Forest swamp orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Forest swamp orchid |
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| Illustration by Lewis Roberts | |
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| Genus: |
Phaius
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| Species: |
robertsii
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The forest swamp orchid, known scientifically as Phaius robertsii, is a beautiful plant. It belongs to the orchid family. This special orchid grows naturally in a small part of Tropical North Queensland, Australia. You can also find it in New Caledonia.
This orchid is an evergreen plant, meaning it stays green all year. It grows on the ground, not on trees. It has stems that grow above the soil. Each stem has three to five pleated leaves. Its flowers are quite striking. They are yellow on the outside and a deep brick-red color inside. You'll usually find these orchids in wet areas within rainforests.
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What Does the Forest Swamp Orchid Look Like?
The forest swamp orchid is a plant that stays green all the time. It grows from the ground. It has four to six stems that stand upright. These stems are about 400–600 mm (20–20 in) long and 15–20 mm (0.6–0.8 in) wide.
Each stem has three to five leaves. These leaves are pleated, like a fan. They can be quite long, from 400–700 mm (20–30 in) in length. They are also wide, about 70–100 mm (3–4 in).
The orchid produces a tall flower stem. This stem can grow up to 300–900 mm (10–40 in) tall. On it, you'll find between four and twenty flowers. Each flower is about 40–50 mm (2–2 in) long and wide. The flowers are yellow on the back. Inside, they are a rich brick-red color.
The top part of the flower, called the sepal, is about 35–42 mm (1–2 in) long. The side sepals are similar in length but a bit wider. The petals are also long but narrower. The most interesting part is the labellum. This is a special petal that is yellow. It is about 15–17 mm (0.59–0.67 in) long and 13–15 mm (0.5–0.6 in) wide. It has wavy edges. In the middle of the labellum, there is a special raised area called a callus. These orchids usually bloom from April to June.
How the Orchid Got Its Name
The Phaius robertsii orchid was first officially described in 1883. This was done by a scientist named Ferdinand von Mueller. He wrote about it in a publication called Southern Science Record.
The orchid was found by Edgar Leopold Layard. It was then cared for by Mr. James Roberts. He was a skilled gardener. The orchid bloomed beautifully under his care. This is why it was named robertsii, in honor of Mr. Roberts.
Another name, Phaius pictus, was used for this orchid in 1952. This name was given by Trevor Edgar Hunt. The word pictus means "painted" or "colored" in Latin. Later, in 2017, two other scientists, Judi Stone and Phillip James Cribb, studied the orchid. They decided that Phaius pictus was actually the same plant as Phaius robertsii. So, Phaius pictus became a synonym, which means it's another name for the same species.
Where the Forest Swamp Orchid Lives
In Queensland, Australia, the forest swamp orchid grows in a specific area. You can find it in the McIlwraith Range. It also lives from the Bloomfield River down to the Kirrama Range. These orchids grow at heights of up to 600 m (2,000 ft) above sea level.
This orchid also grows on the main island of New Caledonia. It likes places that are humid and sheltered. You'll often find it in rainforests near streams. It also grows in areas where water seeps through the ground. Sometimes, it can be found among large rocks and forest litter.
Protecting the Forest Swamp Orchid
The forest swamp orchid is considered a "vulnerable" species. This means it is at risk of becoming endangered if we don't protect it. The Australian government lists it as vulnerable under the EPBC Act. The Queensland government also protects it under their Nature Conservation Act 1992. This protection helps make sure this beautiful orchid can continue to grow in its natural habitat.
