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.

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Culinary uses

Aborigines consume starch tubers.

 


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