Sandplain duck orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sandplain duck orchid |
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The sandplain duck orchid (Caleana dixonii) is a very rare and special type of orchid. It only grows in the south-west part of Western Australia. This unique plant has a single smooth leaf and a single flower. The flower is usually greenish-yellow and fawn-coloured. It's easy to spot because of its flat lower lip, called a labellum. This orchid also prefers to grow in sandy, open areas.
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What the Sandplain Duck Orchid Looks Like
The sandplain duck orchid has one smooth leaf. This leaf is dull green or dull red. It is about 20 to 40 mm long and 4 to 6 mm wide. The leaf often dries up by the time the flower blooms.
Usually, only one flower grows on each plant. The flower is greenish-yellow and fawn-coloured. It is about 20 to 25 mm long and 12 to 16 mm wide. The flower stem stands about 130 to 180 mm tall.
The top part of the flower, called the dorsal sepal, hangs downwards. The side parts, called lateral sepals, and the petals also hang down. The dorsal sepal presses against a part called the column. This forms a shape that looks a bit like a small bucket.
The lower lip of the flower, the labellum, has a flat top. About one-third of its outer part is covered with shiny black bumps. These bumps are called glands or calli. This orchid flowers from late October to early December.
How the Sandplain Duck Orchid Got Its Name
The sandplain duck orchid was first officially described in 2006. Two scientists, Stephen Hopper and Andrew Brown, gave it the name Paracaleana dixonii. They published their description in a science journal called Australian Systematic Botany.
Later, in 2014, other scientists studied the orchid's genes. Based on their findings, Joseph Miller and Mark Clements moved all Paracaleana species into the Caleana group. This is why the orchid is now called Caleana dixonii.
The second part of its name, dixonii, honors Kingsley Dixon. He is a science director at Kings Park and Botanic Garden. Kingsley Dixon was the first person to realize that this orchid was a new and different species.
Where the Sandplain Duck Orchid Lives
The Caleana dixonii orchid grows in sandy shrubland. You can find it between the towns of Dongara and the Moore River National Park. These areas are part of the Geraldton Sandplains and Swan Coastal Plain regions in Western Australia.
Protecting the Sandplain Duck Orchid
The Caleana dixonii is a very rare plant. It is officially listed as "Threatened Flora." This means it is a "Declared Rare Flora — Extant" species. The Department of Environment and Conservation (Western Australia) protects it. This classification helps make sure that this special orchid is conserved and does not disappear.
