Platanthera ephemerantha R.M.Bateman
White Flower Rein Orchid
Facts About
Accepted Synonym: Piperia candida
Platanthera ephemerantha, commonly known as White Flower Rein Orchid, is confined to western North America, from southeast Alaska to northern California. It grows in coniferous and mixed forests or chaparral usually within 150 km of the coast. This orchid grows up to 60 cm, generally with less than 6 stem bracts and basal leaves that often wilt during flowering. The spike has up to 100 small, faintly fragrant white flowers. Although the petals are straight, the lateral sepals are bent downward and twisted. The labellum is curved backward with a short, tapered nectar spur. The white, ephemeral flowers distinguish this orchid from Platanthera unalascensis which has pale green flowers.
Platanthera ephemerantha is considered vulnerable and is threatened by development and lumbering in North America.
Pollination
Pollinator information for this orchid has not been reported.
Ecosystem Type
Forests
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:
- white
- Nectar spur:
- present
- Inflorescence type:
- the inflorescence is a spike
- Labellum characteristics:
- the labellum is simple
- Labellum length:
- 2–3 mm
- Sepal length:
- 1.8–3.5 mm
- Plant height:
- 10–60 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 | May Be At Risk |