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small spreading pogonia

Scientific Name: Cleistes bifaria

Family: Orchidaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cleistes bifaria: Small Spreading Pogonia

Cleistes bifaria, also known as Small Spreading Pogonia and Rosebud Orchid, is a captivating orchid species found in the southeastern United States.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cleistes bifaria (Fernald) Catling &amp Gregg
  • Synonyms: Cleistes divaricata var. bifaria, Pogonia bifaria, Cleistesiopsis bifaria
  • Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid Family)
  • Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the eastern United States, particularly along the Appalachian Mountains from Virginia south to Georgia.
  • Often found in wet flatwoods and pine savannas.
  • May also be found at the foot of calcareous hillsides or along seepage zones of small stream bottoms.

Morphological Characteristics

  • A terrestrial orchid with a tall, solitary stem.
  • Bears a single, vanilla-scented flower that is almost two inches in diameter.
  • Features a smaller floral bract that clasps around the base of the flower, resembling a second, smaller leaf blade.
  • Plants can range in size from approximately 15 to 64 cm in height when in flower.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Observed interactions with probable pollinators in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Rabun County, Georgia.

Further Information

  • Discover Life offers information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cleistes bifaria.