Small wasp orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Small wasp orchid |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Chiloglottis sylvestris growing in the Bongil Bongil National Park | |
| Scientific classification |
The small wasp orchid (also known as Chiloglottis sylvestris) is a tiny, pretty orchid that grows only in eastern Australia. It has two dark green leaves. It also has a single flower that is greenish-pink. This flower has a special part called a labellum with a reddish-black, insect-like bump on it. This bump is surrounded by many small, red, club-shaped parts.
Contents
What the Small Wasp Orchid Looks Like
The small 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 about 30 to 60 millimeters (1.2 to 2.4 inches) long and 12 to 20 millimeters (0.5 to 0.8 inches) wide.
A single greenish-pink flower grows on a stem that is about 30 to 50 millimeters (1.2 to 2 inches) tall. The flower itself is about 20 to 26 millimeters (0.8 to 1 inch) long and 5 to 6 millimeters (0.2 inches) wide.
The flower has different parts:
- The top part, called the dorsal sepal, is shaped like a spoon. It is about 10 to 13 millimeters (0.4 to 0.5 inches) long.
- The two side parts, called lateral sepals, are thin and curve downwards. They are about 10 to 14 millimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inches) long.
- All three sepals have a tiny, sticky tip at the end.
- The petals are shaped like a spear and turn downwards. They are about 7 to 10 millimeters (0.3 to 0.4 inches) long.
- The labellum is diamond-shaped. It is about 7 to 10 millimeters (0.3 to 0.4 inches) long.
- The labellum has a large, reddish-black bump in the middle that looks like an insect. This bump is surrounded by many small, red, club-shaped parts.
- The central part of the flower, called the column, has narrow wings.
These orchids usually bloom from December to May.
How the Small Wasp Orchid Got Its Name
The small wasp orchid, Chiloglottis sylvestris, was officially named in 1987. It was named by two botanists, David Jones and Mark Clements. They found a sample of the plant near a place called Springbrook.
The second part of its scientific name, sylvestris, comes from a Latin word. It means "of the woods," which makes sense because this orchid often grows in forests.
Where the Small Wasp Orchid Lives
You can find the small wasp orchid growing in damp spots. It likes to live in tall forests and rainforests. Its home stretches from Eungella in Queensland all the way down to Robertson in New South Wales.
Images for kids
-
Leaves of the small wasp orchid
