Trim greenhood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Trim greenhood |
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| Pterostylis concinna growing in Ocean Grove Nature Reserve | |
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Pterostylis
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| Species: |
concinna
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The trim greenhood (scientific name: Pterostylis concinna) is a special type of orchid. It grows only in south-eastern Australia. These orchids often grow together in groups, forming colonies. Each plant has a circle of leaves at its base. It also grows a single flower that is dark green, white, and orange-red.
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What the Trim Greenhood Looks Like
The trim greenhood orchid has a group of leaves at its base. This group is called a rosette. There are usually four to ten leaves. They are dark green and shaped like an egg or an oval. Each leaf is about 6 to 30 millimeters (0.2 to 1.2 inches) long. They are also about 5 to 15 millimeters (0.2 to 0.6 inches) wide.
A single flower grows on a tall stem. This stem can be 80 to 300 millimeters (3 to 12 inches) high. The flower itself is dark green and white. It has an orange-red or brownish tip. The flowers are about 12 to 15 millimeters (0.5 to 0.6 inches) long. They are also 6 to 9 millimeters (0.2 to 0.4 inches) wide.
Flower Parts
The top part of the flower is like a hood. It is made from the top sepal and the petals joined together. This hood is called the "galea." It curves forward and covers the central part of the flower, which is called the column. The very tip of the top sepal is pointed. It is about 2 to 3 millimeters (0.08 to 0.12 inches) long.
The side sepals are pressed close to the hood. Between these side sepals, there is a wide, flat gap called a sinus. The tips of the side sepals are like thin threads. They stand straight up and are about 14 to 20 millimeters (0.6 to 0.8 inches) long.
The labellum is a special lip-like part of the flower. It is curved and brown. It has a small notch at its end. The labellum is about 7 to 10 millimeters (0.3 to 0.4 inches) long. It is about 4 millimeters (0.16 inches) wide. You can just see it peeking out from behind the sinus.
When Trim Greenhoods Bloom
Trim greenhood orchids usually bloom between May and October. This is when their unique flowers can be seen in their natural homes.
Naming the Trim Greenhood
The trim greenhood orchid was first officially described in 1810. A famous botanist named Robert Brown gave it its scientific name, Pterostylis concinna. He published his description in a book called Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van Diemen.
The second part of its scientific name, concinna, comes from a Latin word. This word means "skilfully put together," "beautiful," or "appropriate."
Where Trim Greenhoods Live
The trim greenhood orchid is found in different parts of south-eastern Australia.
- In New South Wales, you can find it south of a town called Mudgee.
- It is very common and widespread in Victoria.
- It also grows in Tasmania, but only in two known groups.
- In South Australia, it is found in only two small colonies.
These orchids like to grow in moist forests. They also live in coastal scrub areas. They often prefer to grow in sandy soil.
