Southern rein orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Southern rein orchid |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Habenaria
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| Species: |
harroldii
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Habenaria harroldii, often called the southern rein orchid, is a type of orchid. It is found only in the Fraser Coast area of Queensland, Australia. This plant has a few leaves near its base. It also grows beautiful white flowers. Up to twenty-five flowers can appear on one plant.
What Does It Look Like?
The southern rein orchid is a tuberous plant. This means it has a swollen part underground, like a potato. It is also a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years and has soft stems.
It has three to five dark green leaves. These leaves grow upright from the base of the plant. They are about 3 to 10 centimeters (1 to 4 inches) long. They are also about 7 to 16 millimeters (0.3 to 0.6 inches) wide.
The plant grows a tall stem, about 15 to 45 centimeters (6 to 18 inches) high. On this stem, you can find three to twenty-five white flowers. These flowers have a light scent. Each flower is about 9 to 11 millimeters (0.35 to 0.43 inches) long. They are also about 12 to 15 millimeters (0.47 to 0.59 inches) wide.
Flower Parts
The orchid's flowers have special parts:
- The dorsal sepal is the top part. It is about 6.5 to 8.5 millimeters long. It forms a hood over the center of the flower.
- The lateral sepals are on the sides. They are about 7 to 9 millimeters long. They spread out wide.
- The petals are about 6 to 8 millimeters long. They are found under the dorsal sepal.
- The labellum is a special lip-like part of the flower. It is about 8 to 10 millimeters long. It is usually not divided into sections.
- A nectary spur hangs from the flower. This is a tube-like part that holds nectar. It is about 2.5 to 12 millimeters long and mostly straight.
This orchid usually blooms from January to March.
How Did It Get Its Name?
The southern rein orchid was first officially described in 1998. It was named by a botanist named David Jones. He wrote about it in a publication called The Orchadian.
The second part of its scientific name, harroldii, honors Arthur George Harrold. He was the person who found the first plant specimen used for its description. This first plant is called the type specimen.
Where Does It Live?
The southern rein orchid grows in woodlands. It can be found with small shrubs and grasses. It lives in the area between Tewantin and Maaroom in Queensland.
