Dark-tipped sun orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dark-tipped sun orchid |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Thelymitra
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| Species: |
cyanapicata
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The dark-tipped sun orchid, also known as Thelymitra cyanapicata, is a special type of orchid. It grows only in South Australia. This orchid has a single long, thin leaf. Its flowers are small and can be blue, light purple, or even maroon. A cool thing about this orchid is the dark purplish-blue tip on its anther, which is part of the flower.
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What the Dark-tipped Sun Orchid Looks Like
The dark-tipped sun orchid is a plant that grows from a tuber, which is like a small underground storage part. It's a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years. It has one upright, fleshy leaf. This leaf is long and thin, about 120 to 220 millimeters (5 to 9 inches) long. It's also about 3 to 6 millimeters (0.1 to 0.2 inches) wide and has a purplish base.
The plant can have up to three flowers. These flowers are blue, light purple, or maroon. They are about 12 to 18 millimeters (0.5 to 0.7 inches) wide. The flowers grow on a stem that is 150 to 300 millimeters (6 to 12 inches) tall.
The sepals and petals of the flower are about 5 to 9 millimeters (0.2 to 0.4 inches) long. They are also about 2.5 to 5 millimeters (0.1 to 0.2 inches) wide. The central part of the flower, called the column, is blue. It is about 4 to 5 millimeters (0.16 to 0.20 inches) long. The top part of the anther, which holds pollen, is dark purplish-blue. It has a gentle curve. The side parts of the anther have fluffy white hairs.
These orchids usually flower in October and November. Their flowers open only on hot days. They also self-pollinate, meaning they can fertilize themselves.
How the Dark-tipped Sun Orchid Got Its Name
The dark-tipped sun orchid was officially described in 2004. A scientist named Jeff Jeanes gave it its formal name, Thelymitra cyanapicata. He wrote about it in a science journal called Muelleria. The first plant he studied was found near Kuitpo.
The name cyanapicata comes from two Latin words. Cyan means "blue" and apica means "apex" or "tip". So, the name refers to the blue tip of the anther. This blue tip is a special feature of this orchid.
Where the Dark-tipped Sun Orchid Lives
The dark-tipped sun orchid grows in special places. It likes to live in thick bushes of Leptospermum plants. These areas are found in woodlands on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia.
Protecting the Dark-tipped Sun Orchid
The dark-tipped sun orchid is very rare. It is only known from one small area. This area is about 1 square kilometer (0.4 square miles) in size. Because it is so rare, it is listed as "critically endangered". This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever.
The Australian Government protects it under a law called the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The main dangers to this orchid are:
- Forestry practices: Things like cutting down trees can harm its habitat.
- Grazing animals: Rabbits and hares eat the plants.
- Weed invasion: Weeds can grow and take over the orchid's space.
