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Corallorhiza mertensiana: Pacific Coralroot

Corallorhiza mertensiana, commonly known as Pacific coralroot, is a fascinating orchid species found in specific regions of North America. This page provides information about its taxonomy, distribution, ecology, and other interesting details.

Common Names

• Pacific Coralroot
• Western Coralroot
• Merten's Coralroot

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Corallorhiza mertensiana Bong.
• Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid family)
• Synonyms: While the text doesn't provide explicit synonyms, it does list alternative common names.
• Nomenclatural Reference: Mm . Acad. Imp. Sci. St.-Ptersbg, Sr. 6, Sci. Math. 2: 165. 1832 Aug 1832

Distribution and Habitat

The Pacific coralroot is native to northwestern North America. Its range extends from southeast Alaska through British Columbia to northern California, and east to Montana. It thrives in shady conifer forests.

Ecological Role

• Corallorhiza species are parasitic orchids, deriving nutrients from other organisms rather than through photosynthesis. They are not self-sufficient.
• In the Pacific Northwest, Corallorhiza mertensiana is sympatric with Corallorhiza maculata, and the two species occasionally interbreed.

Morphological Characteristics

• The stem is slender, erect, and red to brownish purple.
• Upper petals are pink to reddish pink, with yellow to dark red veins.

Quirky Facts

• The Pacific Coralroot was discovered in 2002 by Chelsea Kieffer while studying at the Pacific Rim campus of the Au Sable Institute.

Further Information

• Discover Life provides detailed information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Corallorhiza mertensiana.