Short-lipped greenhood facts for kids
The short-lipped greenhood (Pterostylis procera) is a special type of orchid that grows only in Queensland, Australia. It has a group of leaves that form a circle, like a rose. When it blooms, it shows a single, see-through white flower. This flower has green and reddish marks. Its unique "lip" (called a labellum) stays hidden inside the flower, not sticking out past the side parts (called sepals).
Quick facts for kids Short-lipped greenhood |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pterostylis
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| Species: |
procera
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Contents
What Does the Short-Lipped Greenhood Look Like?
The short-lipped greenhood is a plant that grows from the ground. It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years. It is also deciduous, so its leaves fall off at certain times. This plant has an underground tuber, which is like a small, swollen stem that stores food.
Leaves and Flowers
The plant grows a group of dark green, wrinkled leaves in a circle, called a rosette. Each leaf is about 6 to 60 millimeters (0.2 to 2.4 inches) long. They are also about 8 to 20 millimeters (0.3 to 0.8 inches) wide.
When the plant flowers, it sends up a tall stem. This stem can be 200 to 350 millimeters (8 to 14 inches) high. On top of this stem, a single flower appears. The flower is a see-through white color. It has green and reddish marks on it. The flower itself is quite large, about 40 to 50 millimeters (1.6 to 2.0 inches) long. It is also about 18 to 25 millimeters (0.7 to 1.0 inch) wide.
Flower Parts
The top part of the flower, called the dorsal sepal, and the petals join together. They form a hood, or "galea," over the central part of the flower, which is called the column. The dorsal sepal is a bit longer than the petals. It also has a sharp point at its tip.
There is a wide space on each side of the flower. This space is between the petals and the side sepals. The side sepals stand upright or bend backward. They have a tip that gets narrower, about 20 to 25 millimeters (0.8 to 1.0 inch) long. Between these side sepals, there is a wide, bulging area called a sinus. This sinus has a small notch in it. The special lip of the flower, the labellum, does not stick out above this sinus.
The short-lipped greenhood usually blooms from February to May.
How the Short-Lipped Greenhood Got Its Name
The short-lipped greenhood, Pterostylis procera, was first officially described in 1989. Two botanists, David Jones and Mark Clements, described it. They published their description in a scientific book called Australian Orchid Research. They studied a plant sample found near Herberton.
The second part of its scientific name, procera, is a Latin word. It means "tall," "slender," or "long." This name fits the plant because of its tall flowering stem.
Where Does the Short-Lipped Greenhood Live?
The short-lipped greenhood grows in specific places in Queensland. It likes to grow with grasses and shrubs. You can find it in sheltered valleys. These areas are located between Mount Finnigan and Paluma. It grows at high elevations, usually above 700 meters (2,300 feet) above sea level.
