Cape Portland greenhood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cape Portland greenhood |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Pterostylis
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| Species: |
ziegeleri
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The Pterostylis ziegeleri, also known as the Cape Portland greenhood, is a unique plant. It is part of the orchid family and grows only in Tasmania, Australia. This means it is endemic to that area. Both young plants and those with flowers have a group of leaves that lie flat on the ground. This group of leaves is called a rosette. When the plant flowers, it can have up to eight pale green flowers. These flowers look a bit see-through and have darker green lines.
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What Does the Cape Portland Greenhood Look Like?
The Cape Portland greenhood is a plant that grows on the ground. It is a perennial plant, which means it lives for more than two years. It is also deciduous, so its leaves fall off at certain times. This plant is a herb and has a special underground part called a tuber. This tuber helps the plant store food.
It has a rosette of leaves, usually between four and seven of them. These leaves are shaped like a spear or an egg. Each leaf is about 12 to 20 millimeters (about half an inch to three-quarters of an inch) long. They are also about 5 to 10 millimeters (about a quarter to half an inch) wide. These leaves lie flat on the ground.
The plant produces between three and eight flowers. These flowers are a pale green color and have darker green lines. They are crowded together on a stem that grows upwards. This stem is about 50 to 100 millimeters (2 to 4 inches) tall. The stem also has three to six leaves that often overlap.
The flowers themselves are about 5 to 7 millimeters (about a quarter of an inch) long. They are also about 3 to 4 millimeters (about one-eighth of an inch) wide. The top part of the flower, called the "dorsal sepal", joins with the petals. Together, they form a hood over the center of the flower. This hood is known as the "galea". The dorsal sepal curves gently, then sharply bends downwards near its tip. It is about the same length as the petals.
The side parts of the flower, called the lateral sepals, point downwards. They are about 5 millimeters long and wide. These sepals are joined together for most of their length. They are also cup-shaped, with their tips being less than 1 millimeter apart. The "labellum" is a small part of the flower, about 1 millimeter long and wide. It is whitish-green and has a dark green, small part called an appendage. The Cape Portland greenhood flowers during October and November.
How Was It Named?
The Cape Portland greenhood was first officially described in 1998. This was done by a botanist named David Jones. He found a sample of the plant near Cape Portland. The description was then published in a book called Australian Orchid Research.
The second part of its scientific name, ziegeleri, is a special way to honor someone. It honors David Ziegler. He helped prepare the first manuscript for the Orchid Atlas of Tasmania.
Where Does It Grow?
The Cape Portland greenhood grows in specific places. It likes to grow in thick, tall grass areas near the coast. You can also find it in the midlands region of Tasmania.
Protecting the Cape Portland Greenhood
The Cape Portland greenhood is considered a "vulnerable" species. This means it is at risk of disappearing. Both the Australian Government and the Tasmanian Government have laws to protect it. These laws are the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995.
There are several reasons why this plant is in danger:
- Land Clearing: People sometimes clear land for farming or building. This destroys the plant's natural home.
- Fertilizers: Using fertilizers can harm the plant.
- Fire and Grazing: The wrong types of fires or too much grazing by animals can also damage its habitat.
