Anoectochilus yatesiae explained

Anoectochilus yatesiae, commonly known as the marbled jewel orchid, is a species of orchid that is endemic to northern Queensland. It has up to six dark green leaves with a network of silvery veins and up to four hairy brownish and white flowers.

Description

Anoectochilus yatesiae is a tuberous, perennial herb with up to six leaves forming a rosette on the end of its fleshy rhizome. The leaves are dark green, broadly egg-shaped to heart-shaped with a network of silvery veins, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide. Up to four brownish flowers NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide are borne on a flowering stem NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 tall. The dorsal sepal is NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long, NaNsigfig=2NaNsigfig=2 wide and with the petals, forms a hood over the column. The lateral sepals are a similar length to the dorsal sepal but narrower and spread apart from each other. The petals are white, glabrous, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and about 2sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide. The labellum is upright, white, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide and has about twelve crooked white hairs NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long on the narrow section. The nectary spur is about 5sigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long. Flowering occurs from July to September.[1] [2]

Taxonomy and naming

Anoectochilus yatesiae was first formally described in 1907 by Frederick Manson Bailey from specimens collected near Kuranda and the description was published in the Queensland Agricultural Journal.[3] The specific epithet (yatesiae) honours "Mrs. Arthur Yates", one of the collectors of the type specimen.

Distribution and habitat

The marbled jewel orchid grows in highland rainforest between the Bloomfield River and Paluma Range National Park.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Jones. David L.. A complete guide to native orchids of Australia including the island territories. 2006. New Holland. Frenchs Forest, N.S.W.. 1877069124. 346.
  2. Web site: Anoectochilus yatesiae . Australian National Botanic Gardens . 2 November 2020.
  3. Web site: Anoectochilus yatesiae. APNI. 30 August 2018.