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amerorchis

Scientific Name: Amerorchis

Family: Orchidaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Round-leaved Orchid (Amerorchis rotundifolia)

The Round-leaved Orchid, also known as the Small Round-leaved Orchid or Roundleaf Orchid, is a fascinating plant belonging to the orchid family.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant grows from a small bulb.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Amerorchis rotundifolia (Banks ex Pursh) Hultn
  • Common Names: Round-leaved Orchid, Small Round-leaved Orchid, Roundleaf Orchid, One-leaf Orchis
  • Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species (Genus is monotypic)
  • Synonyms:
    • Orchis rotundifolia Banks ex Pursh
    • Platanthera rotundifolia (Banks ex Pursh) Lindl.
    • Ponerorchis rotundifolia (Banks ex Pursh) So
    • Galearis rotundifolia (syn.)
    • Amerorchis rotundifolia (Banks ex Pursh) Hultn (synonym sensu FNA Ed. Comm., 2002b of:)
  • Other Genera Synonyms:
    • Amerorchis Hultn
    • Galeorchis Rydb. in N.L.Britton
    • Aceratorchis Schltr.
    • Chondradenia Maxim. ex F. Maek.
  • Subspecies/Forms:
    • Amerorchis rotundifolia fo. lineata (Mousley) Hultn

Distribution and Habitat

  • This boreal orchid ranges from Alaska to southern Greenland.
  • It extends south to Wyoming and the northern areas of New England.
  • In Michigan, it is very rare and local, found only in rich conifer swamps with cedar.
  • Observed growing by the Kicking Horse River in Yoho National Park.
  • Found in Alberta wetlands.
  • Brokenhead Bog in Manitoba.

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • The Round-leaved Orchid is a small orchid, generally hidden.
  • The raceme consists of 4 to 18 irregular flowers.
  • Flowers are ¼ to ½ inch, white to pink, with purple spots.

Quirky Facts

  • The genus Amerorchis is monotypic, meaning it contains only one species: Amerorchis rotundifolia.
  • Volunteer citizen scientist Steve Baker has been involved in protecting Round-leaved Orchis on the Hiawatha National Forest.

Ecology and Conservation

  • New England Plant Conservation Program has created a Conservation and Research Plan for Amerorchis rotundifolia.

Further Information

  • New England Wild Flower Society's Conservation Plan for Amerorchis rotundifolia.
  • Endangered Resces Program.
  • Michigan Flora.
  • Discover Life.
  • GBIF view on Amerorchis.
  • Index Nominum Genericorum (ING).
  • NCU-3e.
  • IPNI.
  • NYBG Virtual Herbarium.
  • ResearchGate.
  • Wikimedia Commons.