Pterostylis

[bench72]

I think this would be a first proper introduction of an Aussie terrestrial that doesn't walk on two legs...

Ever since I saw one of these in the wild... down the road from where I live... I have wanted to have one... well, now I have about 4 different species... the common name for these plants are "Greenhoods" because of the flowers.

The first to flower is Pterostylis nutans

As you can see it is a terrestrial. The plants grow from little white round underground tuber during the winter months and die back in summer when it is generally hot and dry.

A close up of the flower -

Pterostylis...Greek: pteron = a wing; and stylos = a column; hence refers to the winged column of the flowers.
nutans...Latin: nutans = nodding; refers to the drooping flower.

 

[Jmoney]

greenhood indeed, very interesting!

 

[Gideon]

Interesting...does the flower open more?

 

[rad]

very cool. it looks like some character from "the dark crystal".

 

[SlipperFan]

Too cool!

 

[Greenpaph]

WOW! Talk about different!

thanks

 

[Heather]

it looks like some character from "the dark crystal".

I love that film! I thought maybe I was the only one!!!

Thanks Tim!

 

[bench72]

That's pretty much it for this species... the flower has actually been open almost a month!

Another species is spiking and that is a little bit different so will post that when it is "open"

 

[cdub]

Yea definitely reminds of those creatures in the Dark Crystal. That movie scared the crap out of me several years ago. Classic film.

What in the world pollinates that thingy?

 

[Marco]

Cool!!I love the flower. They look like they'll open up and eat your finger.

Thanks for the pic.

 

[Rick]

The Australian terestrials are very hard to come by in the US, but I ran into an orchid judge in the Atlanta center that also had some of the Pterostylis species. Have you tried any of the "beardies"?

 

[bench72]

What in the world pollinates that thingy?

most of the Greenhoods are pollinated by flies or gnats.

Have you tried any of the "beardies"?

Whoah... I'm only a novice so gotta start with the easy ones first

The good thing about this particular species is that it readily produces more tubers... it is regarded as a "clumper"... however, many of the other species will only produce one tuber to replace the old one....

 

[Gideon]

That's pretty much it for this species... the flower has actually been open almost a month!

Another species is spiking and that is a little bit different so will post that when it is "open"

Very interesting