Bletia mexicana (Greenm.) Sosa & M.W. Chase
Giant Crested Coral Root , Greenman's Hexalectris
Facts About
Accepted Synonyms: Corallorhiza grandiflora, Hexalectris grandiflora, Hexalectris mexicana, Neottia grandiflora
Bletia mexicana, the Giant Crested Coral Root, has a very narrow distribution, growing in Trans-Pecos Texas and the mountains of north and central Mexico. This leafless orchid grows up to 60 cm with a dozen or more vivid pink, widely spaced flowers. The margin of the 3-lobed labellum is edged in pink with a white patch and 5 ridges on the center. This orchid prefers leaf litter and humus of moist woodlands.
Bletia mexicana is considered apparently secure, although its distribution appears to be limited.
Pollination
Pollinator information for this orchid has not been reported.
Ecosystem Type
Woodlands
Characteristics
- Habitat:
- terrestrial
- Leaf arrangement:
- this plant has no leaves
- Form of the labellum:
- the labellum is not pouch-like
- Main color of labellum:
-
- crimson
- pink to red
- Nectar spur:
- absent
- Inflorescence type:
- the inflorescence is a raceme
- Labellum characteristics:
- the labellum is lobed
- Labellum length:
- 14–27 mm
- Sepal length:
- 14–27 mm
- Plant height:
- 10–60 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 |