Bletia nitida (L.O. Williams) Sosa & M.W. Chase
Glass Mountain Coral Root , Shining Cock's Comb
Facts About
Accepted Synonym: Hexalectris nitida
Bletia nitida, the Glass Mountain Coral Root, is widely scattered across Texas and crosses the north-south border into New Mexico. This leafless orchid has a relatively short inflorescence, usually 20 cm or less, that bears a dense cluster of waxy, rose-brown flowers. The flowers resemble those of B. revoluta, including the rolled-back tips of the sepals and petals but are smaller. This orchid is self-pollinating and rarely displays flowers that are fully open. The short labellum, less than 1 cm long, also distinguishes this species from others in the genus. Bletia nitida grows on rocky canyon sides and bottoms in moderate to heavy shade from oaks and junipers.
Bletia nitida is rare throughout its range and is considered vulnerable. Although it may be locally abundant in Texas and has been reported in Mexico, this orchid has not been observed in New Mexico since its discovery and may be extirpated in that state.
Pollination
This orchid is autogamous.
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:
-
- pink to red
- white
- Nectar spur:
- absent
- Inflorescence type:
- the inflorescence is a raceme
- Labellum characteristics:
- the labellum is lobed
- Labellum length:
- 7–9 mm
- Sepal length:
- 7–12 mm
- Plant height:
- 13–20 cm
Native to North America
Yes
North American Conservation Status & Distribution
Conservation Status
| Conservation and Wetland Status | |
|---|---|
| Global Rank | Vulnerable |
| US Status | N/A |
| Canadian Status | N/A |