Tiger orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tiger orchid |
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|---|---|
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| Diuris sulphurea at Lawson | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Diuris
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| Species: |
sulphurea
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| Synonyms | |
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Diuris latifolia Rupp |
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The Diuris sulphurea, often called the tiger orchid or hornet orchid, is a special type of orchid. It grows only in eastern Australia, which means it's endemic there. This beautiful plant usually has up to three leaves. It also has a tall stem with up to seven bright yellow flowers. These flowers have cool dark brown markings, which is why it's called the tiger orchid!
What the Tiger Orchid Looks Like
The tiger orchid is a plant that grows from a special underground part called a tuber. This means it can come back year after year. It has up to three long, thin leaves. These leaves can be about 200–500 mm (8–20 in) long and 3–4 mm (0.1–0.2 in) wide.
The plant grows a flowering stem that can be 200–500 mm (8–20 in) tall. On this stem, you can find up to seven flowers. Each flower is about 20–30 mm (0.8–1 in) wide. They are a bright yellow color with some clear dark brown spots.
Let's look at the flower parts:
- The top part, called the dorsal sepal, looks like an egg. It stands up or leans forward. It's about 15–20 mm (0.6–0.8 in) long.
- The two side parts, called lateral sepals, are green or green and brown. They hang downwards and are usually parallel to each other.
- The petals are either upright or bent backward. They have an egg-shaped blade on a dark brown stalk.
- The most interesting part is the labellum, which is like the orchid's "lip." It has three parts, or lobes. The middle lobe is shaped like a spade. There's also a small ridge in the middle of the labellum.
These orchids usually bloom from August to December.
How the Tiger Orchid Got Its Name
The Diuris sulphurea was first officially described in 1810. A famous botanist named Robert Brown gave it its scientific name. He wrote about it in a book called Prodromus florae Novae Hollandiae.
Where the Tiger Orchid Lives
You can find the tiger orchid in almost all parts of Australia. It grows in many different places, like forests, woodlands, open grassy areas, and even near the coast.
In Victoria, this orchid often grows near another type of orchid called Diuris pardina. Sometimes, these two different orchids can even mix and create new kinds of plants called hybrids.
