Honey caps facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Honey caps |
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| In bushland near Welby | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Caladenia
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| Species: |
testacea
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| Synonyms | |
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Stegostyla testacea (R.Br.) D.L.Jones & M.A.Clem. |
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The honey caps orchid, also known as honey caladenia, is a special plant that belongs to the orchid family. This beautiful flower is only found in New South Wales, Australia. It grows on the ground and has one slightly hairy leaf. Honey caps orchids usually have up to three flowers that are white to yellowish-green, with brownish tips and a darker color on the back.
What it Looks Like
The honey caps orchid is a plant that grows from an underground tuber (like a small potato). It's a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years, and it's deciduous, so it loses its leaves at certain times. It has one leaf that is 50–200 mm long and 2.5–8 mm wide, with a few hairs on it.
The flowers grow on a stem that is 80–200 mm tall. Each flower is about 100–150 mm long and 140–170 mm wide. The parts of the flower that look like petals are called sepals and petals. They have brownish tips and are darker on their outer side.
- The top sepal curves forward, making a kind of hood over the central part of the flower called the column. It's about 8–10 mm long.
- The side sepals spread out from each other and are about 10–12 mm long.
- The petals are 8–11 mm long and spread out almost flat.
The special lower petal, called the labellum, is white and about 5–6 mm long. Its sides curve upwards and have short, club-shaped "teeth" that are yellow or purple. In the middle of the labellum, there are four rows of dark purple, club-shaped bumps called calli.
Honey caps orchids usually bloom from October to November. In some areas, their flowers have a lovely sweet smell, like honey!
How it Got its Name
The honey caps orchid was first officially described in 1810 by a botanist named Robert Brown. He published his description in a book called Prodromus florae Novae Hollandiae.
The scientific name for this orchid is Caladenia testacea. The second part of the name, testacea, is a Latin word that means "with a shell."
Where it Grows
Honey caps orchids are found along the coast of New South Wales, Australia. You can find them south of Newcastle and also in the central highlands. They like to grow in different places like heathlands (areas with small shrubs), woodlands, and forests.
Interestingly, these orchids often bloom more after summer fires or when an area has been lightly cleared. This helps them grow and spread their seeds.
