Bletia warnockii (Ames & Correll) Sosa & Chase
Purple Spike Coral Root, Texas Purple Spike
Facts About
Accepted Synonym: Hexalectris warnockii
Bletia warnockii, the Texas Purple Spike, is widely scattered in Texas and reaches its northern limit in Arizona and extends its range far to the west in Baja California, Mexico. This leafless orchid has a reddish-purple stem that supports 3-10 flowers of a similar color. The labellum is 3-lobed with heavily veined purple lateral lobes and a central lobe that is mostly white with a purple spot at the apex and ridges that are bright yellow. This orchid grows in the moderate to heavy shade of oak woodlands, often among rocks or near fallen logs.
Bletia warnockii is considered imperiled, although information concerning its distribution is incomplete. Individual plants usually do not bloom in successive years and may remain belowground for several years. It does occur in Big Bend National Park where its habitat is protected.
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
- Labellum outline:
- the labellum is lobed
- Main color of labellum:
-
- blue to purple
- pink to red
- Nectar spur:
- absent
- Inflorescence type:
- the inflorescence is a raceme
- Labellum characteristics:
- the labellum is lobed
- Labellum length:
- 4–6 mm
- Sepal length:
- Up to 19 mm
- Plant height:
- 15–40 cm
Native to North America
Yes
North American Conservation Status & Distribution
Conservation Status
| Conservation and Wetland Status | |
|---|---|
| Global Rank | Imperiled |
| US Status | N/A |
| Canadian Status | N/A |