Scented onion orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Scented onion orchid |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Microtis (plant)
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| Species: |
rara
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The scented onion orchid, also known as Microtis rara, is a special type of orchid. It grows only in Australia, but you won't find it in the Northern Territory. This plant has a single hollow leaf that looks a bit like an onion. It also has many small, sweet-smelling flowers that are green or yellowish-green.
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What Does the Scented Onion Orchid Look Like?
The scented onion orchid is a plant that grows from the ground. It's a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years. It also loses its leaves in some seasons (it's deciduous). This orchid has a special underground tuber, which is like a small storage root.
The Leaf and Stem
A single, tall, tube-shaped leaf grows from the ground. This leaf is usually about 20 to 50 centimeters (8 to 20 inches) long. It's also about 3 to 5 millimeters (0.1 to 0.2 inches) wide. The flowers grow on a stem that stands 3 to 16 centimeters (1.2 to 6.3 inches) tall.
The Flowers
Each scented onion orchid can have between ten and fifty flowers. These flowers are spread out along the stem. They are green or yellowish-green and smell sweet. Each flower is about 5 to 6 millimeters (0.20 to 0.24 inches) long and 2 to 2.5 millimeters (0.08 to 0.10 inches) wide.
Parts of the Flower
The top part of the flower is called the dorsal sepal. It's shaped like an egg and is about 3 to 4 millimeters long. The side sepals are thin and about 2 to 3 millimeters long. The petals are curved and spread wide apart.
The most interesting part is the labellum. This is a special lip-like petal. It's about 3 to 4 millimeters long and has bumpy edges. There are also dark green spots, called calli, in the middle of the labellum.
When Does the Scented Onion Orchid Bloom?
These orchids usually bloom from November to January. This happens in the Australian summer. Interestingly, if there was a bushfire in the area the summer before, it can help the orchids to flower even more!
Where Does the Scented Onion Orchid Grow?
The scented onion orchid likes to grow in wet places. You can find it in swamps and wet forests. While it's found across many parts of Australia, it's not super common. It grows in all states except the Northern Territory.
How Was This Orchid Named?
The scented onion orchid, Microtis rara, was first officially described in 1810. A famous botanist named Robert Brown gave it its scientific name. He wrote about it in a book called Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van Diemen.
The word rara in its name comes from Latin. It means "scarce" or "scattered." This might refer to how the plant is spread out or not very common.
