Pink midge orchid facts for kids

The Genoplesium simulans, commonly known as the pink midge orchid or superb midge orchid, is a small and special type of orchid. It only grows in New South Wales, Australia. This orchid has a single thin leaf and can have up to fifteen dark pinkish-purple flowers that hang downwards. Sadly, it's an "endangered" species in New South Wales because there aren't many of them left, and their homes are being disturbed.

About the Pink Midge Orchid

The pink midge orchid is a plant that grows from the ground. It's a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years and often comes back each year. It's also a deciduous plant, which means it loses its leaves at certain times. This orchid has a special underground storage part called a tuber, and a single thin leaf that is about 140 to 180 mm (5.5 to 7.1 inches) long. The tip of the leaf that sticks out is about 15 to 20 mm (0.59 to 0.79 inches) long.

What the Flowers Look Like

Between four and fifteen dark pinkish-purple flowers grow along a stem that is about 25 to 50 mm (0.98 to 1.97 inches) long. The whole plant can reach a height of 170 to 230 mm (6.7 to 9.1 inches). The flowers hang downwards and are about 12 mm (0.47 inches) wide. Like other orchids in its group, these flowers are "inverted." This means their special lip-like petal, called the labellum, is above the central part (called the column) instead of below it.

The main top petal, called the dorsal sepal, is shaped like an egg. It's about 5.5 mm (0.22 inches) long and 3 mm (0.12 inches) wide, with red stripes and fuzzy edges. The two side petals, called the lateral sepals, are long and narrow. They are about 10 mm (0.39 inches) long and 1.5 mm (0.059 inches) wide, dark pinkish-purple, and spread far apart.

The other petals are shaped like a spear or an egg. They are about 5 mm (0.20 inches) long and 2 mm (0.079 inches) wide, with dark red stripes and fuzzy edges. The labellum (the special lip petal) is narrow and egg-shaped, pinkish-purple, about 7.5 mm (0.30 inches) long and 3 mm (0.12 inches) wide. It has tangled, pinkish-mauve hairs up to 2 mm (0.079 inches) long along its edges. In the center of the labellum, there's a pale green or cream-colored raised area called a callus with purplish marks. This callus covers less than half of the labellum's surface. These orchids usually bloom from December to March.

How it Got its Name

The pink midge orchid was first officially described in 1991 by a botanist named David Jones. His description was published in a scientific paper called Australian Orchid Research. Later, in 2002, David Jones and another botanist, Mark Clements, changed its scientific name to Corunastylis superba.

The second part of its scientific name, superbum, comes from a Latin word that means "excellent," "superior," or "splendid." This name was chosen because this orchid has relatively large and colorful flowers compared to others in its group.

Where it Lives

The Genoplesium simulans orchid grows among low shrubs. It can be found in and near the Morton National Park in New South Wales.

Why it Needs Protecting

This special midge orchid is only found in a few places. It is known from two spots near Nerriga and another area north of Wallerawang.

The pink midge orchid is considered "Endangered" under the New South Wales Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. This means it is at a high risk of disappearing forever. The main reasons it's in danger are:

• Small Population: There are very few of these orchids left.
• Habitat Disturbance: Their natural homes are being damaged, sometimes by vehicles.
• Weed Invasion: Other plants, especially a weed called ox-eye daisy, are growing where the orchids live and taking over their space.

Protecting these areas and removing harmful weeds are important steps to help this beautiful orchid survive.