Tangled ribbonroot facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tangled ribbonroot |
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| Illustration by Lewis Roberts | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Taeniophyllum
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| Species: |
malianum
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The tangled ribbonroot (scientific name: Taeniophyllum malianum) is a special kind of orchid. It's called "leafless" because it doesn't have regular leaves like most plants. Instead, its flat, green roots do the job of making food! This orchid often grows in messy clumps. You can find it stuck to trees (this is called an epiphyte) or rocks (this is called a lithophyte). Its roots have cool white spots and stick tightly to whatever it's growing on. It produces up to fifteen yellow flowers that smell nice, but they don't last very long. Only a few flowers open at the same time. This unique orchid lives only in tropical North Queensland in Australia and in New Guinea.
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What the Tangled Ribbonroot Looks Like
The tangled ribbonroot is a plant that grows without leaves. It forms untidy, tangled groups. Its stems are about 10 to 20 millimeters (0.4 to 0.8 inches) long. As the stems get older, they become covered with stiff hairs.
How its Roots Work
The roots of this orchid are very important. They are flat and green, with white spots that are not in a regular pattern. These roots are 50 to 150 millimeters (2 to 6 inches) long and 2 to 3 millimeters (0.08 to 0.12 inches) wide. They press tightly against the tree or rock where the plant is growing. These roots are special because they do the job of leaves, making food for the plant using sunlight. This process is called photosynthesis.
Its Fragrant Flowers
The tangled ribbonroot produces between five and fifteen yellow flowers. They have a nice smell. Each flower is about 5 to 6 millimeters (0.20 to 0.24 inches) long and 4 to 5 millimeters (0.16 to 0.20 inches) wide. They grow on a thin, wire-like stem that is 20 to 40 millimeters (0.8 to 1.6 inches) long.
Flower Parts
The flowers have parts called sepals and petals. These spread wide apart and are about 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) long and 1 millimeter (0.04 inches) wide. The main part of the flower, called the labellum, is shaped like a boat. It's about 8.5 millimeters (0.33 inches) long and 3 millimeters (0.12 inches) wide. It has a puffed-up tip and a small pouch, or spur, about 4.5 millimeters (0.18 inches) long.
When it Blooms
The tangled ribbonroot flowers at different times throughout the year. However, its flowers are very delicate. They only last for less than one day! Also, no more than three flowers are open at the same time.
How it Got its Name
The tangled ribbonroot was first officially described in 1913. A scientist named Rudolf Schlechter gave it its formal scientific name, Taeniophyllum malianum. He published his description in a scientific book called Repertorium specierum novarum regni vegetabilis. Beihefte.
Where it Lives
The tangled ribbonroot grows in places that are very wet and warm. You can find it in humid scrub areas and in rainforests. It lives in New Guinea and in Queensland, Australia. In Queensland, it is found between the McIlwraith and Iron Ranges.
