Leafless greenhood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leafless greenhood |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pterostylis
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| Species: |
aphylla
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The leafless greenhood (scientific name: Pterostylis aphylla) is a special type of orchid. It grows only in Tasmania, Australia. This plant is quite unique! When it's not flowering, it has a small group of leaves that lie flat on the ground. But when it's ready to bloom, a single green and white flower pops up. This flowering plant doesn't have regular leaves, just tiny scales.
What it Looks Like
The leafless greenhood is a plant that grows from an underground tuber, which is like a small storage organ. It's a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years. It's also a deciduous herb, so its leaves fall off at certain times of the year.
When the plant is not flowering, it has a flat group of dark green leaves. These leaves are about 4 to 10 millimeters (about 0.15 to 0.4 inches) long. They are also about 3 to 8 millimeters (about 0.1 to 0.3 inches) wide.
When the plant flowers, it sends up a stem that is about 70 to 150 millimeters (about 2.7 to 5.9 inches) tall. This stem can have up to five green and white flowers. Each flower has a dark brown tip.
The top part of the flower, called the dorsal sepal, and the petals join together. They form a hood-like shape over the central part of the flower, which is called the column. This hood is also known as a "galea." The dorsal sepal stands up straight at first, then curves forward.
The side parts of the flower, called the lateral sepals, stand upright. They stay close to the hood. They have thin, thread-like tips that are about 3 millimeters (about 0.1 inches) long. These tips do not stick out above the hood.
There's a small curve, called a sinus, between the bases of the lateral sepals. It curves inward and has a tiny notch in the middle. The labellum is a special lip-like part of the flower. It's about 3 millimeters (about 0.1 inches) long and dark brown. You usually can't see it from outside the flower.
These interesting flowers bloom from October to March.
Naming the Plant
The leafless greenhood was first officially described in 1840. A scientist named John Lindley gave it its formal scientific name, Pterostylis aphylla. He wrote about it in a book called The Genera and Species of Orchidaceous Plants. The plant he studied was found in the north-east part of Tasmania.
Where it Lives
The leafless greenhood is found all over Tasmania. It likes to grow in different places. You can find it in forests, in areas with heath plants, and in buttongrass moorlands.
