Ponthieva racemosa (Walter) C. Mohr

Hairy Shadow Witch

Facts About

Accepted Synonyms: Arethusa racemosa

Ponthieva racemosa, also known as Hairy Shadow Witch, has a limited distribution in the southeastern United States, from Texas to Virginia. It produces a basal rosette of several dark green, somewhat glossy leaves which stay green throughout the winter. When blooming in the fall and early winter, it bears an inflorescence of up to 35 greenish white flowers. The labellum is deeply concave and clawed, and the white petals are often marked with distinct green veins. It can be found in moist, shady environments, including hammocks, forests, and swamps.

Ponthieva racemosa is globally considered to be apparently secure, although it is vulnerable throughout most of its southern range in the United States. It blooms at the same time and in a similar range as Spiranthes odorata, but is unlikely to be confused with the latter's cylindrical flowers.

Pollination

Pollinator information for this orchid has not been reported but the genus, though self-compatible, may require insects, such as halictid bees, to transfer the pollen. Anthophora bees may visit the flower to collect oil, secreted by the lip, to feed their larvae.

Ecosystem Type

Forests, swamps

Characteristics

Habitat:
terrestrial
Leaf arrangement:
basal
Number of leaves on stem:
absent
Form of the labellum:
the labellum is not pouch-like
Labellum outline:
the labellum is simple
Main color of labellum:
white
Nectar spur:
absent
Inflorescence type:
the inflorescence is a raceme
Labellum characteristics:
  • the labellum is saccate
  • the labellum is simple
Labellum length:
5–7 mm
Sepal length:
Up to 6.5 mm
Plant height:
13–60 cm
Show All Characteristics

Native to North America

Yes

North American Conservation Status & Distribution

Conservation Status

Select a location to view conservation status:

Conservation and Wetland Status
Global Rank Apparently Secure
US Status N/A
Canadian Status N/A

North America Distribution

Adapted from USDA data