Artorima facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Artorima |
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| 1843 illustration from Bateman: "Orchidaceae of Mexico and Guatemala" |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Artorima
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| Species: |
erubescens
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Artorima is a special group, or genus, of flowering plants that belong to the amazing orchid family. Right now (as of May 2014), scientists know of only one type of plant in this group. Its full name is Artorima erubescens.
About the Artorima Orchid
This orchid is an epiphyte. This means it grows on other plants, like trees, but it doesn't harm them. It gets its water and nutrients from the air and rain. The Artorima erubescens has a thick, underground stem called a rhizome. It also has a large, cone-shaped or egg-shaped part called a pseudobulb. This pseudobulb helps the plant store water and food.
From this pseudobulb grow 3 to 6 leaves. These leaves can be oval or long and narrow. They can grow quite long, from 20 to 120 centimeters (about 8 to 47 inches). The plant produces a loose cluster of flowers at the end of its stem. These flowers are usually sweet-smelling. You can find anywhere from 6 to 100 flowers on one plant! They typically bloom during the winter and early spring months.
Where Artorima Grows
The Artorima erubescens orchid is found in the southern parts of Mexico. Specifically, it grows in the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca. It likes to live in special places called "ever-cloud forests." These are forests that are almost always covered in clouds or mist.
You can find this orchid on the very highest mountain peaks. It grows at elevations from 2,400 to 3,100 meters (about 7,900 to 10,200 feet) above sea level. It prefers cool to cold environments, which is why it thrives in these high, misty mountains.
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Artorima erubescens
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See also
In Spanish: Artorima para niños
- List of Orchidaceae genera
