Mountain greenhood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mountain greenhood |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Pterostylis alpina growing near Riddells Creek | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pterostylis
|
| Species: |
alpina
|
The mountain greenhood (Pterostylis alpina) is a special type of orchid. It grows only in south-eastern Australia. This plant has a group of thick leaves at its base. It usually grows just one white flower. This flower has green marks and its side parts (called sepals) sweep backwards.
Contents
What Does the Mountain Greenhood Look Like?
The mountain greenhood is a plant that grows from an underground tuber (like a small potato). It lives for many years. Each year, its leaves fall off, and new ones grow.
Leaves and Stem
Around the bottom of its flower stem, it has a group of three to five leaves. These leaves are shaped like an egg or oval. They are about 3 to 6 cm long and 1.5 to 3 cm wide. The flower stem itself can grow quite tall, from 12 to 30 cm high.
The Flower
Each plant usually has just one flower. It is white with dark green marks. The flower is about 2.5 to 3 cm long and 0.9 to 1.2 cm wide.
The top part of the flower, called the dorsal sepal, joins with the petals. Together, they form a hood, like a helmet, over the center of the flower. This hood curves forward and has a pointed tip. The side sepals sweep backwards. They have thin, thread-like tips that are about 1.3 to 1.8 cm long. There is a wide space between the hood and these side sepals.
The labellum is a special part of the flower. It is dark green to brown, about 1.2 to 1.4 cm long, and curves outwards. You can see it sticking out from the flower. Mountain greenhoods bloom from August to October.
How the Mountain Greenhood Got Its Name
The mountain greenhood was first officially described in 1915. A scientist named Richard Sanders Rogers gave it its scientific name, Pterostylis alpina. The word alpina comes from Latin. It means "of high mountains," which tells us where this orchid likes to grow.
Where Does the Mountain Greenhood Live?
This orchid is found in many places in northern and eastern Victoria. In New South Wales, it only grows around the Batlow area. It prefers to live in forests that get a lot of rain. You can often find it on mountain slopes that face south.
Protecting the Mountain Greenhood
The mountain greenhood is a special plant, and its numbers are getting smaller. In New South Wales, it is listed as "Vulnerable." This means it needs our help to survive and thrive in the wild. Protecting its habitat is very important.
