Starry spectral orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Starry spectral orchid |
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| Illustration by Lewis Roberts | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Trachoma
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| Species: |
stellatum
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The starry spectral orchid (scientific name: Trachoma stellatum) is a cool type of orchid that grows in tropical North Queensland, Australia. It's special because it can grow on other plants or even on rocks! This orchid forms small groups with thick roots. It has a few thick, leathery leaves and lots of pretty, short-lived, cream-colored flowers. These flowers have purple marks and a yellow tip, making them look like tiny stars.
What it Looks Like
The starry spectral orchid is a herb that grows in clumps. It can grow on other plants, like a tree (this is called an epiphyte). It can also grow on rocks (this is called a lithophyte). It has many thick roots that help it hold on. Its stems are about 30 to 60 millimeters (1.2 to 2.4 inches) long.
This orchid has between three and eight thick, leathery leaves. They are oblong, which means they are longer than they are wide. The leaves are pale to yellowish-green and are about 50 to 70 millimeters (2 to 2.8 inches) long. They are also about 20 millimeters (0.8 inches) wide.
The orchid produces many flowers that don't last very long. They are cream-colored with purple markings. Each flower is about 8 to 9 millimeters (0.3 to 0.4 inches) long and 4 to 5 millimeters (0.16 to 0.2 inches) wide. These flowers grow on a stem that is 10 to 35 millimeters (0.4 to 1.4 inches) long. Up to ten flowers can be open at the same time.
Each flower has parts called sepals and petals, which are about 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) long. It also has a special part called a labellum. The labellum is about 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) long and has three parts, or lobes. The two side lobes stand up and are triangular. The middle lobe is about 1 millimeter (0.04 inches) long and has a small spur. This orchid usually flowers from March to July.
Naming the Orchid
The scientific name Trachoma stellatum was first officially described in 1989. Four botanists, David Jones, Bruce Gray, Mark Clements, and Jeffrey Wood, gave it this name. They published their description in a book called Australian Orchid Research.
The second part of its scientific name, stellatum, comes from a Latin word. It means "starred" or "starry." This is why the orchid is commonly known as the "starry spectral orchid."
Where it Lives
The starry spectral orchid grows on trees in rainforests. It also likes humid, moist places near the edges of rainforests. You can find this orchid in Queensland, Australia. It lives between the Iron Range and McIlwraith Range areas. It grows at altitudes of about 400 to 600 meters (1,300 to 2,000 feet) above sea level.
