Green caps facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Green caps |
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| Caladenia transitoria growing near Mount Egerton | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Caladenia
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| Species: |
transitoria
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| Synonyms | |
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Stegostyla transitoria (D.L.Jones) D.L.Jones & M.A.Clem. |
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The Caladenia transitoria, also known as green caps, is a special type of orchid. It grows only in south-eastern Australia. This orchid has a single, long, hairy leaf that stands straight up. It also has one or two greenish-yellow flowers with purple backs.
What Green Caps Look Like
Green caps orchids grow in the ground from an underground tuber. They are perennial plants, meaning they live for more than two years. They often grow in small groups.
Each plant has one leaf. This leaf is usually 60 to 100 mm long and 1.5 to 2.5 mm wide. It stands up straight, is hairy, and has a slightly reddish base.
The orchid produces one or two flowers. These flowers are greenish-yellow and about 20 mm wide. They grow on a stalk that is 80 to 160 mm tall. The back of the flower parts (called sepals and petals) are covered with small brownish or purplish spots.
The top sepal curves forward, forming a small cap over the center of the flower. The side sepals spread out horizontally. The petals also spread out horizontally or point upwards.
The central part of the flower, called the labellum, is whitish with reddish-purple stripes. The sides of the labellum stand up and surround the flower's center. The middle part has small, purplish-black teeth on each side. The very tip of the labellum curves downwards. There are also four rows of dark purple, stalked bumps (called calli) along the middle of the labellum.
Green caps orchids flower from October to November. However, their flowers only last for one or two days. Sometimes, these flowers can even pollinate themselves.
How Green Caps Got Its Name
The Caladenia transitoria orchid was first officially described in 1998. A botanist named David Jones gave it its scientific name. He found a sample of this orchid in Launceston.
The second part of its name, transitoria, comes from a Latin word. It means "fleeting," "passing," or "temporary." This name was chosen because the orchid's flowers only last for a very short time.
Where Green Caps Live
The green caps orchid is found in several parts of Australia. It is widespread but not very common. You can find it in the Blue Mountains and coastal areas of New South Wales. It also grows in eastern Victoria and in Tasmania.
These orchids like to grow in different types of environments. They can be found in areas with shrubs, in woodlands, and in forests.
