Platanthera cooperi (S.Watson) R.M.Bateman
Chaparral Orchid
Facts About
Accepted Synonyms: Habenaria cooperi, Piperia cooperi
Platanthera cooperi, the Chaparral Orchid, is an uncommon orchid in southern California that just crosses the border into Baja California, Mexico. Once considered to be a form of P. unalascensis, these two orchids are sufficiently different to warrant separate species designation. P. cooperi has a tall inflorescence with up to 100 small green flowers with a distinct honey scent at night. The short, thick spur is about as long as the labellum. The basal leaves usually wither at the time of flowering. This orchid grows in the harsh environment of exposed ridges and bluffs near the top of the chaparral and goes dormant long before the start of the fire season.
Platanthera cooperi is considered vulnerable across its limited range. Fire suppression and increased urbanization are the greatest threats to this orchid, although many of the remaining populations are protected within parks and reserves or grow on federal land.
Pollination
Pollinator information for this orchid has not been reported.
Ecosystem Type
Grassland, ridges or ledges, shrublands or thickets, woodlands
Characteristics
- Habitat:
- terrestrial
- Leaf arrangement:
- basal
- 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 raceme
- Labellum characteristics:
- the labellum has a spur
- Labellum length:
- 1.6–4 mm
- Sepal length:
- 2.3–4 mm
- Plant height:
- 14–90 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 |