Platanthera chorisiana (Cham.) Rchb.f.
Chamisso's Orchid, Choris Bog Orchid
Facts About
Accepted Synonyms: Habenaria chorisiana, Limnorchis chorisiana, Peristylus chorisianus, Platanthera ditmariana, Platanthera matsudae, Pseudodiphryllum chorisianum
Platanthera chorisiana, commonly known as Chamisso's Orchid, ranges from Washington state, north and west along the Pacific coast, through the Aleutians, to Kamchatka and Japan. The slightly bent stem grows up to 20 cm and has 1 or 2 sharply pointed bracts. The spike has fragrant, very small greenish flowers. The dorsal sepals, petals and labellum form a small ball-shaped flower that barely opens. A tiny blunt spur projects from behind the flower. This orchid prefers wet tundra, meadows, bogs, fens, and mossy stream banks.
Platanthera chorisiana is considered globally vulnerable.
Pollination
Pollinator information for this orchid has not been reported in North America but in other parts of it range this orchid is pollinated by Oedemeronia lucidicollis. While the beetle is collecting nectar and pollen, pollinia attach to the antennae and around the mouth. Other small insects could also be pollinators.
Ecosystem Type
Alpine or subalpine zones, bogs, fens, meadows, stream bank, tundra
Characteristics
- Habitat:
- terrestrial
- Leaf arrangement:
- basal
- Number of leaves on stem:
-
- two
- three
- four
- Form of the labellum:
- the labellum is not pouch-like
- Labellum outline:
- the labellum is simple
- Main color of labellum:
- green to brown
- Nectar spur:
- present
- Inflorescence type:
- the inflorescence is a spike
- Labellum characteristics:
- the labellum is simple
- Labellum length:
- 1.5–2.5 mm
- Sepal length:
- 1.5–2 mm
- Plant height:
- 6–20 cm
Native to North America
Yes
North American Conservation Status & Distribution
Conservation Status
| Conservation and Wetland Status | |
|---|---|
| Global Rank | Vulnerable |
| US Status | N/A |
| Canadian Status | Secure |