Mossy shell orchid (Pterostylis bryophila)
Description
Pterostylis bryophila�is a terrestrial,�perennial,�deciduous,�herb�with an underground�tuber�and when not in flower, a rosette of between three and five leaves, each leaf 10�22�mm (0.4�0.9�in) long and 5�15�mm (0.2�0.6�in) wide. When in flower, plants have a single flower 18�20�mm (0.7�0.8�in) long and 8�10�mm (0.3�0.4�in) wide on a stem 120�180�mm (5�7�in) tall with four or five stem leaves. The flowers are shiny, bright green and white and curve forwards. The�dorsal�sepal and�petals�are fused, forming a hood or "galea" over the�column, the dorsal sepal pointed and longer than the petals. The lateral sepals are held closely against the galea, have erect thread-like tips 16�21�mm (0.6�0.8�in) long and a flat, protruding, U-shaped sinus between their bases. The labellum is 9�11�mm (0.35�0.43�in) long, about 3�mm (0.1�in) wide, curved, dark brown and just visible above the sinus. Flowering occurs from April to July.
Taxonomic tree
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Domain: Eukarya
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Kingdom: Plantae
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Phylum:
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Class: Liliopsida
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Order: Asparagales
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Family: Orchidaceae
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Genus: Pterostylis
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