Glistening sun orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Glistening sun orchid |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Thelymitra
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| Species: |
lucida
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The glistening sun orchid (scientific name: Thelymitra lucida) is a special kind of orchid. It is found only in certain parts of southeastern Australia. This orchid has a single, upright, thick leaf. It can also grow up to seven dark blue flowers. The outer parts of the flower, called sepals, are a lighter blue than the inner parts, called petals.
What Does It Look Like?
The glistening sun orchid is a tuberous plant. This means it grows from a round, underground stem, like a potato. It is also a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years and does not have a woody stem.
It has one dark green, thick leaf that stands straight up. This leaf is about 200 to 350 mm (8 to 14 inches) long. It is also 5 to 12 mm (0.2 to 0.5 inches) wide. The bottom part of the leaf is often purplish.
The plant can have up to seven dark blue flowers. These flowers are about 16 to 24 mm (0.6 to 0.9 inches) wide. They grow on a flowering stem that is 300 to 550 mm (12 to 22 inches) tall. The sepals and petals are 8 to 12 mm (0.3 to 0.5 inches) long. They are also 4 to 7 mm (0.16 to 0.28 inches) wide. The petals are a lighter blue color.
The central part of the flower, called the column, is blue or pinkish. It is about 5 to 6 mm (0.20 to 0.24 inches) long. It is also 2.5 to 3.5 mm (0.10 to 0.14 inches) wide. The top part of the anther (which holds pollen) is dark purplish-black with a yellow tip. It is covered with a shiny, glistening liquid. This part is also puffed up, gently curved, and has a deep notch. The side parts of the column have white, cream, or yellow hairs that look like a toothbrush.
The flowers usually bloom in November and December. They are self-pollinated, meaning they can pollinate themselves. The flowers only open up on very hot days.
How It Was Named
The glistening sun orchid was first officially described in 2004. This was done by a scientist named Jeff Jeanes. The description was published in a science journal called Muelleria. The plant was found near Durdidwarrah.
The second part of its scientific name, lucida, is a Latin word. It means "full of light," "clear," or "bright." This name refers to the shiny, glistening part on top of the column in the flower.
Where It Lives
The glistening sun orchid usually grows in or near swamps. You can find it in the Grampians and Brisbane Ranges National Park in Victoria. It also grows south of Hobart in Tasmania.
