Wyong midge orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wyong midge orchid |
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| Genus: |
Genoplesium
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| Species: |
insigne
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The Genoplesium insigne, also known as the dark midge orchid or Wyong midge orchid, is a small orchid found only in New South Wales, Australia. It has a single thin leaf and grows up to twelve dark purple or reddish-purple flowers. This special orchid mostly lives in heathlands along the Central Coast. Sadly, only about fifty of these plants are still alive today.
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About the Wyong Midge Orchid
The Wyong midge orchid is a plant that lives for many years. It grows from an underground tuber (like a small potato). It has one thin, dark green leaf with a reddish bottom. This leaf is usually about 60 to 150 mm (2.4 to 5.9 in) long.
Between five and twelve dark purple flowers grow on a stem. This stem is usually 90 to 180 mm (3.5 to 7.1 in) tall, which is taller than the leaf. The flowers are about 5 mm (0.20 in) wide. Like other orchids in its group, its flowers are upside down. This means the special lip-like petal, called the labellum, is at the top instead of the bottom.
Each flower has different parts:
- The top petal (dorsal sepal) is shaped like a spear or egg. It is about 5 to 5.5 mm (0.20 to 0.22 in) long.
- The side petals (lateral sepals) are long and narrow. They are about 6.5 to 7 mm (0.26 to 0.28 in) long.
- The other petals are also narrow and about 4.5 to 5 mm (0.18 to 0.20 in) long.
- The labellum (the special lip petal) is egg-shaped and about 4 mm (0.16 in) long. It has purple hairs up to 1 mm (0.039 in) long on its sides.
- There is a dark purplish-black, fleshy bump called a callus in the middle of the labellum.
These orchids usually bloom between August and November.
How the Wyong Midge Orchid Got Its Name
The Wyong midge orchid was first officially described in 2001 by a botanist named David Jones. He wrote about it in a magazine called The Orchadian. The plant he studied was found near Lake Macquarie.
In 2002, David Jones and another scientist, Mark Clements, changed its scientific name to Corunastylis insignis. The word insigne comes from Latin and means "remarkable" or "special."
Where the Wyong Midge Orchid Lives
The dark midge orchid grows in heathlands and open forests. It is found in only a few small areas. These areas are located between Chain Valley Bay and Wyong, with another small group of plants near Lake Macquarie.
Protecting the Wyong Midge Orchid
It is hard to count exactly how many Wyong midge orchids are left. This is because they are difficult to find, and the weather can affect if they flower or not. Scientists believe there are only about fifty plants remaining.
Because there are so few, this orchid is listed as "Critically Endangered." This means it is at very high risk of disappearing forever. Both the New South Wales government and the Australian federal government protect it under special laws.
The biggest dangers to the Wyong midge orchid are:
- Weed invasion: Weeds can grow over the orchids and take their space and nutrients.
- Habitat disturbance: When their natural home is changed or damaged by people.
- Grazing by rabbits: Rabbits can eat the plants.
- Illegal collecting: Some people try to take these rare plants from the wild.
