Cyrtostylis oblonga facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Winter orchid |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cyrtostylis
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| Species: |
oblonga
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The winter orchid (also called the gnat orchid) is a special type of orchid. Its scientific name is Cyrtostylis oblonga. This orchid is found only in New Zealand. It has one round leaf. Its flowering stem can have up to four pink or pinkish-green flowers. Each flower has a flat, oval-shaped part called a labellum.
About the Winter Orchid
The winter orchid is a plant that grows in the ground. It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years. It is also deciduous, which means its leaves fall off at certain times of the year.
This orchid has a single leaf that is shaped like a heart or is almost round. This leaf is about 10–40 mm (0.4–2 in) long and 8–17 mm (0.3–0.7 in) wide.
What its Flowers Look Like
The winter orchid can have up to four flowers on a thin stem. This stem can grow up to 100 mm (4 in) tall. The flowers are usually pink or a mix of pink and green. They are about 8–10 mm (0.3–0.4 in) long.
Each flower has different parts:
- The top part, called the dorsal sepal, stands straight up. It is long and narrow.
- The side parts, called the lateral sepals, are also long and narrow, but a bit smaller.
- The petals are similar in size and shape to the side sepals.
The most noticeable part is the labellum. This is a flat, oval-shaped part about 10 mm (0.4 in) long and 4 mm (0.16 in) wide. It has two small, round bumps at its base. It also has two raised lines running along it.
The central part of the flower, called the column, is shorter than the labellum. It has two parts that get wider at the top. Winter orchids bloom from July to November.
Naming the Winter Orchid
The scientific name Cyrtostylis oblonga was first officially described in 1853. This was done by a scientist named Joseph Dalton Hooker. He wrote about it in a book called Flora Novae-Zelandiae.
The second part of its name, oblonga, is a Latin word. It means "longer than broad," which describes the shape of its labellum.
Where it Grows
The winter orchid grows in different places in New Zealand. You can find it in areas with scrub, in forests, and in open spaces. It is found in the northern part of the North Island. It also grows on the Three Kings Islands.
