Large-leafed sun orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Large-leafed sun orchid |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Thelymitra macrophylla near Boyanup | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Thelymitra
|
| Species: |
macrophylla
|
Thelymitra macrophylla, also known as the large-leafed sun orchid or scented sun orchid, is a beautiful flowering plant. It belongs to the orchid family and grows only in the south-western part of Western Australia. This special orchid has a single, thick, leathery leaf. Its flowers are usually dark blue to purplish. They can be quite large, and often have unique white, "toothbrush-like" tufts.
Contents
Discovering the Large-Leafed Sun Orchid
The large-leafed sun orchid is a type of perennial plant. This means it lives for more than two years. It grows from a tuber, which is like a small underground storage organ. The plant has one thick, leathery leaf. This leaf is shaped like a strap and can be from 15 to 50 centimeters (6 to 20 inches) long. It is usually about 0.5 to 2.5 centimeters (0.2 to 1 inch) wide.
What the Flowers Look Like
Each plant can have between two and twenty-five flowers. These flowers are dark blue to purplish. They are quite large, measuring from 2.5 to 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) across. The flowers grow on a tall stem. This stem can reach heights of 30 to 90 centimeters (1 to 3 feet).
The outer parts of the flower, called sepals and petals, are about 1 to 2.5 centimeters (0.4 to 1 inch) long. They are also about 1 to 1.2 centimeters (0.4 to 0.5 inches) wide. The central part of the flower, called the column, is white, light blue, or pinkish. It is small, only about 0.5 to 0.8 centimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inches) long.
Special Features of the Orchid
The top part of the anther (where pollen is made) is dark brown with a yellow tip. It is about 0.35 to 0.5 centimeters (0.14 to 0.2 inches) long. The sides of the column have special white hairs. These hairs look like tiny toothbrushes.
The flowers of the large-leafed sun orchid have a strong scent. Insects help to pollinate them. The flowers usually open up when the weather is sunny. You can see these orchids flowering from August to October.
How the Large-Leafed Sun Orchid Got its Name
The scientific name for this orchid is Thelymitra macrophylla. It was first officially described in 1840. A famous botanist named John Lindley wrote about it. He used a plant sample collected by James Drummond. Lindley's description was published in a book called A Sketch of the Vegetation of the Swan River Colony.
Meaning of the Name
The second part of the scientific name, macrophylla, comes from Ancient Greek words. "Makros" means "long," and "phyllon" means "leaf." So, macrophylla means "large-leafed" or "long-leafed." This name perfectly describes the orchid's distinctive big leaf.
Where the Large-Leafed Sun Orchid Grows
The large-leafed sun orchid is common and can be found in many places. It grows between the cities of Perth and Albany in Western Australia. You can often find it growing in jarrah forests. It also thrives in wandoo woodlands.
Conservation Status of the Orchid
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife keeps track of plants. They have classified Thelymitra macrophylla as "not threatened." This means the orchid is not currently at risk of disappearing.
Images for kids
-
flower spike near Lake King
-
flower spike near Madfish Bay in William Bay National Park
-
side view of flower
-
leaf
.jpg)
See also
In Spanish: Thelymitra macrophylla para niños
