Glaucous sun orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Glaucous sun orchid |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Thelymitra
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| Species: |
planicola
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The Glaucous Sun Orchid (Thelymitra planicola) is a special type of orchid. It is found only in southeastern Australia. This means it is endemic to that area.
This orchid has one tall, tough, dark green leaf. Its flowers are usually blue with darker lines. The whole plant often looks a bit bluish-green. These flowers are interesting because they can self-pollinate. This means they can make seeds using their own pollen. They also only open up fully on very hot days.
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What Does the Glaucous Sun Orchid Look Like?
The Glaucous Sun Orchid is a plant that grows from a tuber (like a small underground storage stem). It is also a perennial herb, meaning it lives for more than two years. The plant has a bluish-green color, which is why it's called "glaucous."
Leaves and Stems
Each orchid grows a single, upright leaf. This leaf is dark green and feels a bit leathery. It can be about 10 to 30 centimeters (4 to 12 inches) long. The leaf is shaped like a line or a spear, and its base often has a purple color.
The flowers grow on a tall stem. This stem can be between 22 and 45 centimeters (9 to 18 inches) high.
Flowers
The Glaucous Sun Orchid usually has two to twelve flowers on its stem. Each flower is a pretty medium blue with darker veins. They are about 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters (0.6 to 1 inch) wide.
The sepals and petals of the flower are about 1 to 1.5 centimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inches) long. The central part of the flower, called the column, is white to light blue. It is about 5 to 6 millimeters long.
The top part of the anther (where pollen is made) is dark brownish-black. It has a brown band and a yellow tip. The side parts of the column have white, brush-like hairs.
When Does It Flower?
These orchids usually bloom in October and November. As mentioned, their flowers are self-pollinating. This means they don't always need insects to carry pollen. They only open wide on hot days.
How Was the Glaucous Sun Orchid Named?
The Glaucous Sun Orchid was officially named Thelymitra planicola in the year 2000. It was named by a scientist called Jeff Jeanes. He found a sample of the plant near Golden Beach in Australia.
The name planicola comes from two Latin words. Planus means "flat" or "level." The ending -cola means "dweller" or "one who lives in." So, planicola means "dweller of the plains." This name was chosen because this orchid likes to grow in flat areas.
Where Does the Glaucous Sun Orchid Live?
The Glaucous Sun Orchid grows in grasslands and grassy forests. You can find it in different places across New South Wales and Victoria in Australia.
