About Pterostylis auriculata Colenso
Pterostylis auriculata is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous herb that grows from an underground tuber. It produces four glossy green, lance-shaped leaves on its flowering stem; these leaves measure 125–180 mm (5–7 in) long and 10–15 mm (0.4–0.6 in) wide, and the uppermost leaf is usually taller than the flower. This orchid bears a single glossy green flower with reddish tips. The dorsal sepal and petals are fused together to form a hood, called a "galea", that covers the column. The dorsal sepal is narrow egg-shaped, 15–18 mm (0.6–0.7 in) long, and ends in a sharp point. The lateral sepals stand erect, have narrow tips up to 25 mm (1 in) long, and spread slightly apart from one another. The labellum is red, 10 mm (0.4 in) long, 2–5 mm (0.08–0.2 in) wide, curved, and has a prominent mid-rib. Flowering takes place between October and November. This greenhood orchid grows in damp, heavily shaded forest. It is found in southern parts of the South Island of New Zealand, and on Chatham, Stewart, and Kapiti Islands.
