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Description
Platanthera Longicalcarata, commonly known as the Long-spurred orchid, is a species of orchid that is native to North America. It belongs to the family Orchidaceae and is known for its long and slender spurs. The plant can grow up to 60 cm tall and has greenish-yellow flowers that bloom in mid-summer. The flowers are arranged in a spike-like cluster and have a sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators such as moths and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Platanthera |
Appearance
The Long-spurred orchid has greenish-yellow flowers that are arranged in a spike-like cluster. The flowers have long and slender spurs that give the plant its name. The plant can grow up to 60 cm tall and has a single stem that is covered with lance-shaped leaves. The leaves are dark green and can grow up to 15 cm long. The flowers bloom in mid-summer and have a sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators such as moths and butterflies.
Care Guide
The Long-spurred orchid is a relatively low-maintenance plant. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:Water: The plant prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water the plant regularly, but be careful not to overwater it.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.Soil: The plant prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Long-spurred orchid is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to fungal infections if the soil is too wet. To prevent fungal infections, make sure to water the plant properly and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
The Long-spurred orchid is native to North America and can be found in wet meadows, bogs, and swamps. The plant prefers moist soil and partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Long-spurred orchid a rare plant?A: Yes, the Long-spurred orchid is considered a rare plant in some areas due to habitat loss and fragmentation.Q: Can the Long-spurred orchid be grown indoors?A: Yes, the Long-spurred orchid can be grown indoors with proper care and attention.Q: How long do the flowers of the Long-spurred orchid last?A: The flowers of the Long-spurred orchid can last for several weeks.Q: Does the Long-spurred orchid require a lot of maintenance?A: No, the Long-spurred orchid is a relatively low-maintenance plant.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the Long-spurred orchid:- Platanthera dilatata- Platanthera grandiflora- Platanthera leucophaea- Platanthera psycodes
References
– USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Platanthera longicalcarata. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=PLLON- The Native Plant Society of Northeastern Ohio. (n.d.). Platanthera longicalcarata. Retrieved from https://www.npsneohio.com/platanthera-longicalcarata-long-spurred-orchid.html- Illinois Wildflowers. (n.d.). Platanthera longicalcarata. Retrieved from https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/ls_orchid.html
