Corallorrhiza trifida

An interesting representative of a genus of curiously ,almost mysteriously growing ,non-green orchids. The plants lack any chlorophyll and survive only by virtue of the fungal filaments that permeate throuhg practically all the tissues of their underground organs . The whole genus Corallorrhiza is probably native to North America,with at least 15-20 species known to grow there (mainly in Mexico).

Corallorrhiza trifida got its generic name from a curious name from a curious perennial underground rhizome that resembles ocean corals in appearance .In late spring ,the rootless rhizome gives rise to one or more yellowish ,2.8-12 in /7-30 cm long leafless stalks bearing sparse inflorescences with 2-10 tiny flowers . The tepals are colored in the same way as the spike ;the lip is whitish ,sometimes decorated with a few brown and red spots on the base .Corallorrhiza grows in shady humid forests. Flowers appear on the plant between May and August . The species is also exceptional for the vast geographical area of its habitat -the Temperate Zones of Europe ,Asia and North America.