Genus: Bletia

Pine Pink

Recent molecular analyses have expanded the genus Bletia to include orchids that were formerly classified in the genera Basiphyllaea and Hexalectris. This New World genus now contains species that can be found growing in the mountains of Mexico and throughout the southwest. Others may be found in Florida and throughout the Caribbean, extending into South America. Orchids in this genus may be photosynthetic or completely myco-heterotrophic with little to no chlorophyll. These leafless species rely on mycorrhizal fungi almost exclusively for nutrition.
See Sosa and Chase. 2020. New combinations and a new name in Bletia (Bletiinae; Orchidaceae). Phytotaxa 456: 296-298.

North American Species in this Genus