Platanthera colemanii (Rand.Morgan & Glic.) R.M.Bateman
Coleman's Rein Orchid
Facts About
Accepted Synonym: Piperia colemanii
Platanthera colemanii, Coleman's Rein Orchid, is a rare California endemic that grows in a narrow band from the southern Sierra Nevada to the Cascade Mountains. This orchid may reach a height of over 50 cm with an inflorescence of 100 or more, translucent green, scentless flowers. The grass-like basal leaves angle up from the ground and may begin to wither when the plant is still in flower. The spur of P. colemanii is always shorter than the lip- a key feature that distinquishes this orchid from the more common P. unalascensis, whose spur usually equals or exceeds the length of the lip. This orchid occurs primarily in open coniferous forests and chaparral thickets in deep, sandy substrates.
Platanthera colemanii is considered vulnerable, and although this orchid does occur within the protected boundaries of Yosemite National Park, many colonies occur in areas outside the protection of State or National Parks and are subject to habitat loss.
Pollination
Pollinator information for this orchid has not been reported.
Ecosystem Type
Disturbed habitats, forests, shrublands or thickets, woodlands
Characteristics
- Habitat:
- terrestrial
- Leaf arrangement:
- basal
- Number of leaves on stem:
-
- two
- three
- 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 has a spur
- Labellum length:
- 2–5 mm
- Sepal length:
- 2–4 mm
- Plant height:
- 16–53 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 | N/A |