Dwarf snail orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dwarf snail orchid |
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| Pterostylis nana growing in the Dandenong Ranges | |
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Pterostylis
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| Species: |
nana
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The dwarf snail orchid (scientific name: Pterostylis nana) is a special type of orchid that only grows in Australia. It has a group of leaves that look like a rosette at its bottom. From this base, a single, thin, bright green and white flower grows. This flower has a tiny labellum, which is a special lip-like part of an orchid flower. Scientists are still studying exactly where this orchid grows. Some believe it can also be found in South Australia and Western Australia.
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What Does the Dwarf Snail Orchid Look Like?
The dwarf snail orchid is a perennial plant. This means it lives for more than two years. It is also a deciduous herb, which means its leaves fall off at certain times of the year. This plant grows from an underground tuber, which is like a small storage root.
It has a rosette of leaves at its base. These leaves are shaped like an egg or a heart. Each leaf is about 5 to 20 millimeters (0.2 to 0.8 inches) long. They are also about 3 to 10 millimeters (0.1 to 0.4 inches) wide.
The Flower
A single, bright green and white flower grows on a stalk. This stalk can be 50 to 150 millimeters (2 to 6 inches) tall. The flower itself is about 10 to 15 millimeters (0.4 to 0.6 inches) long. It is also about 4 to 5 millimeters (0.16 to 0.2 inches) wide.
The top part of the flower is called the dorsal sepal. It stands up straight and joins with the petals. Together, they form a hood over the column, which is a central part of the orchid flower. The side sepals stand up too. They are close to the hood and become very thin at their tips. These tips can be about 20 millimeters (0.8 inches) long.
The sinus is the space between the side sepals. It is mostly flat and has a dark green area in the middle. The labellum (the lip) is small, about 3 to 5 millimeters (0.12 to 0.2 inches) long. It is also about 2 millimeters (0.08 inches) wide. This labellum is straight and hidden inside the flower. Dwarf snail orchids usually bloom from July to October.
Scientists at the State Herbarium of South Australia say this orchid grows in South Australia and Western Australia. However, the Royal Botanic Garden Melbourne is still studying its exact classification.
How the Dwarf Snail Orchid Got Its Name
The dwarf snail orchid was first officially described in 1810. A famous botanist named Robert Brown gave it its scientific name, Pterostylis nana. He published his description in a book called Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van Diemen.
Where the Dwarf Snail Orchid Lives
The dwarf snail orchid can be found in many different places. It grows in coastal heath areas and also in forests. It prefers sheltered spots, meaning places that are protected from strong winds or harsh weather.
In New South Wales, you can find it south of Taree. It is also very common in Victoria and Tasmania.
