Schiedeella arizonica P.M.Br.
Fallen Ladies' Tresses
Facts About
There are no synonyms for this orchid.
Schiedeella arizonica, the Fallen Ladies' Tresses, is widely distributed in the southwestern US and was originally identified as S. parasitica, an orchid now believed to be restricted to Mexico and Central America. S. arizonica has a basal rosette of 3-5 oval leaves that emerge after flowering and die-back before winter. The inflorescence is a terminal spike of translucent, tubular flowers that are white, rose or tan. The labellum has green stripes with a distinct red-orange spot in the center. This orchid may be found on the edge of meadows, but usually grows in heavy duff under dry coniferous forests, and among rocks and bare soil on hillsides.
Schiedeella arizonica is apparently secure and is widely scattered and locally common in parts of the southwest.
Pollination
Pollinator information for this orchid has not been reported.
Ecosystem Type
Forests, meadows, woodlands
Characteristics
- Habitat:
- terrestrial
- Leaf arrangement:
- basal
- Number of leaves on stem:
-
- two
- three
- four
- five
- Form of the labellum:
- the labellum is not pouch-like
- Labellum outline:
- the labellum is simple
- Main color of labellum:
- white
- Nectar spur:
- absent
- Inflorescence type:
- the inflorescence is a spike
- Labellum characteristics:
- the labellum is simple
- Labellum length:
- 5.5–8 mm
- Sepal length:
- 5–7 mm
- Plant height:
- 10–33 cm
Native to North America
Yes
North American Conservation Status & Distribution
Conservation Status
| Conservation and Wetland Status | |
|---|---|
| Global Rank | Apparently Secure |
| US Status | N/A |
| Canadian Status | N/A |