Inflated sun orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Inflated sun orchid |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Thelymitra
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| Species: |
inflata
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The Inflated Sun Orchid (Thelymitra inflata) is a special type of orchid that grows only in southeastern Australia. It gets its name "inflated" because of a puffy, balloon-like part on its flower. This beautiful orchid has a single tall, thin leaf and can have up to six dark blue or purplish flowers.
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About the Inflated Sun Orchid
The Inflated Sun Orchid is a tuberous plant, which means it has a swollen underground stem that stores food. It's also a perennial herb, so it lives for more than two years and its stems are soft, not woody. Each plant has one upright, dark green leaf that feels a bit fleshy. This leaf can be about 13 to 30 centimeters (5 to 12 inches) long and 4 to 10 millimeters (0.16 to 0.39 inches) wide.
Flower Features
The orchid's flowers are dark blue to purplish and can be about 16 to 27 millimeters (0.63 to 1.1 inches) wide. Up to six of these flowers grow on a stem that can reach 20 to 65 centimeters (8 to 26 inches) tall.
The flower has parts called sepals and petals, which are like the outer leaves of the flower. These are about 6 to 13 millimeters (0.24 to 0.51 inches) long. The central part of the flower, called the column, is blue or pinkish. It is about 5 to 6 millimeters (0.20 to 0.24 inches) long.
A very special part of this orchid is the lobe on top of the anther. This lobe is brownish or black with a yellow tip. It also has a narrow purplish band. This part is "inflated," meaning it looks puffed up or swollen. It's covered with a thick, waxy substance, and its end is split into two smaller parts. The side lobes of the column curve slightly upwards and have white, cream, or yellow hairs that look like a tiny toothbrush!
The Inflated Sun Orchid usually blooms from September to December. However, its flowers only open up on warm or hot days.
How it Got its Name
The Inflated Sun Orchid was officially described in 2004 by a scientist named Jeff Jeanes. He published his description in a scientific journal called Muelleria. The first plant he studied was found near Mylor.
The scientific name for this orchid is Thelymitra inflata. The second part of the name, inflata, is a Latin word. It means "puffed up" or "swollen." This name perfectly describes the unique, inflated lobe on top of the flower's column.
Where the Orchid Lives
The Inflated Sun Orchid is found in southeastern Australia. It typically grows in woodland and forest areas. You can find it near Hobart in Tasmania, in a few places in southwestern Victoria, and in different spots across southeastern South Australia.
Protecting the Orchid
In South Australia, the Inflated Sun Orchid is considered "vulnerable." This means it's at risk of disappearing if we don't protect it. One of the main dangers to this orchid in South Australia is a plant disease. This disease is caused by a tiny fungus-like organism called Phytophthora infestans. Scientists and conservationists are working to protect this special orchid.
