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Description
Gastrodia Cooperae is a rare and mysterious orchid species native to the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. This orchid is known for its unique characteristics, such as its lack of leaves and its mycoheterotrophic nature. This means that it relies on a fungus to obtain nutrients, rather than photosynthesis. The orchid is small in size, with a height of only 10 to 40 centimeters, and its flowers are typically pink or purple in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Gastrodia |
Appearance
Gastrodia Cooperae is a small and delicate orchid with a height of only 10 to 40 centimeters. It has a single stem with no leaves, and its flowers are typically pink or purple in color. The flowers are small, measuring only 1 to 2 centimeters in length, and they have a unique shape with a long, narrow lip. The lip is designed to attract pollinators, such as bees and flies, which are attracted to the orchid’s sweet nectar.
Care Guide
Gastrodia Cooperae is a mycoheterotrophic orchid, which means that it relies on a fungus to obtain nutrients. As such, it requires specific care to ensure its survival. Here are some tips for caring for Gastrodia Cooperae:- Water: This orchid requires moist soil, but it should not be overwatered. Water the orchid when the soil is dry to the touch, but do not allow it to sit in standing water.- Fertilization: Gastrodia Cooperae does not require fertilization, as it obtains its nutrients from a fungus.- Soil: This orchid requires a specific type of soil that is rich in organic matter and has a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. Use a well-draining potting mix designed for orchids.- Sunlight: Gastrodia Cooperae prefers to grow in shaded areas, as it is not adapted to direct sunlight.- Hardiness Zones: This orchid is adapted to grow in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10.
Common Pests and Diseases
Gastrodia Cooperae is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, due to its mycoheterotrophic nature. However, it can still be affected by some common orchid pests, such as spider mites and mealybugs. These pests can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Additionally, this orchid may be susceptible to fungal diseases if overwatered or if grown in poorly draining soil.
Habitat
Gastrodia Cooperae is native to the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California, where it grows in shaded areas in moist soil. This orchid is typically found growing in association with a specific type of fungus, which it relies on for nutrients.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Gastrodia Cooperae a rare orchid?
A: Yes, Gastrodia Cooperae is a rare orchid that is only found in a few locations in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California.
Q: Can Gastrodia Cooperae be grown as a houseplant?
A: While it is possible to grow Gastrodia Cooperae as a houseplant, it requires specific care to ensure its survival. This orchid is mycoheterotrophic, which means that it relies on a fungus to obtain nutrients, so it may be difficult to grow in a home environment.
Q: What is the best way to propagate Gastrodia Cooperae?
A: Gastrodia Cooperae can be propagated through division, which involves separating the orchid’s rhizomes and planting them in separate pots. However, this should only be done by experienced growers, as the orchid is delicate and requires specific care.
Q: Why is Gastrodia Cooperae mycoheterotrophic?
A: Gastrodia Cooperae is mycoheterotrophic because it has lost the ability to photosynthesize, due to its adaptation to growing in shaded areas. As such, it relies on a fungus to obtain nutrients.
Related Plants
– Gastrodia Elata- Gastrodia Nantoensis- Gastrodia Tsaiana- Gastrodia Confusa
References
– “Gastrodia Cooperae.” Calflora. https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=3706- “Gastrodia Cooperae.” USDA Plants Database. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=GACO3- “Gastrodia Cooperae.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. http://wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=91946
