SafePlants

Coralroot (Corallorhiza)

Coralroot refers to several plants, most notably members of the orchid genus Corallorhiza. These fascinating orchids are known for their unique way of obtaining nutrients and their often inconspicuous appearance.

Considerations for Pets

• Several species have small flowers.

Considerations for Children

• Several species have small flowers.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Corallorhiza (genus)
• Common Names: Coralroot, Coral Root
• Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid Family)
• Additional Species/Varieties:
  • Corallorhiza maculata (Spotted Coralroot, Summer Coralroot, Western Coralroot)
  • Corallorhiza maculata var. maculata (Spotted Coralroot)
  • Corallorhiza maculata var. ozettensis (Ozette Coralroot)
  • Corallorhiza trifida
  • Corallorhiza odontorhiza
• Synonyms (for Cardamine bulbifera, sometimes referred to as Coralroot): Dentaria bulbifera
• Other Names for Cardamine bulbifera: Coral-wort, Coral-root, Coralroot Bitter-cress
• Family (for Cardamine bulbifera): Mustard Family

Distribution and Habitat

• The genus Corallorhiza is primarily found in North America, with the exception of C. trifida, which is circumboreal (found around the North Pole).
• Specific locations mentioned include the United States, Ontario (Canada), the Turtle Mountains (North Dakota), the Sky Islands of Arizona, and Cumbria (UK).
• Many Coralroot species grow in understory environments.

Ecological Role

• Coralroots are often described as saprophytes, obtaining nourishment from decaying organic matter. More accurately, they are myco-heterotrophs, relying on fungi for nutrients.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Coralroots are terrestrial orchids.
• They lack chlorophyll and leaves.
• They possess a pale, knobbly rhizome, often described as coral-like.
• Instead of true roots, they have a lumpy mass at the base where they interact with fungi.
• Stems can be yellowish, reddish, purple-brown, or tan.
• Flowers are often inconspicuous and similarly colored to the stems, bearing loose racemes.
• Corallorhiza maculata varieties have a white flower lip, which may be spotted with purple.
• Hexalectris spicata (Crested Coralroot) has a scaly stem and brownish-purple flowers.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Coralroot orchids rely on a specialized fungus to infect their seeds and provide nutrients for development. This relationship is essential for their survival.

Quirky Facts

• Coralroot orchids don't have true roots. Instead, they get their energy and nutrients from fungi living in a lumpy mass at their base.
• Spotted Coralroot (Corallorhiza maculata) can be mistaken for squawroot without close inspection.
• Coralroot seeds contain no stored nutrients and must be infected by a specialized fungus to develop.

Further Information

• ARKive (for photos of Corallorhiza maculata)
• WebMD (for patient medical information on Coral Root)
• Encyclopedia.com (for coral-root articles, videos and information)