Lobed sun orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lobed sun orchid |
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| Thelymitra longiloba in Bournda National Park | |
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Thelymitra
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| Species: |
longiloba
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The Lobed Sun Orchid, known scientifically as Thelymitra longiloba, is a special type of orchid found only in south-eastern Australia. It's called a "sun orchid" because its flowers often open up on sunny days. This beautiful plant has a single, upright leaf and can grow up to six blue flowers. Even though it's found in many places, it grows in separate, small groups and is considered an endangered plant. This means it needs our help to survive!
What it Looks Like
The Lobed Sun Orchid grows from a tuber (a bit like a potato) underground. It's a perennial herb, which means it's a non-woody plant that lives for more than two years. It has one thick, upright leaf that looks a bit like a channel. This leaf is about 100–250 mm (4–10 in) long and 5–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in) wide.
Up to six flowers grow on a stem that can be 100–400 mm (4–20 in) tall. These flowers are usually pale to dark blue and are about 18–25 mm (0.7–1 in) wide. The sepals (leaf-like parts protecting the flower bud) and petals (the colorful parts of the flower) are about 8–12 mm (0.3–0.5 in) long and 5 mm (0.2 in) wide.
The central part of the flower, called the column, is white to pink or bluish. It's about 5–6 mm (0.2–0.2 in) long and 2 mm (0.08 in) wide, with a yellow tip. The top part of the anther (where pollen is made) has a short lobe with long, finger-like glands on its back. The side parts of the column have soft, white hairs that look like tiny mops.
Flowering and Reproduction
Lobed Sun Orchids usually flower from October to December. Interestingly, their flowers only open on hot days. They also self-pollinate, meaning they don't need insects or other plants to help them make seeds.
How it Got its Name
The Lobed Sun Orchid was officially described in 1998 by a botanist named David Jones. He published his description in a book called Australian Orchid Research.
The scientific name, longiloba, comes from two Latin words. Longus means "long," and lobus means "a rounded projection." This name refers to the long, rounded parts on the side of the flower's column.
Where it Lives
You can find the Lobed Sun Orchid growing in coastal areas and close to the coast. It often lives in heathlands, which are open areas with small shrubs, sometimes even on coastal headlands. It grows in separate groups, from the Darling Downs in Queensland all the way down to the north and west of Tasmania.
