Contents
Description
Corallorhiza Odontorhiza, commonly known as the autumn coralroot or late coralroot, is a unique and rare orchid native to North America. It is a non-photosynthetic plant that lacks chlorophyll and gets its nutrients from mycorrhizal fungi. The orchid blooms in late summer to early fall and can grow up to 30 cm tall. The plant has a white to pale yellow inflorescence with small, tubular flowers that form in a raceme on a spike. The flowers have a sweet scent, which attracts pollinators such as bees and wasps.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Corallorhiza |
Appearance
Corallorhiza Odontorhiza has a slender stem that can grow up to 30 cm tall. The plant has no leaves, but instead, it has a few small scales that cover the stem. The inflorescence is white to pale yellow and has small, tubular flowers that form in a raceme on a spike. Each flower has three sepals, three petals, and a lip. The lip is the most distinctive part of the flower and has a fringed margin that gives it a toothed appearance. The flowers have a sweet scent that attracts pollinators, and the plant produces small, dust-like seeds.
Care Guide
Corallorhiza Odontorhiza is a non-photosynthetic plant that depends on mycorrhizal fungi for its nutrients. It is therefore challenging to grow in cultivation and is best left in its natural habitat. However, if you want to try growing it, here are some care tips:- Water: The plant prefers moist soil but should not be overwatered.- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization as it gets its nutrients from mycorrhizal fungi.- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial to full shade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Corallorhiza Odontorhiza is generally not affected by pests or diseases. However, the plant may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet.
Habitat
Corallorhiza Odontorhiza is native to North America and can be found in deciduous and coniferous forests, as well as in wetlands and meadows. The plant is most commonly found in the eastern part of North America, from Manitoba to Maine, and south to Georgia and Texas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Corallorhiza Odontorhiza endangered?
A: Yes, the plant is considered rare and is endangered in some states.
Q: Can Corallorhiza Odontorhiza be grown in a garden?
A: It is challenging to grow in cultivation and is best left in its natural habitat.
Q: How does Corallorhiza Odontorhiza get its nutrients?
A: The plant gets its nutrients from mycorrhizal fungi.
Q: What pollinates Corallorhiza Odontorhiza?
A: Bees and wasps are the primary pollinators of the plant.
Related Plants
– Corallorhiza Maculata (Spotted Coralroot)- Corallorhiza Multiflora (Manyflower Coralroot)- Corallorhiza Striata (Striped Coralroot)
References
– USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Corallorhiza odontorhiza (Willd.) Poir. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=COOD3- North Carolina Native Plant Society. (n.d.). Corallorhiza odontorhiza. Retrieved from https://ncwildflower.org/plant_galleries/details/corallorhiza-odontorhiza
