Green adder's-mouth orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Green adder's-mouth orchid |
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| 1829 illustration | |
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| Genus: |
Malaxis
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| Species: |
unifolia
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| Synonyms | |
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The green adder's-mouth orchid, known scientifically as Malaxis unifolia, is a fascinating type of orchid. It is a small flowering plant found across a wide area. This orchid is special because it usually grows with just one leaf.
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About the Green Adder's-Mouth Orchid
The green adder's-mouth orchid is a unique member of the orchid family. Its scientific name, Malaxis unifolia, gives us a clue about it. "Unifolia" means "one leaf" in Latin. This describes its most common feature.
Where Does This Orchid Grow?
This orchid can be found in many different places. It grows in eastern and central Canada, from Newfoundland all the way to Manitoba. In the United States, it lives from Maine down to Florida. Its range extends west to Minnesota, eastern Kansas, and eastern Texas.
Beyond North America, you can also find it in Mexico and Central America. It even grows on some islands in the Greater Antilles, like Cuba, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.
What Does the Orchid Look Like?
The green adder's-mouth orchid is quite small. It typically has only one leaf, which is usually at the base of the plant. Very rarely, you might see one with two leaves.
Its flowers are green, which helps them blend in with their surroundings. These tiny flowers grow along a stem in a cluster called a raceme. When the flowers first appear, they might look like a round bunch, similar to an umbel. As the plant grows, the stem gets longer, and the flowers spread out more.
Why is it Called "Adder's-Mouth"?
The common name "green adder's-mouth orchid" is quite interesting. The "green" part refers to the color of its flowers. The "adder's-mouth" part likely comes from the shape of its small flowers. Some people think they look a bit like the open mouth of a snake, or an "adder." This unique shape helps give the orchid its memorable name.
