Oliver's greenhood facts for kids
Pterostylis oliveri, also known as Oliver's greenhood, is a special type of orchid that grows only in New Zealand. When it flowers, this plant has spreading leaves and a single green and white flower. The top part of the flower curves strongly downwards, and the side parts are long and pointy.
Quick facts for kids Oliver's greenhood |
|
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pterostylis
|
| Species: |
oliveri
|
Contents
What Oliver's Greenhood Looks Like
Oliver's greenhood is a plant that grows on land. It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years. It's also deciduous, so its leaves fall off at certain times. This plant is a herb, which means it has soft stems, not woody ones like a tree. It grows from an underground tuber, which is like a small, swollen root that stores food.
Leaves and Stems
When the plant flowers, it has three to five leaves that spread out. These leaves are about 50 to 100 mm (2.0 to 3.9 in) long and 20 to 30 mm (0.79 to 1.2 in) wide. They start narrow and egg-shaped near the bottom of the plant, becoming more spear-shaped towards the top. The flowering stem can grow quite tall, from 100 to 380 mm (3.9 to 15 in) high.
The Unique Flower
Each plant usually has one green and white flower. The top part of the flower, called the dorsal sepal, joins with the petals to form a hood. This hood is also known as a "galea." It covers the central part of the flower, called the column.
The dorsal sepal is about 30 to 50 mm (1.2 to 2.0 in) tall. It first curves forward, then bends strongly downwards. It has a long, pointy tip that is much longer than the petals. There is a small space between the hood and the side parts of the flower, called the lateral sepals. These lateral sepals also have long, pointy tips. They spread apart from each other and can stand upright or bend back behind the hood.
The labellum is a special lip-like part of the flower. It is gently curved and sticks out above the "sinus," which is the gap between the lateral sepals. Oliver's greenhood usually flowers in December and January.
How it Got its Name
Pterostylis oliveri was officially described for the first time in 1894. This description was made by a botanist named Donald Petrie. He published his findings in a science journal called Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute.
The second part of the plant's scientific name, oliveri, was chosen to honor Professor Daniel Oliver. He was a botanist who worked at Kew Gardens in England and helped Donald Petrie with his work.
Where Oliver's Greenhood Lives
Oliver's greenhood grows in forests and areas with thick bushes, known as scrub. You can often find it growing near streams or in deep layers of fallen leaves on the ground. This orchid is found on the South Island of New Zealand. Its range stretches from near Nelson down to Arthurs Pass National Park.
Conservation Status
Good news! Pterostylis oliveri is currently considered "not threatened." This means there are enough of these plants in the wild, and they are not at risk of disappearing.
