Myrtle bells facts for kids
Sarcochilus hillii, commonly known as myrtle bells, is a special type of orchid that grows on other plants, like trees, instead of in the ground. This kind of plant is called an epiphyte. You can find myrtle bells growing naturally in eastern Australia and the island of New Caledonia.
This interesting orchid has up to ten leaves that hang down, shaped a bit like quills. It also produces up to ten beautiful frosty white or pink flowers. Each flower has a unique fuzzy part called a labellum that is decorated with purple stripes.
Quick facts for kids Myrtle bells |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Sarcochilus hillii in Bugong National Park | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sarcochilus
|
| Species: |
hillii
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
Contents
What Does the Myrtle Bells Orchid Look Like?
The myrtle bells orchid is a herb that hangs down. Its stems are usually about 20–50 mm (0.79–2.0 in) long.
It has between two and ten leaves. These leaves are long and thin, like quills, measuring 60–100 mm (2.4–3.9 in) long and about 3 mm (0.1 in) wide.
The orchid produces between two and ten frosty white or pink flowers. Each flower is about 8–10 mm (0.31–0.39 in) long and wide. These flowers grow on a special stem that can be 50–120 mm (2.0–4.7 in) long.
Flower Parts
The top part of the flower, called the dorsal sepal, is 4–6 mm (0.16–0.24 in) long and 3–4 mm (0.12–0.16 in) wide. The side sepals are a little bit longer.
The petals are 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) long and about 2.5 mm (0.098 in) wide. The labellum, which is a special lip-like petal, is fuzzy and about 3–4 mm (0.1–0.2 in) long and 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) wide.
The labellum has three parts, called lobes. The two side lobes stand up and have purple stripes inside. The middle lobe is very fuzzy. Myrtle bells usually bloom between October and December, but only a few flowers open at the same time.
How Did the Myrtle Bells Orchid Get Its Name?
The myrtle bells orchid was first officially described in 1859 by a scientist named Ferdinand von Mueller. He first named it Dendrobium hillii. He wrote about it in a book called Fragmenta phytographiae Australiae.
Mueller found his first sample of the plant near Moreton Bay. It was collected by Walter Hill (garden curator). In 1860, Mueller changed the name to Sarcochilus hillii. The second part of the name, hillii, was chosen to honor Walter Hill, who collected the first sample.
Where Do Myrtle Bells Orchids Live?
Sarcochilus hillii usually grows on trees in rainforests. It often prefers to grow on a specific type of tree called Backhousia myrtifolia. Sometimes, it can also be found growing on rocks.
You can find this orchid in Australia, stretching from Rockhampton in Queensland down to Bega in New South Wales. It also lives on the island of New Caledonia.
