Pterostylis brumalis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kauri greenhood |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pterostylis
|
| Species: |
brumalis
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Diplodium brumale (L.B.Moore) D.L.Jones, Molloy & M.A.Clem. |
|
The Pterostylis brumalis, often called the kauri greenhood or winter greenhood, is a special type of orchid. It is found only in New Zealand. This plant has a group of leaves that grow in a circle, called a rosette, at its base. You can see these leaves on both flowering and non-flowering plants.
When the kauri greenhood flowers, it has a white bloom with thin green stripes. The top part of the flower, called the dorsal sepal, bends strongly forward. The other parts, called petals, spread out wide. This gives the flower a unique look, almost like a cobra snake ready to strike!
Contents
About the Kauri Greenhood
The kauri greenhood is a plant that grows on land. It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for many years. It is also deciduous, so it loses its leaves during certain times of the year. This plant is a herb with soft stems and an underground tuber (a swollen part like a potato).
Leaves and Stems
The leaves of the kauri greenhood grow in a rosette shape, like a circle. These leaves are usually egg-shaped or almost round. They are about 5–12 mm (0.2–0.5 in) long and wide. Each leaf has a small stalk, called a petiole, which can be up to 10 mm (0.4 in) long.
When the plant flowers, it usually has one white flower with thin dark green stripes. This flower grows on a stem that can be up to 200 mm (8 in) tall. The stem also has two to six smaller leaves, which are about 15–40 mm (0.6–2 in) long and 2–8 mm (0.08–0.3 in) wide.
Flower Details
The top sepal (part of the flower) and the petals are joined together. They form a hood-like shape called a "galea" over the column (the central part of the orchid flower). The top sepal curves strongly forward and then points downwards. The petals spread out, making the flower look like a cobra.
The side sepals are held close to the galea. They have thin, thread-like tips that spread far apart. There is a flat, sticking-out part called a sinus between their bases. The labellum (a special petal in orchids) is shaped like a triangle and sticks out above the sinus. You can see these flowers blooming between April and October.
Naming the Kauri Greenhood
The kauri greenhood was first officially described in 1939 by a botanist named Lucy Beatrice Moore. She found a sample of the plant near Laingholm, and her description was published in the New Zealand Journal of Botany.
The scientific name for this plant is Pterostylis brumalis. The second part of the name, brumalis, comes from a Latin word. It means "wintery," and it refers to the fact that this greenhood flowers during the winter months.
Where Kauri Greenhoods Grow
The kauri greenhood is very particular about where it lives. It only grows in forests where kauri trees (Agathis australis) are found. You might also find it in areas where kauri trees used to be, even if only remnants are left.
These orchids usually prefer shady spots. They like to grow among the fallen leaves from kauri trees. In New Zealand, you can find the kauri greenhood on the North Island. Its range stretches from Cape Reinga down to Kāwhia Harbour and the Kaimai Range.
