Winter sun orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Winter sun orchid |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Thelymitra
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| Species: |
hiemalis
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The winter sun orchid (scientific name: Thelymitra hiemalis) is a special kind of orchid. It is found only in Victoria, Australia. This orchid gets its name because its beautiful flowers bloom during the winter months. Its flowers are usually blue or purple with darker spots.
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What Does the Winter Sun Orchid Look Like?
The winter sun orchid is a tuberous plant. This means it has a round, swollen part underground that stores food, much like a potato. It is also a perennial herb. This means it lives for many years and has soft, green stems instead of woody ones.
This orchid has one long, dark green leaf. The leaf can be about 12 to 20 centimeters (5 to 8 inches) long. It is about 0.8 to 1.2 centimeters (0.3 to 0.5 inches) wide. The bottom part of the leaf is reddish.
The plant can grow up to 35 centimeters (14 inches) tall. It has up to five flowers that are about 3 to 4.5 centimeters (1.2 to 1.8 inches) wide. The flowers are usually mauve (light purple) or blue.
Flower Parts
The flower has parts called sepals and petals. These are about 1.5 to 2.2 centimeters (0.6 to 0.9 inches) long. They are also about 0.5 to 0.8 centimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inches) wide. The sepals are often greenish. The petals, including the special lower petal called the labellum, have irregular, darker spots.
The central part of the flower is called the column. It is white and about 4 millimeters (0.16 inches) long. The top part of the anther (where pollen is made) has a brownish back. It also has many yellow or orange finger-like parts called calli. The side parts of the column have white, mop-like hairs. This orchid flowers from June to August.
How Did It Get Its Name?
The scientific name Thelymitra hiemalis was first officially described in 1988. This was done by two botanists, David Jones and Mark Clements. They published their description in a magazine called The Orchadian.
The second part of its name, hiemalis, comes from a Latin word. It means "of winter." This is a perfect name because the orchid blooms during the winter season.
Where Does the Winter Sun Orchid Live?
The winter sun orchid grows in areas called heathlands. These are open areas with low-growing shrubs. This orchid is only found in a few places in Victoria, Australia. These places include areas near Portland, Anglesea, Upper Beaconsfield, and Blackburn.
Is the Winter Sun Orchid in Danger?
Yes, the winter sun orchid is considered "endangered." This means there are very few of these plants left in the wild. It is protected under a law in Victoria called the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. This law helps to protect plants and animals that are at risk of disappearing forever.
