SafePlants

Cephalanthera: A Genus of Intriguing Orchids

Cephalanthera, often abbreviated as Ceph in the horticultural trade, is a genus of orchids primarily found growing on land (terrestrial). They are characterized by having rhizomes instead of tubers.

Considerations for Pets

• Members of the Cephalanthera genus, specifically Cephalanthera austiniae (Phantom Orchid), feature entirely white stems and flowers. This distinct lack of color might attract attention or curiosity.
• Some species, such as Cephalanthera longifolia, have long, narrow leaves which could be tempting for pets to chew.

Considerations for Children

• Some species, such as Cephalanthera longifolia, have long, narrow leaves which could be tempting for children to pull or handle.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Cephalanthera Richard, De Orchid. Eur. 21, 29, 38. 1817.
• Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid Family)
• Synonyms: Callithronum Ehrhart, Cephalanthera ensifolia (specifically in reference to Cephalanthera longifolia).

Common Names

• Narrow-leaved Helleborine, Sword-leaved Helleborine (for Cephalanthera longifolia)
• Red Helleborine (for Cephalanthera rubra)
• White Helleborine (for Cephalanthera damasonium)
• Phantom Orchid (for Cephalanthera austiniae)

Distribution and Habitat

• The genus Cephalanthera is widespread in Eurasia.
• Cephalanthera rubra is found throughout temperate Eurasia and parts of the Mediterranean, from the Atlantic to the Caspian Sea.
• Cephalanthera cucullata grows in mountainous forest areas on Crete.
• Cephalanthera austiniae is the only North American species within the genus and is native to California and other areas in the western part of the continent.
• Cephalanthera damasonium is native to France. This long-lived rhizomatous perennial herb prefers well-drained, sloping sites in deciduous woods, particularly those with Fagus (Beech trees) on calcareous (chalky) soils.

Morphological Characteristics

• Members of this genus have rhizomes rather than tubers.
• Cephalanthera longifolia is an herbaceous perennial plant. It has long, narrow leaves. The flowers are oval, white, and may feature orange edging.
• Cephalanthera austiniae is pure white in coloration of the stem and flowers. It has white leaf-like bracts 1–2 inches long on petioles along the upper stem.

Ecological Role

• Cephalanthera orchids are mixotrophic, obtaining carbon compounds from nearby trees via ectomycorrhizal fungi.
• Cephalanthera damasonium is a poor competitor in its habitat.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Cephalanthera orchids obtain carbon compounds from nearby trees via ectomycorrhizal fungi.
• Cephalanthera rubra exhibits mimesis of bellflower (Campanula).

Quirky Facts

• Cephalanthera austiniae, the Phantom Orchid, is named for its ghostly white appearance.
• The name "damasonium" (for Cephalanthera damasonium) was first penned by Pliny and refers to an unidentified plant.

Further Information

• World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew)
• USDA Plants Database: Symbol CEPHA3
• ConservationEvidence.com
• Somerset Rare Plants Group