Goldsack's leek orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Goldsack's leek orchid |
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Prasophyllum goldsackii, also known as Goldsack's leek orchid, is a special type of orchid. It is found only in South Australia. This plant has a single green leaf that looks like a tube. It also has up to twelve green flowers with dark purple edges. You can only find this orchid in two places: the Yorke Peninsula and the Eyre Peninsula.
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What Goldsack's Leek Orchid Looks Like
Goldsack's leek orchid is a plant that grows from an underground tuber, which is like a small storage organ. It has one long, tube-shaped leaf. This leaf can be about 10 to 30 centimeters (4 to 12 inches) long. It is usually longer than the stem that holds the flowers.
The plant grows a flowering stem that can be 15 to 60 centimeters (6 to 24 inches) tall. On this stem, you will find five to twelve flowers. These flowers are green with brown or dark purple edges and tips. They usually open only when the weather is hot.
Flower Parts and How They Grow
Like other leek orchids, the flowers of Prasophyllum goldsackii are upside down. This means the labellum (a special petal) is at the top instead of the bottom. The dorsal sepal (a leaf-like part) is egg-shaped and forms a hood over the flower.
The lateral sepals are curved and separate from each other. The petals are small and triangular. The labellum is also triangular and turns upwards in the middle. It has a wavy edge. There are also two raised ridges on the labellum called a callus. This orchid flowers in September and October.
How Goldsack's Leek Orchid Was Named
Prasophyllum goldsackii was officially described in 1978. Two scientists, Joseph Weber and Robert Bates, gave it its scientific name. They published their description in the Journal of the Adelaide Botanic Garden.
The name goldsackii was chosen to honor "H. Goldsack". This person collected the first plant specimen that was used to describe the species.
Where Goldsack's Leek Orchid Lives
Goldsack's leek orchid grows in a type of hard red soil called terra rossa. You can find it on the lower Eyre Peninsula and the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia.
It can be hard to spot this orchid in nature. This is because its flowers do not always open fully. When they do open, they can sometimes look a bit wilted.
Protecting Goldsack's Leek Orchid
This special leek orchid is considered "Endangered." This means it is at a high risk of disappearing forever. Both the Australian government and the South Australian government protect it under their laws. These laws include the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.
Threats to the Orchid
Several things threaten the survival of Goldsack's leek orchid. These include:
- Dryland salinity: This happens when salt builds up in the soil, making it hard for plants to grow.
- Vegetation clearance: Land being cleared for farms or buildings destroys its habitat.
- Weed invasion: Weeds can grow quickly and take over the areas where the orchids live.
- Grazing by pest animals: Animals like rabbits or goats can eat the orchids, harming their populations.
