Liparis nervosa (Thunb.) Lindl.
Tall Liparis, Tall Twayblade
Facts About
Accepted Synonyms: Leptorkis nervosa, Liparis elata, Malaxis nervosa
Liparis nervosa, commonly known as the Tall Twayblade, occurs in three counties in western Florida and extends into Mexico, the West Indies, Central America, and South America and may be the most widespread orchid in the world. It produces 3-7 large light green plicate leaves and an inflorescence of 12-40 deep purple to rose colored flowers. It blooms from July through November in damp hardwood hammocks and cypress swamps including the Fakahatchee Swamp.
Liparis nervosa is apparently secure because it is widespread and common in the Caribbean and Central and South America but it is considered rare and endangered in Florida.
Pollination
This orchid is thought to be fly, hemipteran and mosquito pollinated. Rainfall may contribute to self-pollination by dislodging the anther cap or pollen.
Ecosystem Type
Bogs, grassland, shrublands or thickets, swamps, woodlands
Characteristics
- Habitat:
-
- epiphyte
- terrestrial
- Leaf arrangement:
- basal
- Number of leaves on stem:
-
- three
- four
- five
- six
- seven or more
- 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:
- Up to 6 mm
- Sepal length:
- 6–8 mm
- Plant height:
- Up to 50 cm
Native to North America
Yes
North American Conservation Status & Distribution
Conservation Status
| Conservation and Wetland Status | |
|---|---|
| Global Rank | Apparently Secure |
| US Status | N/A |
| Canadian Status | N/A |