Corallorhiza maculata (Raf.) Raf. var. maculata
spotted coralroot
Orchidaceae (Orchid family)

Introduction to Vascular Plants

Photograph

© Bryan Kelly-McArthur     (Photo ID #79059)


Map

E-Flora BC Static Map

Distribution of Corallorhiza maculata var. maculata
Click here to view the full interactive map and legend

Species Information

General:
Perennial, saprophytic herb from coral-like rhizomes; stems (15) 20-55 cm tall, red to yellow-brown, smooth.
Leaves:
Bractlike and sheathing.
Flowers:
Inflorescence a terminal raceme of 10 to 40 short-stalked, erect to spreading and ultimately bent back flowers, the bracts scalelike; sepals usually the same colour as stem, oblong to lanceolate, 5.5-10 mm long, the lower spreading; lateral petals deep pink to red, sometimes dark-spotted; lip 5-7 mm long, white, red- to purple-spotted, base with 2 lateral lobes, larger terminal lobe irregularly fine-toothed; spur less than 2.5 mm long; column 3-5 mm long, curved over lip, yellowish, purple-spotted.
Fruits:
Capsules, egg-shaped, drooping, 15-20 mm long.

SourceThe Illustrated Flora of British Columbia

Illustration

If more than one illustration is available for a species (e.g., separate illustrations were provided for two subspecies) then links to the separate images will be provided below. Note that individual subspecies or varietal illustrations are not always available.

Habitat and Range

Moist to dry forests in the lowland, steppe and montane zones; frequent throughout BC, especially along the coast, south of 55 degrees N, rare northward; E to NF and S to ME, MA, PA, SC, TN, IA, TX, NM, AZ and CA; Guatemala.

SourceThe Illustrated Flora of British Columbia

Synonyms

Synonyms and Alternate Names:
Corallorhiza maculata var. flavida (M. Peck) Cockerell
Corallorhiza multiflora Nutt.
Corallorrhiza maculata var. flavida (M. Peck) Cockerell, orth. var.
Corallorrhiza maculata var. maculata (Raf.) Raf., orth. var.
Corallorrhiza multiflora Nutt., orth. var.