Cleistesiopsis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cleistesiopsis |
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| Cleistesiopsis divaricata near Carrabelle, Florida |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Vanilloideae |
| Tribe: | Pogonieae |
| Genus: | Cleistesiopsis Pansarin & F.Barros |
| Type species | |
| Cleistesiopsis divaricata (L.) Pansarin & F.Barros
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The Cleistesiopsis (say "Kly-stee-see-OP-sis") is a special kind of orchid. It belongs to a group called Pogonieae. Before 2009, these orchids were part of a different group named Cleistes.
You can find Cleistesiopsis orchids growing naturally in the eastern and southeastern United States. Their home stretches from New Jersey all the way south to Florida. They also grow west into states like Kentucky and Louisiana. People often call them the rosebud orchid or the small spreading pogonia.
What is a Cleistesiopsis Orchid Like?
Cleistesiopsis is a type of orchid that grows in the ground. It has a network of roots that spread out underground. These roots are like thin threads.
Each plant usually grows in small groups. Each group has a single stem that produces flowers. About halfway up the stem, there is one leaf blade. A smaller leaf-like part, called a floral bract, wraps around the bottom of the flower. It looks like a second, smaller leaf.
The flower itself has three parts called sepals. These sepals are brownish-green and spread upwards from the stem. Inside, there are two upper petals and a lower lip. Together, these parts form the flower's tube shape.
Where and When Do They Grow?
Cleistesiopsis orchids bloom in the spring, usually from April to May. This happens in areas near the coast. If you are in the mountains, they might bloom later, around July.
These orchids like specific places to grow. They prefer savannas, meadows, and open woodlands. The soil needs to be acidic and moist. They often grow in soil made of decaying pine or other plant material. This is common in boggy pine woodlands. In mountain areas, they might live in drier spots.
The plants usually grow to be about 30 to 45 centimeters tall. That's about 12 to 18 inches. The flowers are usually 2 to 3 centimeters wide. The exact size depends on the specific type of Cleistesiopsis.
Types of Cleistesiopsis Orchids
As of May 2014, scientists recognize three main types, or species, of Cleistesiopsis orchids:
- Cleistesiopsis bifaria (Fernald) Pansarin & F.Barros - You can find this one from Virginia down to Florida. It also grows west into Kentucky and Louisiana.
- Cleistesiopsis divaricata (L.) Pansarin & F.Barros - This species lives from New Jersey all the way to Florida.
- Cleistesiopsis oricamporum P.M.Br. - This type is found from Louisiana across to North Carolina.
