Heterotaxis sessilis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hidden orchid |
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| 1826 illustration | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
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Maxillarieae
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| Subtribe: |
Maxillariinae
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| Genus: |
Heterotaxis
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| Species: |
H. sessilis
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| Binomial name | |
| Heterotaxis sessilis (Sw.) F.Barros
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The Heterotaxis sessilis is a special kind of orchid often called the Hidden orchid. It's an epiphytic plant, which means it grows on other plants, like trees, but it doesn't harm them. It gets its food and water from the air and rain.
This beautiful orchid is found in many warm places. You can see it across the Caribbean islands, like Cuba and Jamaica. It also grows throughout all seven countries in Central America. In Mexico, it's found in the southern parts, and it even reaches Florida in the United States. Further south, it thrives in northern South America, including countries like Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil.
Contents
About the Hidden Orchid
The Hidden orchid is a fascinating plant. Like all orchids, it has unique and often colorful flowers. These flowers help the plant reproduce by attracting insects or other animals that carry pollen from one flower to another.
What is an Epiphyte?
An epiphyte is a plant that grows on another plant. However, it is not a parasite. This means it does not take nutrients from its host plant. Instead, epiphytes get their water and nutrients from the air, rain, and even from decaying leaves and moss around them. This allows them to live high up in the forest canopy, where they can get more sunlight.
Why Plant Names Change
For a long time, the Hidden orchid was known by a different scientific name: Maxillaria crassifolia. But scientists are always learning more about plants. They use special tools, like studying the plant's DNA (its genetic material), to understand how different plants are related. These studies are called "molecular studies."
How Scientists Update Names
Because of these new studies, scientists realized that the Maxillaria group of orchids needed to be split into several smaller groups. This is why the Hidden orchid got its new name, Heterotaxis sessilis. Changing names helps scientists organize plants better. It also makes it easier for everyone to understand the true relationships between different species.
