Pterostylis humilis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Greenhood |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pterostylis
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| Species: |
humilis
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The Pterostylis humilis is a special type of orchid that only grows in New Zealand. This means it's endemic to New Zealand, like a unique treasure found nowhere else! It has a bunch of leaves that form a circle, called a rosette, at the bottom of the plant. When it flowers, its stem leaves often hide its pretty dark green and white flower.
About the Greenhood Orchid
The Pterostylis humilis is a plant that grows on land. It's a perennial, which means it lives for many years, not just one season. It's also deciduous, so its leaves fall off at certain times, usually in winter. This plant has a special underground part called a tuber, which is like a small storage root. It often grows in groups, forming colonies of these beautiful orchids.
Leaves and Flowers
This greenhood orchid has a loose rosette of leaves near its base. When it's ready to flower, it grows three or four more leaves on its stem. These stem leaves stand upright and are about 4 to 9 centimeters (1.5 to 3.5 inches) long and 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters (0.6 to 1 inch) wide. The leaves at the very top of the plant are usually taller than the flower, so they often cover it up a bit.
The orchid usually has one dark green flower. It has cool see-through white stripes and a hint of reddish-brown color. This flower grows on a stem that can be about 4.5 to 5.5 centimeters (1.8 to 2.2 inches) tall, or even taller!
Flower Parts
Orchids have unique flower parts. The top part of the flower, called the dorsal sepal, and the petals (which are like flower petals) are joined together. They form a hood shape, like a small helmet, over the center part of the flower called the column. The dorsal sepal stands up straight at first, then bends forward. The petals are a little bit flared and a bit shorter than the dorsal sepal.
There's a space between the side parts of the flower, called the lateral sepals, and the hood. The lateral sepals have thin, thread-like tips that stand upright and spread out a little. They are even taller than the hood! The labellum, which is a special lip-like part of the orchid, is dark reddish-brown and curved. It sticks out slightly from the flower. You can usually see these orchids flowering between November and January.
Where it Lives
This greenhood orchid likes to grow in mountain forests where Nothofagus trees are common. It also lives in scrubby areas high up in the mountains, just below the tree line. You can find it on the North Island Volcanic Plateau and in the Egmont National Park on the North Island of New Zealand. On the South Island, it grows from near Nelson all the way down to the Buller River area.
