Corallorhiza bentleyi Freudenst.
Bentley's Coral Root
Facts About
Accepted Synonyms: none
Corallorhiza bentleyi, commonly known as Bentley's Coral Root, is found only in Virginia and West Virginia where it was discovered in 1999; it is limited to about 15 populations spread over 5 counties. Like other members of the Corallorhiza genus, this orchid is myco-heterotrophic: it primarily obtains nutrients not from photosynthesis but through mycorrhizal fungi. It lacks leaves, has a reddish to yellow stem, and produces up to 20 small, inconspicuous flowers of the same color. It is most closely related to C. striata, which is the only other Corallorhiza species to have an unlobed labellum with thickened, inward turning margins; however, C. bentleyi flowers later in the summer (July-August), while C. striata flowers earlier (May-June). It grows in deciduous forests, often near disturbed edges of forests or along roadsides.
Corallorhiza bentleyi is considered globally imperiled.
Pollination
This orchid is self-pollinating with flowers that remain closed (cleistogamous).
Ecosystem Type
Forests, woodlands
Characteristics
- Habitat:
- terrestrial
- Leaf arrangement:
- this plant has no leaves
- Number of leaves on stem:
- absent
- Form of the labellum:
- the labellum is not pouch-like
- Main color of labellum:
-
- pink to red
- yellow
- Nectar spur:
- absent
- Inflorescence type:
- the inflorescence is a raceme
- Labellum length:
- 5.7–5.9 mm
- Sepal length:
- 5.5–6 mm
- Plant height:
- 2–20 cm
Native to North America
Yes
North American Conservation Status & Distribution
Conservation Status
| Conservation and Wetland Status | |
|---|---|
| Global Rank | Critically Imperiled |
| US Status | N/A |
| Canadian Status | N/A |