About Pterostylis patens Colenso
Pterostylis patens Colenso, commonly known as tutukiwi or greenhood, is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous herb that grows from an underground tuber. Both flowering and non-flowering individuals produce four to six erect, lance-shaped, grass-like leaves, which measure 50–180 mm (2–7 in) long and 10–20 mm (0.4–0.8 in) wide. Flowering plants bear a single green flower marked with white stripes that is noticeably inflated near its base. The dorsal sepal and petals are fused together to form a hood, called a "galea", that covers the column. The dorsal sepal is 40–50 mm (1.6–2.0 in) tall, curving forward then downward, and tapers to a thin tip 30 mm (1 in) long. A wide gap exists between the galea and the lateral sepals, which spread apart from one another and have long, thread-like tips up to 30 mm (1 in) long; these tips sometimes almost meet behind the ovary. The labellum is flat in cross-section, gently curved, and protrudes above the sinus between the lateral sepals. Flowering takes place from February to April. This greenhood orchid primarily grows in montane and subalpine forests, often forests dominated by Nothofagus, as well as in scrubland. It typically occurs in damp, shady locations, and is found on the North Island south of Mount Pirongia, and across the South Island and Stewart Island.
