Leopard orchid facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Leopard orchid
Diuris pardina in the southern midlands of Tasmania
Scientific classification
Genus:	Diuris
Species:	pardina

Diuris pardina, often called the leopard orchid or leopard doubletail, is a special type of orchid. It grows naturally only in south-eastern Australia. This unique plant has two or three leaves that look like grass. Its beautiful flowers are yellow with cool reddish-brown spots and marks, just like a leopard's coat!

What Does the Leopard Orchid Look Like?

The leopard orchid is a plant that grows from a tuber (a swollen underground stem, like a potato). It's a perennial herb, meaning it lives for more than two years. It has two or three long, thin leaves, about 10 to 30 centimetres (4 to 12 inches) long. These leaves are usually folded in half lengthwise.

Each plant can have between two and ten flowers. These flowers are about 2 to 3.5 centimetres (0.8 to 1.4 inches) wide. They grow on a stem that stands 14 to 30 centimetres (5.5 to 12 inches) tall. The flowers are bright yellow and have many dark reddish-brown spots and blotches.

• The top petal, called the dorsal sepal, stands upright. It is about 8 to 11 millimetres (0.3 to 0.4 inches) long.
• The two side petals, called lateral sepals, hang downwards. They are usually crossed over each other.
• The main petals are often curved backwards. They have an egg-shaped part that is 9 to 12 millimetres (0.35 to 0.47 inches) long.
• The bottom petal, called the labellum, is about 9 to 12 millimetres (0.35 to 0.47 inches) long and has three parts.
• There are also two raised, fleshy bumps, called calli, in the middle of the labellum.

Leopard orchids usually bloom from August to October.

How Did the Leopard Orchid Get Its Name?

The scientific name for this orchid, Diuris pardina, was first officially written down in 1840. This was done by a person named John Lindley. He published its description in his book, The Genera and Species of Orchidaceous Plants. The second part of its name, pardina, comes from an Ancient Greek word, pardos. This word means "leopard," which perfectly describes the spotted look of the orchid's flowers!

Where Does the Leopard Orchid Grow?

You can find the leopard orchid in several parts of south-eastern Australia. It grows in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. This orchid likes to grow in well-drained soils. You can often spot it in areas with heathland (open shrubland) and forests.

The colours of the flowers can look quite different depending on where they grow. In New South Wales, it grows south of a town called Mudgee. In Victoria, it's very common and can be found all over the southern half of the state.

Images for kids

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  Diuris pardina at Paddys Ranges State Park

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  Diuris pardina in the Adelaide Hills

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  Diuris pardina in the Namadgi National Park in the A.C.T.