Diuris lanceolata explained

Diuris lanceolata, commonly known as large golden moths, is a species of orchid that is endemic to Tasmania. It has between two and four leaves and up to three golden to orange-yellow flowers with a few dark streaks.

Description

Diuris lanceolata is a tuberous, perennial herb with between two and four narrow linear leaves NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide. Up to three golden yellow to orange-yellow flowers with a few dark streaks, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide are borne on a flowering stem NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 tall. The dorsal sepal is egg-shaped, angled upwards, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide with a tapered tip. The lateral sepals turn downwards below the horizontal, narrow lance-shaped with the narrower end towards the base, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide and parallel to each other. The petals are held horizontally, egg-shaped to lance-shaped, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide on a green stalk NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long. The labellum is NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and has three lobes. The centre lobe is egg-shaped, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide. The side lobes are erect, oblong to wedge-shaped, NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long and NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 wide with irregular edges. There are pimply callus ridges NaNsigfig=1NaNsigfig=1 long at the base of the mid-line of the labellum. Flowering occurs from November to February.^{[1] [2] [3]}

Taxonomy and naming

Diuris lanceolata was first formally described by John Lindley in his 1840 book The Genera and Species of Orchidaceous Plants.^[4] The specific epithet (lanceolata) is a Latin word meaning "spear-like".^[5]

Distribution and habitat

Large golden moths is currently only known from one location on the north coast and one on the west coast of Tasmania, growing in wet grassland, in heath and in coastal scrub.

Conservation

Diuris lanceolata is classified as "endangered" under the Australian government Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the Tasmanian government Threatened Species Protection Act 1995.^[6]

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. 127.
2. Jones. David L.. Contributions to Tasmanian Orchidology. Australian Orchid Research. 1998. 3. 75–76.
3. Web site: Threatened species listing statement Large golden moths Diuris lanceolata. Tasmanian Government Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment. 25 March 2018.
4. Web site: Duiris lanceolata. APNI. 25 March 2018.
5. Book: Brown. Roland Wilbur. The Composition of Scientific Words. 1956. Smithsonian Institution Press. Washington, D.C.. 460.
6. Web site: Threatened Tasmanian Orchids Flora Recovery Plan. Australian Government Department of the Environment. 25 March 2018.