Tutukiwi facts for kids

The Pterostylis patens is a special type of greenhood orchid. It grows only in New Zealand. When this plant flowers, it has leaves that spread out on its stem. It also has a single green and white flower. This flower has sepals that spread out and get thinner at the ends.

What Does the Tutukiwi Orchid Look Like?

Pterostylis patens is often called tutukiwi or greenhood. It's a plant that grows on land. It lives for many years and loses its leaves each year. This plant has an underground part called a tuber.

Both flowering and non-flowering plants have four to six leaves. These leaves stand up straight and are shaped like a spear. They are about 50 to 180 mm (2 to 7 in) long. They are also 10 to 20 mm (0.4 to 0.8 in) wide and look like grass.

Flowering plants have one green flower with white stripes. The flower is puffed out near its bottom. The top part of the flower, called the dorsal sepal, joins with the petals. Together, they form a hood over the column. The column is a special part of the flower.

The dorsal sepal is 40 to 50 mm (1.6 to 2.0 in) tall. It curves forward and then down. It ends in a thin tip about 30 mm (1.2 in) long. There is a big space between the hood and the side sepals. These side sepals spread apart. They have long, thin tips up to 30 mm (1.2 in) long. Sometimes, these tips almost touch behind the ovary.

The labellum is a flat part of the flower. It curves gently and sticks out above the space between the side sepals. These orchids usually flower from February to April.

How Did the Tutukiwi Orchid Get Its Name?

The Pterostylis patens was first officially described by a person named William Colenso. This description was published in a book called Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute in 1886.

The second part of its name, patens, comes from a Latin word. It means "open" or "exposed."

Where Does the Tutukiwi Orchid Grow?

This greenhood orchid mostly grows in forests found on mountains. It also grows in areas just below the treeline on mountains. These forests often have Nothofagus trees. It can also be found in scrubland.

You usually find it in wet, shady spots. It grows on the North Island of New Zealand, south of Mount Pirongia. It also grows on the South Island and Stewart Island.

Is the Tutukiwi Orchid in Danger?

The Pterostylis patens is currently considered "not threatened." This means it is not in danger of disappearing.

Images for kids

• Pterostylis patens growing in the Ruahine Forest Park.jpg

  A Pterostylis patens orchid growing in the Ruahine Forest Park.