Yellow-lip spider orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yellow-lip spider orchid |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Caladenia
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| Species: |
xanthochila
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| Synonyms | |
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Arachnorchis xanthochila (D.Beardsell & C.Beardsell) D.L.Jones & M.A.Clem. |
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The Caladenia xanthochila, also known as the yellow-lip spider orchid, is a special plant from the orchid family. This rare ground orchid grows only in southern Australia. When it blooms, it usually has one pale greenish-yellow flower. It gets its name from its unique yellow "lip" part.
This orchid is quite rare. Only a few plants have been found in Victoria and South Australia.
Contents
What the Yellow-lip Spider Orchid Looks Like
The yellow-lip spider orchid is a plant that grows from an underground part called a tuber. It has one long, thin leaf, which is about 8 to 17 centimeters (3 to 7 inches) long and 6 to 10 millimeters (0.2 to 0.4 inches) wide.
Usually, one flower grows on a stem that is about 25 to 32 centimeters (10 to 13 inches) tall. This stem is covered in tiny hairs. The flowers are about 3 to 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) wide.
The sepals, which are like outer petals, have red, club-shaped tips. The top sepal stands straight up. The side sepals spread out and curve downwards. The petals are similar to the side sepals.
The most interesting part is the labellum, or "lip," which is greenish-yellow. It's about 9 to 11 millimeters (0.35 to 0.43 inches) long. The sides of the labellum have yellow or red teeth-like parts. The tip of the labellum curls under. There are also small bumps, called calli, in rows along the middle of the labellum. This orchid flowers from August to September.
How the Yellow-lip Spider Orchid Got Its Name
The yellow-lip spider orchid was officially described in 1992 by two scientists, David and Cam Beardsell. They found a sample of the orchid near a place called Murtoa in Victoria.
The scientific name, xanthochila, comes from two ancient Greek words. "Xanthos" means "yellow," and "cheilos" means "lip." So, the name perfectly describes the orchid's yellow labellum!
Where the Yellow-lip Spider Orchid Lives
This special orchid grows in woodlands where you can find Yellow Gum trees (Eucalyptus leucoxylon). It prefers sandy soil.
It is only found in a few places. In Victoria, it grows near Bendigo and Dimboola. In South Australia, it has been found in the Flinders Ranges, but only two plants were seen there!
Saving the Yellow-lip Spider Orchid
The yellow-lip spider orchid is considered "endangered." This means there are very few of these plants left in the wild, and they are at risk of disappearing forever.
The Australian Government has laws, like the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, to protect plants and animals that are in danger. Victoria also has its own law, the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, to protect its unique plants.
Scientists and conservationists are working hard to help this orchid. They are trying to increase the number of yellow-lip spider orchids in nature so that future generations can also enjoy these beautiful flowers.
