Short-clubbed wasp orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Short-clubbed wasp orchid |
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| Chiloglottis reflexa near Steiglitz | |
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The short-clubbed wasp orchid (Chiloglottis reflexa) is a special type of orchid. It is found only in the south-eastern part of Australia. This orchid gets its common name because its flower looks a bit like a wasp. It also has a unique part called a callus that looks like an ant.
This plant usually has two wide leaves. It grows a single flower that can be greenish-bronze or purplish.
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What Does This Orchid Look Like?
The short-clubbed wasp orchid is a plant that grows from the ground. It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years. It is also deciduous, so its leaves fall off at certain times.
It has two leaves that are shaped like an egg or oval. These leaves are about 20 to 60 millimeters (0.8 to 2.4 inches) long. They are also about 10 to 30 millimeters (0.4 to 1.2 inches) wide.
The Flower's Features
A single flower grows on a stem that is 60 to 100 millimeters (2.4 to 3.9 inches) tall. The flower itself is about 22 to 28 millimeters (0.9 to 1.1 inches) long. It is 10 to 12 millimeters (0.4 to 0.5 inches) wide.
The top part of the flower, called the dorsal sepal, is shaped like a small spoon. It is 10 to 15 millimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inches) long. The side sepals are thin and about 10 to 13 millimeters (0.4 to 0.5 inches) long. They curve downwards.
The petals are oblong, which means they are longer than they are wide. They are about 8 to 11 millimeters (0.3 to 0.4 inches) long. These petals also turn downwards near the ovary, which is where the seeds develop.
The Labellum and Callus
The labellum is a special lip-like part of the orchid flower. On this orchid, the labellum is held flat. It is shaped like a diamond and is 8 to 11 millimeters (0.3 to 0.4 inches) long.
The most interesting part is the callus on the labellum. It looks like a large black ant. This "ant" is surrounded by thin, stalked glands. This whole structure covers most of the labellum. The column, which is the central part of the flower, has narrow wings.
This orchid usually blooms from December to May.
Naming the Orchid
This orchid species was first officially described in 1806. A scientist named Jacques Labillardière gave it the name Epipactis reflexa. He published his description in a book called Novae Hollandiae Plantarum Specimen.
Later, in 1917, another scientist named George Claridge Druce changed its name. He renamed it Chiloglottis reflexa, which is the name it still has today.
The second part of its scientific name, reflexa, comes from a Latin word. It means "bent" or "turned back."
Where Does It Live?
The short-clubbed wasp orchid can grow in many different places. However, it is most often found in forests and heathlands near the coast.
You can find this orchid in several parts of Australia. It grows in New South Wales, especially south of the Blue Mountains. It is also found in southern Victoria and in Tasmania.
