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Description
Pterostylis Banksii, also known as the Greenhood Orchid, is a species of orchid native to Australia. It is a terrestrial plant that grows in sandy soils, in shady areas of open forests, and heathlands. It has a distinctive flower that resembles a hooded figure, hence the name Greenhood. The plant is also known for its unique reproductive system, which involves attracting insects through deception.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Pterostylis |
Appearance
The Pterostylis Banksii plant has a single, erect stem that grows up to 50cm tall. Its leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, measuring up to 15cm long and 5mm wide. The plant produces a single flower per stem, which is green in color and measures up to 3cm long and 2cm wide. The flower has a hooded appearance, with a narrow opening at the top for insects to enter. The plant also produces a capsule fruit that contains small, dust-like seeds.
Care Guide
Water: Pterostylis Banksii prefers to be kept moist, but not wet. Water the plant thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: Pterostylis Banksii prefers sandy, well-draining soil. It can also grow in clay soils, as long as they are not waterlogged.
Sunlight: Pterostylis Banksii prefers partial shade and can tolerate full shade. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can damage the plant.
Hardiness Zones: Pterostylis Banksii is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pterostylis Banksii is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. It is also important to protect the plant from slugs and snails, which can feed on the leaves and flowers.
Habitat
Pterostylis Banksii is native to Australia and can be found in the eastern states, from Queensland to Victoria. It grows in sandy soils, in shady areas of open forests, and heathlands.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the unique reproductive system of Pterostylis Banksii?
A: Pterostylis Banksii attracts insects through deception. Its flower resembles a female wasp, which attracts male wasps. When the male wasp enters the flower, it becomes trapped and is forced to pollinate the plant.
Q: How often should I water Pterostylis Banksii?
A: Water the plant thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. It prefers to be kept moist, but not wet.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Pterostylis Banksii?
A: Pterostylis Banksii is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Q: What is the common name for Pterostylis Banksii?
A: The common name for Pterostylis Banksii is Greenhood Orchid.
Related Plants
- Pterostylis Curta
- Pterostylis Fleayi
- Pterostylis Plumosa
- Pterostylis Xerophila
References
- “Pterostylis Banksii.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia), www.anpsa.org.au/p-ban.html.
- “Pterostylis Banksii.” Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/Royal-Botanic-Garden/Science/Plants-of-the-Month/July-2018.
- “Greenhood Orchid.” Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy, www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=66794.
