Heberle's donkey orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Heberle's donkey orchid |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Diuris
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| Species: |
heberlei
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The Heberle's donkey orchid (scientific name: Diuris heberlei) is a special type of orchid. It only grows in the south-west part of Western Australia. This means it is endemic to that area. This orchid has three to five long, thin leaves at its base. It grows up to four bright yellow flowers. These flowers have a reddish-brown edge around a part called the labellum callus. You can find this orchid along the south coast. It is one of the last Diuris orchids to bloom in Western Australia each year.
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What Heberle's Donkey Orchid Looks Like
The Heberle's donkey orchid is a herb. It grows from a tuber (a swollen underground stem). It is also a perennial, meaning it lives for more than two years.
It usually has three to five long, thin leaves at its base. Each leaf is about 100–150 mm (4–6 in) long. They are also about 2–3 mm (0.08–0.1 in) wide.
Flowers of the Orchid
This orchid can grow up to five bright yellow flowers. Each flower is about 30–35 mm (1.2–1.4 in) wide. These flowers grow on a stem that can be 200–500 mm (8–20 in) tall.
The top part of the flower is called the dorsal sepal. It stands mostly upright. It is shaped like a narrow egg with a pointed tip. This part is about 12–16 mm (0.5–0.6 in) long and 7–9 mm (0.3–0.4 in) wide.
The two side sepals are long and thin, like swords. They are greenish-brown. These sepals are about 18–24 mm (0.7–0.9 in) long and 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) wide. They point downwards and stay parallel to each other.
The petals of the flower stand upright or bend backward. They are spread apart. Each petal is about 11–16 mm (0.4–0.6 in) long and 8–11 mm (0.3–0.4 in) wide. They grow on a brownish or blackish stalk about 6–8 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long.
The Labellum (Lip) of the Flower
The labellum is the special lip-like part of the orchid flower. It is about 12–18 mm (0.5–0.7 in) long and has three parts, called lobes.
The middle lobe is wide and egg-shaped. It is about 10–13 mm (0.4–0.5 in) wide. It has a small ridge with brown marks near its base. The two side lobes are egg-shaped. They are about 6–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in) long and 4–7 mm (0.2–0.3 in) wide.
There are also two raised ridges, called calli, near the middle of the labellum's base. These are about 8 mm (0.3 in) long. They have a reddish-brown border.
This orchid usually flowers between late December and February.
How the Orchid Got its Name
The Heberle's donkey orchid was officially named Diuris heberlei in 1991. David Jones, a botanist, first described it. He found a sample near Nannarup, which is east of Albany. The description was then published in a magazine called Australian Orchid Review.
The second part of its scientific name, heberlei, honors Ron Heberle. He was an expert in orchids and was the person who first found this species.
Where Heberle's Donkey Orchid Lives
Heberle's donkey orchid grows in areas that get wet during winter. These areas are often found between sand dunes. You can find this orchid between Albany and Augusta in Western Australia. It lives in two special natural areas: the Jarrah Forest and the Warren biogeographic regions.
Protecting the Heberle's Donkey Orchid
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has a special list for plants that need protection. The Heberle's donkey orchid is on this list as "Priority Two".
This means that we don't know much about this orchid. It has only been found in one or a few places. Because it's so rare and not well-known, it needs special attention to make sure it stays safe and doesn't disappear.
