Contents
Description
Pterostylis Puberula, commonly known as the Hairy Greenhood, is an orchid species that is native to Australia. It is a terrestrial plant that grows to a height of about 25cm. The plant produces a single leaf and a single flower from a tuberous root system. The flower has a distinctive appearance, with a green and white hood-shaped dorsal sepal and lateral petals that are fused to form a tube. The plant has a unique pollination strategy, relying on fungus gnats to pollinate its flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Pterostylis |
| Species | Pterostylis Puberula |
Appearance
The Hairy Greenhood is a small orchid with a single leaf and a single flower. The leaf is ovate to elliptic in shape and grows to a length of about 10cm. The flower is quite distinctive, with a green and white hood-shaped dorsal sepal and lateral petals that are fused to form a tube. The flower is about 2.5cm long and 1.5cm wide. The plant produces a tuberous root system.
Care Guide
The Hairy Greenhood is a relatively easy plant to care for. It prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. It should be fertilized regularly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. The plant prefers bright, indirect light but can also tolerate some morning or late afternoon sun. It is hardy to USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Hairy Greenhood is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases. Spider mites and mealybugs can be a problem, but can be controlled with insecticidal soap. Root rot can occur if the plant is overwatered or if the soil does not drain well.
Habitat
The Hairy Greenhood is found in a variety of habitats, from coastal heathland to mountain forests. It prefers well-draining soils and can tolerate a range of temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Hairy Greenhood be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the Hairy Greenhood can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Hairy Greenhood?
A: You should fertilize your Hairy Greenhood regularly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the unique pollination strategy of the Hairy Greenhood?
A: The Hairy Greenhood relies on fungus gnats to pollinate its flowers.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Hairy Greenhood?
A: The Hairy Greenhood is hardy to USDA zones 8-10.
Related Plants
- Pterostylis curta
- Pterostylis nutans
- Pterostylis sanguinea
- Pterostylis truncata
References
- https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/gnp9/pterostylis-puberula.html
- http://www.nativeorchids.com.au/Species/Pterostylis_puberula.html
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/3640/Pterostylis-puberula/Details
