278 Dog-Trotting for OrcKids 



XII 



CorallorKiza 



R. Brown, 1813 

 Coral-Root 



The generic name, Corallorhiza, refers to the coral-like 

 of the roots of this genus. 



Scapose orchids, saprophytes or root-parasites, with large 

 masses of coralloid branching roots. Anther i, Labellum 1-3 

 ridged. Sepals and petals equal ; 1-3 neryed, lateral sepals 

 united at the base with the foot of the column, forming a short 

 spur. Flowers several in a terminal raceme, purplish, yellow- 

 ish and white. Anther terminal, operculate. Pollinia 4, in 

 2-pairs, free, soft and waxy. Stem or scape 4-20 inches high. 

 Leaves all reduced to scales. Seed-capsule oblong, drooping 

 when ripe. 



Continental Range — In rich woodlands. From Alaska, south- 

 ward to Florida ; westward to the Pacific region. There are 

 about 15 species of this strange genus in the north temperate 

 zone of the world. These species are destitute of green or 

 any distinct form of foliage ; their roots are without form, as- 

 suming coral-like masses, which draw nourishment for the 

 plants from humus — the rich decay of dead roots and trees 

 in the soil. These plants are known as saprophytes or root 

 parasites. 



North American species north of Mexico 9 



New England species 4 



Hoosac Valley species , 3 



New England species : 



1. C. Corallorhiza (Linnaeus) Karst, 1753-1880-1883. " 



2. C. odontorhiza (Willdenow) Nuttall, 1805-1818. 



3. C. Wisteriana Conrad, 1829. 



4. C nmltiflora Nuttall, 1823. 



I.— CORALLORHIZA CORALLORHIZA (Linnaeus) Karst, 



1753-1880-1883 



EarIvY Corai,-Root 



The specific name, Corallorhiza, refers to the coral-like roots 

 of the species and genus. 



Scapose rich woodland orchid, with coral-like roots. May 

 iith-June 28th-July i2th-August 5th (North) September-Octo- 

 ber (South). A vernal orchid, North, and an autumnal species 

 in Georgia. The dates of flowering for the Corallorhizas are 

 variable and not standard. 



