Creeping forest orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Creeping forest orchid |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Townsonia
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| Species: |
deflexa
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The creeping forest orchid (scientific name: Townsonia deflexa) is a special type of orchid. It is found only in New Zealand, meaning it is endemic there. This orchid often grows in groups, spreading out in mossy areas, especially in beech forests. Its flowers are tiny and hard to spot, and its leaves are small and round.
What the Creeping Forest Orchid Looks Like
The creeping forest orchid is a land plant that lives for many years. It is a deciduous plant, meaning its leaves fall off each year. It grows in small groups, with its underground storage parts (called tubers) connected by a fleshy root. This orchid spreads easily through moss and fallen leaves on the forest floor.
Each tuber grows one or two very thin leaves. These leaves have wavy edges and a long stem (called a petiole). They grow close to the ground and are shaped like an egg or are almost round, about 10 mm (0.4 in) long.
When the plant flowers, it also grows a similar leaf on its flowering stem, but this leaf does not have a petiole. The flowering stem is about 10–20 mm (0.4–0.8 in) tall and can hold up to four tiny flowers. Each flower is about 4 mm (0.2 in) long and is green with red spots.
The flower parts include:
- Sepals: These are like small leaves that protect the flower. They are V-shaped. The top sepal is wider and a bit shorter than the side sepals.
- Petals: These are upright and oblong (longer than wide). They are much shorter than the sepals.
- Labellum: This is a special petal that is shorter than the sepals. It is thicker in the middle and has two small ridges.
This orchid usually flowers between November and February.
How it Was Named
The creeping forest orchid, Townsonia deflexa, was first officially described in 1906. This was done by a person named Thomas Frederic Cheeseman. He wrote about it in his book, Manual of the New Zealand Flora. The second part of its scientific name, deflexa, comes from a Latin word. It means "bending away from," which might describe how part of the plant looks.
Where the Creeping Forest Orchid Lives
You can find the creeping forest orchid in mossy areas, especially in beech forests. It grows in small, spread-out groups. This orchid lives on several of New Zealand's islands. These include the North, South, Stewart, Auckland, and Campbell Islands.
