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Description
Corallorhiza Odontorhiza Var. Odontorhiza, commonly known as the autumn coralroot, is a species of orchid that is native to North America. It belongs to the family Orchidaceae and is a non-photosynthetic plant, meaning it does not have green leaves and does not photosynthesize. Instead, it relies on a mycorrhizal fungus to obtain nutrients.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Corallorhiza |
Appearance
The autumn coralroot typically grows to a height of 20-40 cm and has a slender, unbranched stem that is reddish-brown in color. It produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are white or pale pink in color and arranged in a dense, spike-like inflorescence. The flowers have a distinctive, coral-like appearance and are about 1 cm in length. The plant does not have any leaves, but instead has scale-like bracts that cover the stem.
Care Guide
The autumn coralroot is a low-maintenance plant and generally does not require much care. It prefers well-drained, moist soil and partial shade. It is also important to keep the plant away from direct sunlight as it can damage the delicate flowers.
Watering should be done sparingly, as the plant is adapted to dry conditions and can easily rot if overwatered. Fertilization is not necessary, as the plant obtains its nutrients from the mycorrhizal fungus.
The autumn coralroot is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The autumn coralroot is not known to have any significant pest or disease problems.
Habitat
The autumn coralroot is found in a variety of habitats, including dry open woods, rocky slopes, and meadows. It is most commonly found in deciduous forests and is often associated with oak trees.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the autumn coralroot a rare plant?
A: Yes, the autumn coralroot is considered a rare plant and is listed as endangered in some states.
Q: Can the autumn coralroot be grown in a garden?
A: Yes, the autumn coralroot can be grown in a garden as long as the soil is well-drained and partially shaded.
Q: Does the autumn coralroot have any medicinal properties?
A: There is no documented medicinal use for the autumn coralroot.
Q: How does the autumn coralroot obtain nutrients?
A: The autumn coralroot obtains nutrients from a mycorrhizal fungus that is associated with its roots.
Related Plants
- Corallorhiza mertensiana – Western coralroot
- Corallorhiza striata – Striped coralroot
- Corallorhiza trifida – Early coralroot
References
- USDA Plants Database: Corallorhiza odontorhiza var. odontorhiza
- Encyclopedia of Life: Corallorhiza odontorhiza var. odontorhiza
- North Carolina State University Extension: Corallorhiza odontorhiza var. odontorhiza
