Marbled jewel orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marbled jewel orchid |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Anoectochilus
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| Species: |
yatesiae
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Anoectochilus yatesiae, commonly known as the marbled jewel orchid, is a special type of orchid. It is found only in northern Queensland, Australia. This beautiful plant has up to six dark green leaves with a network of silvery veins. It also grows up to four hairy brownish and white flowers.
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What Makes the Marbled Jewel Orchid Special?
The marbled jewel orchid is a plant that lives for many years. It grows from a tuber (like a small potato) and has a thick underground stem called a rhizome. Its leaves form a rosette, which means they grow in a circular pattern.
Its Unique Look
The leaves are dark green and shaped like a broad egg or a heart. They are about 30–60 mm (1–2 in) long and 30–40 mm (1–2 in) wide. What makes them special is the network of shiny, silvery veins that look like marble.
The plant grows a flowering stem that is about 150–250 mm (6–10 in) tall. On this stem, you can find up to four brownish flowers. Each flower is about 14–18 mm (0.6–0.7 in) long and 18–22 mm (0.7–0.9 in) wide.
The top part of the flower, called the dorsal sepal, is about 10–12 mm (0.4–0.5 in) long. It forms a hood with the petals over the central part of the flower, called the column. The side sepals are similar in length but thinner and spread apart. The petals are white, smooth, about 8–10 mm (0.3–0.4 in) long, and 2 mm (0.08 in) wide.
The labellum (a special petal) stands upright. It is white, about 12–15 mm (0.5–0.6 in) long, and 2–3 mm (0.08–0.1 in) wide. This part has about twelve crooked white hairs that are 4–7 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long. The flower also has a nectary spur, which is a small pouch that holds nectar, about 5 mm (0.2 in) long. These orchids usually bloom from July to September.
How Did the Marbled Jewel Orchid Get Its Name?
The marbled jewel orchid was first officially described in 1907. This means a scientist gave it its formal scientific name, Anoectochilus yatesiae. The person who described it was Frederick Manson Bailey. He found specimens (samples) of the plant near a place called Kuranda.
The second part of its scientific name, yatesiae, was chosen to honor "Mrs. Arthur Yates." She was one of the people who helped collect the first samples of this plant for study. These first samples are called the type specimen.
Where Does This Orchid Live?
The marbled jewel orchid grows in highland rainforests. You can find it in the area between the Bloomfield River and Paluma Range National Park in northern Queensland.
