Whiskered rein orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Whiskered rein orchid |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Habenaria
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| Species: |
macraithii
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The whiskered rein orchid (Habenaria macraithii) is a special type of orchid. It gets its common name from its unique, thread-like petals that look a bit like whiskers! This beautiful green flower grows only in a small part of Far North Queensland in Australia. It has a few scattered leaves and can grow many flowers on one stem.
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What Does the Whiskered Rein Orchid Look Like?
The whiskered rein orchid is a tuberous plant. This means it grows from a round, underground stem called a tuber. It is also a perennial herb, which means it lives for more than two years and has soft, non-woody stems.
This orchid has between seven and eleven bluish-green leaves. Each leaf is about 60 to 120 millimeters (2.4 to 4.7 inches) long. They are also about 20 to 25 millimeters (0.8 to 1 inch) wide.
The plant produces many green flowers on a tall stem. You can find between fifteen and twenty-five flowers on one stem. The stem itself can grow to be 300 to 600 millimeters (12 to 24 inches) tall.
Each flower is about 20 to 24 millimeters (0.8 to 0.9 inches) long. They are also about 14 to 18 millimeters (0.6 to 0.7 inches) wide. The flower has parts called sepals and petals. The sepals are like small leaves that protect the flower bud.
The petals of this orchid are very interesting. They have two parts, called lobes. One lobe is thin and pointy, about 12 to 16 millimeters (0.5 to 0.6 inches) long. The other lobe is even thinner, like a thread, and is about 15 to 20 millimeters (0.6 to 0.8 inches) long. This thread-like part gives the orchid its "whiskered" name.
The flower also has a special lip-like petal called a labellum. This labellum has three lobes. The two side lobes are thread-like, about 18 to 20 millimeters (0.7 to 0.8 inches) long. The middle lobe is straight and about 15 to 18 millimeters (0.6 to 0.7 inches) long.
The whiskered rein orchid usually blooms, or flowers, from July to September.
How Did It Get Its Name?
The whiskered rein orchid was first officially described in 1984. A scientist named Bill Lavarack gave it its scientific name, Habenaria macraithii. He published his description in a magazine called The Orchadian.
The second part of its scientific name, macraithii, honors a person named Gerald McCraith. He was an important member of the Australian Orchid Foundation. In Australia, this orchid is sometimes known as Habenaria maccraithii.
Where Does This Orchid Live?
The whiskered rein orchid grows in rainforest areas. It prefers to grow on natural raised banks of earth, which are called levees.
This special orchid is only found in a few places. These places are within the Kutini-Payamu and Kulla National Parks. Both of these parks are located in Far North Queensland, Australia.
Is the Whiskered Rein Orchid in Danger?
Yes, the whiskered rein orchid is considered to be in danger. It is listed as "endangered" by the Australian Government. This listing is under a law called the EPBC Act.
Being "endangered" means that this orchid is at a very high risk of disappearing forever in the wild. This is why it's important to protect its habitat and make sure it can continue to grow.
