Spiranthes L. C. Rich.

The Ladies'-tresses orchids



Spiranthes cernua, Nodding Ladies'-tresses
The name Spiranthes is derived from the Greek for coiled ("spir") flowers ("anthes"), an allusion to the typically spiralled arrangement of the inflorescence. Taxonomic delimitation of the genus is very unclear, with the best estimate of size being approximately 300 species worldwide. Wisconsin, however, is home to only six species. These can be difficult to distinguish from each other, but with practice, they can be reliably determined from fresh material.
  • Spiranthes casei
  • Spiranthes cernua
  • Spiranthes lacera
  • Spiranthes lucida (to be looked for)
  • Spiranthes magnicamporum
  • Spiranthes ovalis
  • Spiranthes romanzoffiana
    • Go to the key to the species of Spiranthes.

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