Earina mucronata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Earina mucronata |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Earina
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| Species: |
mucronata
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Earina mucronata is a special type of plant. It is an orchid that is only found in New Zealand. This means it is endemic to that country.
The name mucronata means "pointed." This is because the tips of its narrow leaves are pointy.
What Does It Look Like?
This orchid has long, flat stems. They can grow up to 1 meter (about 3 feet) long. But usually, they are shorter.
Its leaves are lined up neatly on one side of the stem. Each leaf has a part that wraps all the way around the stem. This part is called a leaf sheath. It is 2 or 3 millimeters wide.
A cool thing about this plant is its tiny black spots. These spots cover the leaf sheaths and many of the leaves. They help tell this plant apart from a similar orchid, E. autumnalis, which does not have these spots.
How It Flowers
Earina mucronata blooms in spring and early summer. The best time to see its flowers is from October to December.
It produces many flowers on a branched flower stalk. The main parts of the flower are usually white or cream colored. The special "lip" part of the flower, called the labellum, is usually yellow. Sometimes, you might see flowers that are white, apricot, or orange.
Where Does It Grow?
This orchid often grows on other plants. This is called being epiphytic. Sometimes, it can also grow on rocks. This is called being a lithophyte.
You can find Earina mucronata all over New Zealand. It grows on the North Island, the South Island, and Stewart Island/Rakiura. It also grows further east on the Chatham Islands.
