Late Leopard Orchid, Donkey Orchid, Spotted Double-Tail Orchid With the scientific name Diuris, the plant is commonly known by the name Donkey Orchid. The scientific name is derived from the Greek word “Di” which refers to two and “our” which refers to tail. The two lateral hanging petals resemble the two hanging ears of a donkey. As the petals swing in the air, it resembles a donkey squealing and moving its head. Flowers are 3-5 purplish measuring 4 cm (1.5 inches) long. It is terrestrial which means it grows on the ground and is perennial in nature. Leaves are grasslike. Fruit is a capsule with winged seeds. The plants have a network of roots and 1 to 2 tubers. It prefers places with well-drained soils and wet winters. Name Donkey Orchids Scientific Name Diuris semilunulata Native Australia Common/English Name Late Leopard Orchid, Donkey Orchid, Spotted Double-Tail Orchid Plant Growth Habit Terrestrial, perennial, geophytic Soil Well-drained, moist Root Ovoid or cylindrical Leaves 15-25 cm long, 3-4 mm wide, alternate or whorled Flower Bright yellow Seed Light-dark, winged Donkey Orchids Scientific Classification Scientific Name: Diuris semilunulata Rank Scientific Name & (Common Name) Kingdom Plantae (Plants) Phylum Tracheophyta Division Tracheophyta Class Liliopsida Order Asparagales Family Orchidaceae Genus Diuris Sm. Species Diuris semilunulata Messmer Plant description Diuris semilunulata is a perennial, terrestrial and geophytic herb with filamentose roots having naked, ovoid or cylindrical and paired tubers. Leaves are linear, basal, grass-like, 15–25 cm long, and 3–4 mm wide. Scape is 3 to 5 flowered, loose raceme, and 20-35 cm high. Flowers are orange, hermaphroditic, heavily blotched, or suffused with purple and brown. The dorsal sepal is erect, ovate measuring 6-10 mm long and 7-10 mm wide. Petals are ovate to obovate about 5–11 mm long by 4–9 mm wide. The labellum is 4-8 mm long. Fruit is a dehiscent, non-fleshy capsule that contains 30 to 500 minute, light-dark colored, and winged seeds. You Might Also Read Barbarea vulgaris, Rocket cress, Winter cress, Yellow rocket, Bitter cress, Garden rocketCulinary uses Aborigines consume starch tubers. 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