Gunn's tree orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gunn's tree orchid |
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| Illustration from Hooker's Flora Antarctica | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sarcochilus
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| Species: |
australis
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| Synonyms | |
The butterfly orchid or Gunn's tree orchid (scientific name: Sarcochilus australis) is a small, special type of orchid. It grows on other plants, like trees, but it's not a parasite. This orchid is only found in eastern Australia. It has dark green leaves and small flowers. These flowers can be green, yellowish, or brownish. They also have a mostly white part called a labellum.
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About the Butterfly Orchid
The Sarcochilus australis is a small herb that grows on other plants. Its stem is usually about 2 to 5 centimeters (0.8 to 2 inches) long. It has between three and ten dark green leaves. Each leaf is about 4 to 8 centimeters (1.6 to 3.1 inches) long. They are also about 1 to 1.4 centimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inches) wide.
The orchid produces a hanging flower stem. This stem can be 7 to 16 centimeters (2.8 to 6.3 inches) long. It holds between two and fourteen flowers. Each flower is about 1.6 to 1.8 centimeters (0.6 to 0.7 inches) long. They are also about 1.2 to 1.5 centimeters (0.5 to 0.6 inches) wide. The flowers are usually green, yellowish, or brownish.
Flower Details
The parts of the flower are called sepals and petals. The sepals are 7 to 12 millimeters (0.3 to 0.5 inches) long. They are about 3 to 4.5 millimeters (0.1 to 0.2 inches) wide. The petals are a bit shorter and narrower than the sepals.
The most noticeable part is the labellum. It is white with purple and yellow marks. The labellum is about 3 millimeters (0.1 inches) long. It is also about 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) wide. It has three parts, called lobes. The two side lobes stand up. They often have purple markings. The middle lobe also stands up. It has a thin, solid spur. These orchids usually bloom between October and January.
Naming the Butterfly Orchid
The butterfly orchid was first officially described in 1834. A scientist named John Lindley gave it the name Gunnia australis. He published his description in a book called Edwards's Botanical Register.
Later, in 1863, another scientist changed its name. Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach renamed it Sarcochilus australis. The second part of its scientific name, australis, is a Latin word. It means "southern," which makes sense because it grows in southern Australia.
Where the Orchid Lives
The Sarcochilus australis grows on trees. It prefers places like rainforests. It also likes other humid areas. Sometimes, you can find it growing close to the ground.
This orchid is found in eastern Australia. Its range stretches from the Hunter River in New South Wales. It goes through south-eastern Victoria. It can also be found as far as northern Tasmania.
