Sharp greenhood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sharp greenhood |
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| Pterostylis acuminata growing near Mallacoota | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pterostylis
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| Species: |
acuminata
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The Pterostylis acuminata, often called the sharp greenhood or pointed greenhood, is a special type of orchid. This plant grows only in eastern Australia, which means it is endemic to that area.
It has a group of leaves that grow in a circle, like a rosette. The plant produces a single green and white flower. This flower leans forward and has a brown, pointed tip on its lower lip, called the labellum.
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What Does the Sharp Greenhood Look Like?
The sharp greenhood orchid has a rosette of dark green leaves. There are usually three to six leaves in this circle. Each leaf is about 10 to 40 millimeters (0.4 to 1.6 inches) long. They are also about 8 to 20 millimeters (0.3 to 0.8 inches) wide.
The Unique Flower of the Sharp Greenhood
A single green and white flower grows on a tall stem. This stem can be 150 to 250 millimeters (6 to 10 inches) high. The flowers themselves are about 19 to 25 millimeters (0.7 to 1 inch) long. They are also 9 to 12 millimeters (0.4 to 0.5 inches) wide. These flowers often lean forward, which is sometimes called "nodding."
The top part of the flower, called the dorsal sepal, joins with the petals. Together, they form a hood that curves over the flower's central part, known as the column. The very tip of this hood is sharply pointed and has a brownish color.
There is a wide, bulging space between the lower side parts of the flower, called the lateral sepals. These lateral sepals have thin, thread-like tips. These tips can be 20 to 25 millimeters (0.8 to 1 inch) long.
The Labellum: A Pointed Lip
The labellum is a special lip-like part of the orchid. It sticks out through the gap in the flower. It is about 14 to 16 millimeters (0.5 to 0.6 inches) long and about 4 millimeters (0.16 inches) wide. The labellum is curved, reddish-brown, and has a pointed end.
You can usually see these orchids flowering between March and May.
How the Sharp Greenhood Got Its Name
The Pterostylis acuminata was first officially described in 1810. A famous botanist named Robert Brown gave it its scientific name. He published his description in a book called Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van Diemen.
The second part of its scientific name, acuminata, comes from a Latin word. This word means "sharpened" or "pointed." This name perfectly describes the sharp, pointed tip on the flower's labellum.
Where the Sharp Greenhood Lives
The sharp greenhood orchid grows in coastal forests. It also likes to live in areas with heathland plants. You can find it in Queensland and New South Wales. There is also a small group of these orchids living far in eastern Victoria.
