Bletia spicata (Walter) Sosa & M.W. Chase
Crested Coral Root
Facts About
Accepted Synonyms: Arethusa spicata, Hexalectris spicata
Bletia spicata, commonly called Crested Coral Root, has the widest distribution of any species in its genus, growing in the southern and central U.S. from New Mexico to Maryland. This orchid is myco-heterotrophic and obtains nutrients not from photosynthesis but through mycorrhizal fungi. It has a leafless, yellowish or pinkish brown stem and produces up to 25 small, yellow-brown or purplish flowers, the petals and sepals often strongly veined with brown or purple. The labellum is tan or purple white, usually 3-lobed and with undulate margins. It is found in a wide variety of habitats, from swamps to desert canyons in the southwest; typically, it grows in mesic to dry soil in forests and over sandstone or limestone.
Bletia spicata is considered globally secure, although it is rare or endangered throughout much of its range in the US. In the southwest, much of this orchid's habitat is under threat from mining.
Pollination
The large purple and tan flowers are not adapted for self-pollination and must attract a pollinator, possibly a bumble bee, to produce seeds.
Ecosystem Type
Forests, woodlands
Characteristics
- Habitat:
- terrestrial
- Leaf arrangement:
- this plant has no leaves
- Form of the labellum:
- the labellum is not pouch-like
- Labellum outline:
- the labellum is lobed
- Main color of labellum:
-
- blue to purple
- white
- yellow
- Nectar spur:
- absent
- Inflorescence type:
- the inflorescence is a raceme
- Labellum characteristics:
- the labellum is lobed
- Labellum length:
- Up to 20 mm
- Sepal length:
- 14–24 mm
- Plant height:
- 20–80 cm
Native to North America
Yes
North American Conservation Status & Distribution
Conservation Status
| Conservation and Wetland Status | |
|---|---|
| Global Rank | Secure |
| US Status | N/A |
| Canadian Status | N/A |