The flying duck orchid is a rare and spectacular flower species located in the south and east australian forests or rural woodlands.
It is named for its unique appearance which, when it is in full bloom, resembles a duck in flight.
Unfortunately, you cannot buy the flying duck as a plant.
Flying Duck Orchid
The flower resembling a duck is commonly found as a combination or mixture of reddish-green and purple.
They can be small flowers under 1 inch wide; the stems of these plants reach a mature height of 1/2 meter approximately. The flying duck orchid blooms in late spring and summer to resemble surroundings.
Currently, no one has ever grown the plant, or propagated it and it cannot be bought as the Australian government has put protections in place. They are illegal to take from their natural habitat, as they are new individuals with extinction risk.
The insects that cross-fertilize the plant are disappearing as environmental conditions change as well. Conservation of the flying duck orchid would also threaten the cross-fertilization insect population of the orchids, hence threatening the future potential of the orchids.
The flying duck orchid lives in healthy eucalyptus woodlands of Australia. The flying duck orchid is growing on a fungus that gives the plant health from other crop diseases.
A few people know the fact that if the plant was removed from their natural habitat it would die. There are also sawflies attracted to the flying duck orchid which help pollinate the flying duck orchid and reproduce.
What Is The Scientific Name Of The Flying Duck Orchid?
The scientific name of the flying duck orchid is Caleana Major.
This name was given to the plant by the first person to discover it. A botanist in the 1800s, he found the plant in Port Jackson Bay, Sydney while studying the pollination and fertilization of different plant life.
He gave the plant the genus name Caleana (in honor of another botanist from earlier), and Caley is the last name of that botanist.
Major, is from a Latin name that means Great. The C. major is now the species name that identifies the flying duck orchid.
Where Can I Buy Flying Duck Orchids?
Flower lovers, especially orchids, try to buy and think they will grow the flying duck plant, but they cannot do so.
They can find online stores that sell seeds, but no one has grown one successfully outside of its native environment.
The flying duck orchids do not live in cold areas, and grow in soils with medium rates of absorption and medium retention rates of water.
It is widespread and unique to Australia where it appeared on one of the four stamps with orchids in the 80s. The flower has won awards in the country’s media competitions also.
Are Flying Duck Orchids Poisonous?
Flying duck orchids are poisonous. The small trailing plant is toxic and it is not a good idea to pick it. The flowers that look like ducks, those flowers are not harmful. The plant is also not edible.
Types of Orchids
Besides the flying duck species, there are other varieties of orchids that are unique.
The orchid family is the largest among flowers, and some types are spectacular due to their unusual appearances. They are rare and highly-priced.
Here is a list of seven strange-looking orchid types.
Monkeyface Orchid
This is a rare plant from the orchid family that resembles a monkey’s face.
It’s native to parts of Ecuador and Peru with high altitudes.
Monkeyface orchids are annual plants with sweet orange-smelling flowers.
Swaddled Baby Orchid
These beautiful orchids look like cuddly babies in a blanket.
They appear waxy with a pale cream-yellow color.
They bloom in spring and grow on the ground under forest trees in parts of South America.
Keep In Mind – Swaddle baby orchids are sweet-smelling and require a good amount of water and little light.
Tiger Face Orchid
Tiger face orchids are large flowers with yellow and brown dots on the petals that resemble a tiger’s stripes.
They are perennial plants that flower every few years upon maturity.
They grow well in cold but well-lit and humid areas. When grown indoors, they need a lot of water to thrive.
White Egret Orchid
White Egret orchids are delicate white flowers native to Asia but can be grown worldwide.
They resemble a flying Egret bird.
They grow well under full or partial sunlight, with well-draining soil and water, especially in summer.
Ballerina Orchid
Native to parts of Australia, the ballerina orchids look like dancing girls with their cream-yellow petals with red and black markings.
They grow near water bodies in sandy soil and flower towards the end of the year.
Angel Orchid
The angel orchid flower is native to the south of India.
The plant produces a single flower every year in June that is white and looks like an angel wearing a hood.
What to Expect? It grows well in shaded areas and can get infected easily by aphids.
When Is The Best Time To Water Orchids?
Orchids are best watered in the morning so there is time for it to dry out during the day.
The majority of orchid species cultivated in the home have another plant or rock as it is host.
Orchids need water to achieve growth and thrive well. However, overwatering orchids rots the roots and kills the plant. It is better to have less water than too much.
You should always make sure the orchids are dry before you water. You should only water your orchid plants in the morning or during the day, no at night. They hold onto water, and even more so at night, which could lead to fungus growth and plant bacterial disease.
You should check how your orchids are looking when you are about to water them. They should have adequate air flow and preferably be in a humid area.
Conclusion
It is not uncommon to have people think that flying duck orchids are fake plants, as they are very rare.
They are real but are so rare you have to travel to Australia to see them in their native habitat.