Dichromanthus cinnabarinus (Lex.) Garay
Scarlet Ladies' Tresses
Facts About
Accepted Synonyms: Spiranthes cinnabarina, Stenorrhynchos cinnabarinum
Dichromanthus cinnabarinus, the Scarlet Ladies’ Tresses, is widely distributed from Guatemala through the mountains of Mexico to the Chisos Mountains in Texas. This orchid, with its brilliant flowers and bracts, is considered one of the most striking orchids in the southwest. The petals, lip and sepals curve backwards at their tips creating a wide opening at the end of the tubular flowers. Tiny hairs that cover the flowers slow down the drying effects of the hot sun and low humidity. This orchid grows on rocky mountain slopes, dry woodlands, canyon meadows and along the banks of intermittent streams.
Dichromanthus cinnabarinus is secure across its range in Central America but its conservation status has not been reported for Texas in the U.S.
Pollination
Pollination rates are low for this orchid. It is thought to be pollinated by bees and the red flowers may attract hummingbirds in search of nectar.
Ecosystem Type
Meadows, stream bank, woodlands
Characteristics
- Habitat:
- terrestrial
- Leaf arrangement:
-
- alternate
- stem
- Number of leaves on stem:
-
- three
- four
- Form of the labellum:
- the labellum is not pouch-like
- Labellum outline:
- the labellum is simple
- Main color of labellum:
-
- crimson
- yellow
- Nectar spur:
- absent
- Inflorescence type:
- the inflorescence is a spike
- Labellum characteristics:
- the labellum is simple
- Labellum length:
- 15–20 mm
- Sepal length:
- 15–20 mm
- Plant height:
- 50–90 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 |