Small dragon orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Small dragon orchid |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Caladenia
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| Species: |
barbarella
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The small dragon orchid (Caladenia barbarella) is a special type of plant. It belongs to the orchid family. This orchid grows only in the south-west part of Western Australia. It has one wide, fuzzy leaf that stays close to the ground. It also grows a single flower that is greenish-yellow and red. You can only find this orchid in a small area near the Murchison River.
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About the Small Dragon Orchid
The small dragon orchid is a ground-growing plant. 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. This plant is a herb with a special underground part called a tuber.
What it Looks Like
The orchid has one broad, hairy leaf. This leaf lies close to the ground. It is about 3 to 8 centimeters (1 to 3 inches) long. The leaf is also about 3 to 7 millimeters (0.1 to 0.3 inches) wide.
The orchid grows a single flower on a stem. This stem can be 8 to 25 centimeters (3 to 10 inches) tall. The flower is greenish-yellow with red stripes. It is about 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) wide and long. The side parts of the flower, called sepals and petals, are short. They hang downwards.
The Labellum
The flower has a special part called the labellum. This part is very hairy. It has a large, dark red gland at its highest point. The labellum also has many long purple hairs. These hairs are thought to help attract insects that pollinate the flower. The small dragon orchid blooms in late August and September.
Naming the Small Dragon Orchid
The small dragon orchid was first officially described in 2001. Two scientists, Stephen Hopper and Andrew Brown, gave it its scientific name. They found a sample of the orchid near the Murchison River. Their description was published in a science journal called Nuytsia.
What "Barbarella" Means
The second part of its scientific name, barbarella, is interesting. It comes from the Latin word barba, which means "beard." So, barbarella means "a small beard." This name likely refers to the hairy parts of the orchid's flower.
Where the Small Dragon Orchid Lives
The small dragon orchid is found in fourteen different groups of plants. These groups are located east and north-east of Kalbarri. This area is part of the Geraldton Sandplains region. The orchid grows under small shrubs. It likes areas that get covered with water in winter.
Protecting the Small Dragon Orchid
The small dragon orchid is a very important plant. It is listed as "Threatened Flora" by the Western Australian Government. This means it is a rare plant that needs protection. The Department of Parks and Wildlife helps protect it.
The Australian Government also lists it as "Endangered" (EN). This listing is under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Being "Endangered" means the orchid is at high risk of disappearing from the wild. Efforts are being made to protect its habitat and ensure its survival.
