Platanthera leptopetala (Rydb.) R.M.Bateman
Narrow Petal Rein Orchid
Facts About
Accepted Synonym: Piperia leptopetala
Platanthera leptopetala, the Narrow Petal Rein Orchid, occurs on the west coast of North America from California to Washington. The flowers are pale green with a pleasant, lemony fragrance at night with sepals and petals that are extremely narrow and give the inflorescence a lacy appearance. The spur is usually at least as long as the labellum and curved downward. This orchid grows in dry woodlands and chaparral ecosystems on fairly steep hillsides and relatively flat terrain and generally flowers earlier than other Platanthera species found in the area.
Platanthera leptopetala, with small, relatively few populations, is considered vulnerable throughout its range and is on the state watch list in California.
Pollination
Pollinator information for this orchid has not been reported.
Ecosystem Type
Woodlands
Characteristics
- Habitat:
- terrestrial
- Leaf arrangement:
- basal
- Number of leaves on stem:
-
- two
- three
- four
- five
- six
- Form of the labellum:
- the labellum is not pouch-like
- Labellum outline:
- the labellum is simple
- Main color of labellum:
-
- green to brown
- white
- yellow
- Nectar spur:
- present
- Inflorescence type:
- the inflorescence is a raceme
- Labellum characteristics:
- the labellum is simple
- Labellum length:
- 25–50 mm
- Sepal length:
- 3–6 mm
- Plant height:
- 13–70 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 |