Orange blossom orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Orange blossom orchid |
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| In Dorrigo National Park | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sarcochilus
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| Species: |
falcatus
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| Synonyms | |
The orange blossom orchid (scientific name: Sarcochilus falcatus) is a small and beautiful orchid. It grows in eastern Australia and nowhere else in the world, which means it is endemic. This special orchid can grow on trees (called epiphytic) or on rocks (called lithophytic).
It has up to eight tough, leathery leaves. The edges of these leaves have tiny teeth. The plant can produce up to twelve flowers. These flowers are white or cream-coloured. They have a special part called a labellum that is white with orange and purple patterns.
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What the Orange Blossom Orchid Looks Like
The orange blossom orchid is a small herb. It has a stem that is about 40 to 80 mm (1.6 to 3.1 in) long. It usually has three to eight leaves. These leaves are tough and often curved. They are about 60 to 160 mm (2.4 to 6.3 in) long and 15 to 20 mm (0.59 to 0.79 in) wide. The edges of the leaves have very fine teeth.
Its Flowers
This orchid produces between three and twelve flowers. They are white to cream-coloured and smell nice. Each flower is about 20 to 30 mm (0.79 to 1.18 in) long and wide. They grow on an arching stem that is 70 to 180 mm (2.8 to 7.1 in) long.
The flower has parts called sepals and petals. These are egg-shaped and spread out wide. They are about 10 to 16 mm (0.39 to 0.63 in) long and 5 to 7 mm (0.20 to 0.28 in) wide.
The labellum is white with orange and purple marks. It is about 4 to 6 mm (0.16 to 0.24 in) long and has three parts called lobes. The two side lobes stand up and are about 7 mm (0.28 in) long and 5 mm (0.20 in) wide. The middle lobe is short and thick. You can see these orchids flowering between June and October.
Naming the Orange Blossom Orchid
The orange blossom orchid was first officially described in 1810. A famous botanist named Robert Brown wrote about it. He published his description in a book called Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van Diemen.
This orchid was the very first species of Sarcochilus to be described. This means it is the type species for the whole group. The second part of its scientific name, falcatus, comes from a Latin word. It means "sickle-shaped" or "curved." This name refers to the curved shape of the orchid's leaves.
Where the Orange Blossom Orchid Lives
The orange blossom orchid usually grows on trees. Sometimes, it can also be found growing on rocks. It likes places where there is a lot of air movement, clouds, and drizzly weather.
You can find this orchid in Cedar Bay National Park in Queensland. It also grows south along the coast and nearby tablelands of New South Wales. It is very rare to find it in the far north-eastern part of Victoria.
Protecting the Orange Blossom Orchid
The orange blossom orchid is considered "endangered" in Victoria. This means it is at high risk of disappearing from the wild there. The Victorian Government protects it under a law called the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. This law helps to protect plants and animals that are in danger.
