This is the red-stemmed form of the Spotted Coralroot, Corallorhiza maculata var. maculata fma. rubra. The stems in this variety can be a pinkish tan, red, yellow or brown and some of these color forms are named, but these are a dark reddish-pink or reddish-purple. It has very tiny flowers and in the locations where we find it is often the only color form to be found.
Gorgeous as always, Ron! So many wonderful color forms out your way. We have a variety of forms back east but my field experience with them has always been fleeting. I fortuned across a lovely patch of C. maculata in northern Michigan a couple weeks ago but it was still in tight bud. For an orchid I've only seen twice before, it was a gut-wrenching find to be so close!
ReplyDeleteI am endlessly intrigued, Andrew, by the variation in this species. We saw color forms this year that I did not even know existed and that certainly are not named. Come out here some time and I'll show you!
DeleteWhat variety of species! This is really very beautiful. Best regards Ron
ReplyDeleteThanks, Angel. It was good summer, though everything was early. We actually saw these with a couple from Germany who were here for three days on an orchid tour.
DeleteGood trip then with beautiful species, would be pleased the Germans.
DeleteWe were able to show them about fifteen species and they were very pleased. They were traveling in different areas of the west and made a special trip up here to see the orchids.
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