Sandplain sun orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sandplain sun orchid |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Thelymitra
|
| Species: |
psammophila
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The Sandplain sun orchid, also known as Thelymitra psammophila, is a special type of orchid. It belongs to the Orchidaceae family. This orchid is found only in the south-west part of Western Australia. It has a single, narrow leaf. It can grow up to five yellow flowers on one stem. Each flower has an orange part called an anther. It also has brown "arms" on the side of its central column.
Contents
What the Sandplain Sun Orchid Looks Like
The Sandplain sun orchid is a plant that grows from a tuber (a swollen underground stem). It is a perennial herb, meaning it lives for more than two years and has soft stems. It has one leaf that is about 50 to 70 millimeters (2 to 3 inches) long. This leaf is also about 3 to 5 millimeters (0.1 to 0.2 inches) wide.
The plant grows a flowering stem that is about 150 to 250 millimeters (6 to 10 inches) tall. On this stem, it has between two and five yellow flowers. Each flower is about 15 to 20 millimeters (0.6 to 0.8 inches) wide. The outer parts of the flower, called sepals and petals, are about 7 to 11 millimeters (0.3 to 0.4 inches) long. They are also about 4 to 5 millimeters (0.16 to 0.20 inches) wide.
The central part of the flower, called the column, is yellow. It is about 4 to 5 millimeters (0.16 to 0.20 inches) long and 2.5 millimeters (0.1 inch) wide. The column has brown, triangle-shaped parts on its sides. The top part of the anther is brownish. It has small, short glands (tiny bumps) on its back. The anther itself is orange and sticks out from between the column's side parts.
These flowers have a strong scent. Insects help them to pollinate. The flowers usually open when the weather is sunny. You can see them flowering from August to October.
How the Sandplain Sun Orchid Got Its Name
The Sandplain sun orchid was first officially described in 1905. A person named Cecil Andrews found a sample of the plant near the Kalgan River. He then wrote about it in a science journal called Journal of the West Australian Natural History Society.
The scientific name of this orchid is Thelymitra psammophila. The second part of its name, psammophila, comes from two Ancient Greek words. The word psámmos means “sand.” The word phílos means “dear one” or “friend.” So, the name psammophila means "sand-loving." This name fits well because of where the orchid grows.
Where the Sandplain Sun Orchid Lives
The Sandplain sun orchid usually grows in areas with heath plants. It also grows with sedges (grass-like plants) in places that are wet during winter. You can find this orchid between the Kalgan River and Ravensthorpe in Western Australia.
Protecting the Sandplain Sun Orchid
The Sandplain sun orchid is a special plant that needs our help. It is listed as "Threatened Flora" by the Department of Environment and Conservation (Western Australia). It is also considered "vulnerable" under the Australian Government's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This means it is at risk of disappearing if we don't protect it.
The biggest dangers to this orchid are:
- Weed invasion: Other plants (weeds) can grow too close and take away the orchid's space, water, and nutrients.
- Disturbance: Things like nearby human activities, such as a rubbish tip, can harm its habitat.
Protecting these areas helps the Sandplain sun orchid and other unique plants to survive.
