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Description
Corallorhiza Mertensiana, also known as the Western Coralroot, is a beautiful and unique orchid species native to North America. It is a mycoheterotrophic plant, which means that it relies on fungi for its nutrition instead of photosynthesis. The plant has no leaves and grows up to 18 inches tall. The flowers are small, about 1 cm in diameter, and vary in color from pale pink to deep purple. The plant blooms from June to August and produces a sweet fragrance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Corallorhiza |
| Species | Mertensiana |
Appearance
Corallorhiza Mertensiana has a unique appearance due to the absence of leaves. The stem is thin and reddish-brown in color. The plant grows up to 18 inches tall, and the flowers are small, about 1 cm in diameter. The flowers vary in color from pale pink to deep purple and have a sweet fragrance. The plant blooms from June to August.
Care Guide
Corallorhiza Mertensiana is a mycoheterotrophic plant, which means that it relies on fungi for its nutrition. Therefore, it requires a specific type of care.Water: This plant does not require regular watering. It obtains its moisture from the fungi it is associated with.Fertilization: This plant does not require fertilizer. It obtains its nutrients from the fungi it is associated with.Soil: This plant does not require soil. It obtains its nutrition from the fungi it is associated with.Sunlight: This plant prefers to grow in shaded areas with indirect sunlight.Hardiness Zones: Corallorhiza Mertensiana can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Corallorhiza Mertensiana is not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by fungal diseases that attack the mycorrhizal fungi it is associated with. These diseases can cause the plant to wither and die.
Habitat
Corallorhiza Mertensiana is native to North America and can be found in various habitats, including coniferous forests, mixed forests, and meadows. It grows in association with specific mycorrhizal fungi and can be found growing on the forest floor.
Question and Answer
Q: Does Corallorhiza Mertensiana require soil?
A: No, this plant does not require soil. It obtains its nutrition from the fungi it is associated with.
Q: What is the blooming period of Corallorhiza Mertensiana?
A: This plant blooms from June to August.
Q: What kind of sunlight does Corallorhiza Mertensiana prefer?
A: This plant prefers to grow in shaded areas with indirect sunlight.
Q: What hardiness zones can Corallorhiza Mertensiana grow in?
A: This plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9.
Related Plants
- Corallorhiza wisteriana
- Corallorhiza odontorhiza
- Corallorhiza maculata
- Corallorhiza striata
References
- USDA Plants Database: https://plants.usda.gov/home
- Flora of North America: http://www.efloras.org/
- Native Orchid Conference: https://nativeorchid.org/
