The Nodders are up and about

The Nodding Greenhood, Pterostylis nutans, is a common, terrestrial orchid that flowers through winter. At the moment, there are several colonies of these orchids appearing in some natural bush areas in and around Drouin.

In a good season, Nodding Greenhoods can grow as tall as 30+ cm.

It is a distinctive species and is found widely throughout our district, growing in a variety of habitats.

Nodding Greenhoods are pollinated by tiny fungi gnats. The insect is attracted to the flowerhead and crawls inside. The hairy labellum (tongue) of the orchid closes against the ‘hood’, trapping the insect which struggles to escape. In doing so, the orchid has deposited some pollen onto the insect.

After a short while, the labellum releases and the insect escapes, flies to another flower and the process repeated, hence cross-pollination occurs. Some greenhood species can also self-pollinate.

The native orchid world is a fascinating one and we have these remarkable plants on our doorstep.