Brittle midge orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brittle midge orchid |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Genoplesium
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| Species: |
baueri
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The brittle midge orchid, also known as Genoplesium baueri, is a tiny orchid that grows on the ground. It is special because it is only found in New South Wales, Australia. This orchid has a single thin leaf and can have up to nine flowers. These flowers are usually yellowish-green to reddish-brown. You can mostly find this unique plant in coastal areas and nearby woodlands between Port Stephens and Ulladulla.
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
The brittle midge orchid is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years. It's also a deciduous herb, which means its leaves fall off at certain times of the year, and it has an underground tuber (a swollen part of the stem that stores food).
It has one thin leaf that is about 40 to 120 millimeters (1.6 to 4.7 inches) long. The part of the leaf that stands freely is about 10 to 20 millimeters (0.4 to 0.8 inches) long.
Up to nine flowers grow on a stem that is 60 to 150 millimeters (2.4 to 5.9 inches) tall. This stem is taller than the leaf. The flowers are small, about 8 to 11 millimeters (0.3 to 0.4 inches) long and 11 to 13 millimeters (0.4 to 0.5 inches) wide. Like other orchids in its group, its flowers are upside down! This means the labellum (a special lip-like petal) is above the column (the central part of the flower) instead of below it.
Flower Details
- The dorsal sepal (the top part of the flower) is shaped like a wide egg. It's about 3 millimeters (0.1 inches) long and 4 millimeters (0.2 inches) wide. It has a long, thin tip and smooth edges.
- The lateral sepals (the side parts) are long and narrow, about 8 to 10 millimeters (0.3 to 0.4 inches) long and 2 millimeters (0.1 inches) wide. They are boat-shaped near the tip and spread wide apart.
- The petals are egg-shaped and pointed, about 3 millimeters (0.1 inches) long and 1.5 millimeters (0.06 inches) wide. They have smooth edges, sometimes with small notches.
- The labellum (the lip) is narrow and egg-shaped, about 4 millimeters (0.2 inches) long and 2 millimeters (0.1 inches) wide. Its edges are rolled and smooth.
- In the middle of the labellum, there's a thick, raised part called a callus. It has a channel or groove in it.
This orchid usually flowers between December and April. Interestingly, if there was a bushfire the previous summer, it helps more orchids to flower!
How Was It Named?
The brittle midge orchid was first officially described in 1810 by a famous botanist named Robert Brown. He wrote about it in his book called Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van Diemen. The second part of its scientific name, baueri, was chosen to honor Ferdinand Bauer, another important botanist.
Where Does It Live?
You can find Genoplesium baueri growing in different places like heathlands, woodlands, and forests. It mostly lives in areas right along the coast or very close to it. It has been seen from Port Stephens down to Ulladulla. It has also been found a bit further inland in places like Woodford and Penrose State Forest.
Why Is It Endangered?
This special midge orchid is quite rare. Scientists only know about 200 plants living in just thirteen different locations. Because there are so few of them, it has been officially listed as "Endangered." This means it's at a very high risk of disappearing forever. This protection comes from laws like the New South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act and the Australian Government's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC) Act. These laws help protect plants and animals that are in danger.
