Snake's head restrepiella facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Snake's head restrepiella |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Restrepiella
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| Species: |
ophiocephala
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The Snake's head restrepiella (scientific name: Restrepiella ophiocephala) is a special type of orchid. It grows on other plants, like trees, but it doesn't harm them. This orchid is found naturally in places like Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Florida in the United States.
The name ophiocephala comes from two old Greek words. Ophis means "snake," and kephalē means "head." So, its name describes how its flower might look a bit like a snake's head!
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What Does the Snake's Head Restrepiella Look Like?
This orchid grows from a short, creeping rhizome. A rhizome is like an underground stem that helps the plant spread. It grows in clumps and can reach a height of about 8 to 35 centimeters (about 3 to 14 inches).
The main stem of the plant is strong and stands upright. It can be about 15 centimeters (6 inches) long and has a tube-like leaf wrapper called a bract.
Leaves of the Orchid
The leaves of the Snake's head restrepiella are thick and shaped like a spoon, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. They are about 8 to 18 centimeters (3 to 7 inches) long. Each leaf has a short stem called a petiole that connects it to the main plant.
Flowers of the Snake's Head Restrepiella
The flowers are quite small, only about 2 centimeters (less than an inch) long. They grow one at a time from the base of the leaves. You might see up to four flower stalks growing close together.
The flowers are usually a pale yellowish-brown color. They have small, dull purple spots all over them. The outside of the flower feels soft and fuzzy.
Parts of the Flower
Like many orchids, this plant has unique flower parts:
- The top petal, called the dorsal sepal, stands straight up.
- The two side petals, called lateral sepals, are joined together. They have a small split at their tip.
- The other two petals are much shorter and have tiny hairs along their edges.
- The lip of the flower is thick and shaped like a tongue. This lip often helps attract insects for pollination.
Where Does This Orchid Grow?
The Snake's head restrepiella likes to live in damp forests. You can often find it near rivers in areas that are not very high up, from about 40 to 1,600 meters (130 to 5,250 feet) above sea level.
When Does It Bloom?
These orchids usually bloom, or open their flowers, during the colder months, from winter into spring. When they bloom, their flowers have a strong, pleasant smell.
