Habenaria macroceratitis Willd.

Long Horned Rein Orchid

Facts About

Accepted Synonyms: Habenaria quinqueseta var. macroceratitis, Orchis longicornis

Habenaria macroceratitis, known as the Long Horned Rein Orchid, is considered by some to be a variety of H. quinqueseta, a common orchid found in Florida and extending northward into the southeast United States. Others designate it as a distinct species native to Mexico, the West Indies and Central America, extending northward to central Florida. This orchid produces several leaves that gradually reduce in size towards a spike of white flowers. H. macroceratitis is distinguished by its long spur, usually over 12 cm, and its lobed lateral petals. The shorter lobe forms a hood over the column and the second, thinner lobe is nearly twice as long. This orchid grows in moist hardwood hummocks.

The conservation status for H. macroceratitis, as a distinct species, has not been reported.

Ecosystem Type

Forests

Characteristics

Habitat:
terrestrial
Number of leaves on stem:
seven or more
Form of the labellum:
the labellum is not pouch-like
Labellum outline:
the labellum is lobed
Main color of labellum:
white
Nectar spur:
present
Inflorescence type:
the inflorescence is a raceme
Labellum characteristics:
  • the labellum has a spur
  • the labellum is lobed
Labellum length:
15–22 mm
Sepal length:
11–12 mm
Plant height:
Up to 75 cm
Show All Characteristics

Native to North America

Yes

North American Conservation Status & Distribution

Conservation Status

Select a location to view conservation status:

Conservation and Wetland Status
Global Rank N/A
US Status N/A
Canadian Status N/A

North America Distribution

Adapted from USDA data