millimeters (0.18 to 0.26 inches) wide. It has reddish-brown markings and is folded lengthwise. The two side parts are thin and about 2 to 3 millimeters (0.08 to 0.12 inches) long.
There are also two small ridges, called calli, near the base of the labellum. They are about 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) long. This orchid usually flowers in September and October.
How it Got its Name
The pale yellow doubletail was first officially described in 1991 by a botanist named David Jones. He found a sample of the plant south-east of Wingham.
The scientific name flavescens comes from a Latin word. It means "pale yellow," which describes the color of the orchid's flowers.
Where the Pale Yellow Doubletail Lives
This special orchid grows in grassy forests. It is only found in the area around Wingham, which is in New South Wales, Australia.
Protecting the Pale Yellow Doubletail
The pale yellow doubletail is in serious trouble. It is listed as "critically endangered" by the Australian government. This means it is very close to disappearing forever. New South Wales also protects it under its own laws.
Threats to the Orchid
The biggest dangers to this orchid are:
- Illegal collecting: People sometimes try to take these rare plants from the wild.
- Weed invasion: Other plants, called weeds, can grow too much and take over the orchid's space.
- Habitat disturbance: Things like building or clearing land can destroy the places where the orchid lives.
Helping the Orchid Survive
Good news! People are working hard to save this orchid. Staff at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan are trying to grow new pale yellow doubletail plants. They collect seeds and grow them with a special fungus that the orchid needs to live. This helps make sure the species has a future.
