Streatham leek orchid facts for kids

The Streatham leek orchid (scientific name: Prasophyllum readii) is a special type of orchid that grows only in Victoria, Australia. It has a single, tube-shaped leaf and pretty, scented flowers that are greenish-brown or reddish-brown. Its most unique part is a white or pinkish "lip" called a labellum. This rare orchid is only found in one swamp in the southwest of Victoria.

What Does It Look Like?

The Streatham leek orchid is a plant that grows from an underground tuber (like a small potato). It's a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years. It also loses its leaves each year (it's deciduous) and is a herb, so it doesn't have a woody stem.

Each orchid has one long, tube-shaped leaf. This leaf is about 80–120 mm (3–5 in) long and 3–5 mm (0.1–0.2 in) wide.

The Flowers

The Streatham leek orchid produces between twelve and twenty-five flowers. These flowers are greenish-brown to reddish-brown and have a nice scent. They are spread out along a thin stem, or "flowering spike," which is about 70–130 mm (3–5 in) long. The whole plant can reach a height of 300–450 mm (10–20 in).

Like other orchids in its group, the flowers are upside down! This means the "lip" of the flower, called the labellum, is above the central part (the column) instead of below it.

Each flower has different parts:

• The dorsal sepal (the top petal-like part) is egg-shaped or spear-shaped. It is about 7–9 mm (0.3–0.4 in) long and 3–4 mm (0.1–0.2 in) wide.
• The lateral sepals (the two side petal-like parts) are about 7–9 mm (0.3–0.4 in) long and 1–2 mm (0.04–0.08 in) wide. They are separate from each other and spread wide apart.
• The petals are thin and spear-shaped, about 6.5–8.5 mm (0.26–0.33 in) long and 1 mm (0.04 in) wide. They curve forward.
• The labellum (the "lip") is usually pinkish or whitish. It is about 6–8 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long and 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) wide. It curves sharply upwards in the middle and has wavy edges. There's also a raised, greenish, grooved part called a callus in the center of the labellum, reaching almost to its tip.

These orchids usually bloom in December and January.

How It Got Its Name

The Streatham leek orchid, Prasophyllum readii, was officially described in 2006. It was named by two botanists, David Jones and Dean Rouse. They found the first plant used for its description (called the type specimen) near a place called Streatham.

The second part of its scientific name, readii, was chosen to honor Myles Read. He was the owner of the property where the very first plant was discovered.

Where It Lives

The Streatham leek orchid is very rare. It grows in a swampy area alongside plants like sedges and rushes. So far, it has only been found in one specific location, which is where the first plant was discovered.

Why It Needs Our Help

This orchid species is considered "Endangered." This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever. There are only about 1,000 plants known to exist, all in that one special swamp.

Because it's so rare, the Victorian Government has listed it as "Endangered" under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. This law helps protect rare plants and animals in Victoria.