Mangrove tartan orchid facts for kids
The mangrove tartan orchid (scientific name: Dendrobium insigne) is a special kind of orchid. It is an epiphytic or lithophytic plant, which means it can grow on other plants like trees, or sometimes on rocks. This beautiful orchid is found naturally in New Guinea and Indonesia. It has many leaves and pretty yellow and red flowers that don't last very long.
Quick facts for kids Mangrove tartan orchid |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Dendrobium
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| Species: |
insigne
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Contents
What the Mangrove Tartan Orchid Looks Like
The mangrove tartan orchid is a herb that grows on trees or rocks. It has many stems that look like flattened canes. These stems can grow up to about 1 meter (3 feet) long. They are also about 4 to 5 millimeters (0.16 to 0.20 inches) wide.
The orchid has many thick, dark green leaves. These leaves are arranged in two rows along the stems. They are usually 40 to 70 millimeters (1.6 to 2.8 inches) long. The leaves are also about 10 to 30 millimeters (0.39 to 1.18 inches) wide. The biggest leaves are usually in the middle of the stems. Leaves near the ends of the stems are often very small or missing.
Its Unique Flowers
The flowers of this orchid are yellow with red or orange marks. They have a strong, pleasant smell. Each flower is about 25 to 35 millimeters (1 to 1.4 inches) long and wide. They usually grow in groups of two or three.
The flower has different parts called sepals and petals. The top sepal, called the dorsal sepal, is about 15 to 20 millimeters (0.59 to 0.79 inches) long. It curves forward and has a pointed tip. The side sepals, called lateral sepals, also curve. They are about 15 to 20 millimeters (0.59 to 0.79 inches) long and spread out wide.
The petals are a bit shorter than the side sepals. They are only half as wide. The labellum is a special lip-like part of the flower. It is white and about 18 millimeters (0.71 inches) long. It also has three parts, or lobes. The side lobes are small and pointed. The middle lobe curves down and has two hairy lines along its center.
This orchid flowers at different times, usually twice a year. However, its beautiful flowers only last for about two days.
How the Mangrove Tartan Orchid Got Its Name
The mangrove tartan orchid was first officially described in 1856. A scientist named Carl Ludwig Blume wrote about it. He published his description in a book called Museum Botanicum Lugduno-Batavum.
Later, in 1859, another scientist named Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach changed its name to Dendrobium insigne. This change was published by Friedrich Miquel. The second part of its scientific name, insigne, comes from a Latin word. It means "remarkable," "notable," or "distinguished." This name fits the orchid because of its unique look!
Where the Mangrove Tartan Orchid Lives
The Dendrobium insigne orchid usually grows in lowland rainforests. You can find it in the Maluku Islands in Indonesia, and also in New Guinea. It is also found in Vanuatu. There was even one time it was found on Saibai Island in the Torres Strait.
