Blunt greenhood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blunt greenhood |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pterostylis
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| Species: |
curta
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The blunt greenhood (scientific name: Pterostylis curta) is a type of orchid. You can find this special plant in south-eastern Australia, Lord Howe Island, and New Caledonia. It has a group of leaves at its base, shaped like a rosette. Its flower is white and green, leans forward, and has a brown tip. It also has a unique, twisted part called a labellum.
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What Does the Blunt Greenhood Look Like?
The blunt greenhood orchid has a rosette of leaves at its base. A rosette means the leaves grow in a circular pattern, like the petals of a rose. There are usually two to six leaves. Each leaf is shaped like an egg or an oval. They are about 20 to 100 mm (0.8 to 3.9 inches) long. They are also about 10 to 30 mm (0.4 to 1.2 inches) wide. These leaves are dark green and have a clear stalk, called a petiole. Sometimes, the edges of the leaves are a bit wavy.
The Flower's Special Parts
A single flower grows on a tall stem, which can be 100 to 300 mm (3.9 to 11.8 inches) high. The flower is white and green with a brown tip. It leans forward, almost like it's bowing. Each flower is about 28 to 35 mm (1.1 to 1.4 inches) long. They are also about 11 to 15 mm (0.4 to 0.6 inches) wide.
The top part of the flower is like a hood. This hood is made from two parts joined together: the dorsal sepal and the petals. This hood is called a "galea." It covers the central part of the flower, known as the column. The dorsal sepal and petals are about the same length. They both end in a blunt, rounded tip.
There's a wide space on each side of the flower. This space is between the petals and the side sepals. The side sepals stand upright. They are about 10 to 18 mm (0.4 to 0.7 inches) long. There is a wide V-shaped gap, called a sinus, between them.
The most unique part is the labellum. This is a special lip-like part of the orchid flower. It is about 17 to 22 mm (0.7 to 0.9 inches) long. It is also about 4 to 5 mm (0.16 to 0.20 inches) wide. The labellum is brown and twisted to one side. You can just see it peeking out above the V-shaped gap. These orchids usually bloom from July to October.
How It Got Its Name
The blunt greenhood was first officially described in 1810. A famous botanist named Robert Brown gave it its scientific name, Pterostylis curta. He wrote about it in a book called Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van Diemen.
Where Does the Blunt Greenhood Grow?
This orchid is very common and can be found in many places. It grows in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. It likes moist areas in different types of environments. You can find it in heathlands, scrublands, woodlands, and forests. It also grows on Lord Howe Island and in New Caledonia. However, it is quite rare in South Australia.
Growing Blunt Greenhoods at Home
If you like gardening, the blunt greenhood is fairly easy to grow in pots. It needs a sandy soil mix that drains water well. When the plants are growing, they need to be watered regularly. But when they are resting (dormant), they should be kept dry. It's also a good idea to repot them every year.
