Family: Orchidaceae
Author: (Pursh) Nutt.
Bibliography: Gen. N. Amer. Pl. 2: 195 (1818)
Year: 1818
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Tipularia
Vegetable: False
Observations: EC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Crippled cranefly, known scientifically as Tipularia discolor, is a fascinating and unique member of the Orchidaceae family. This delicate and intriguing plant was first documented in the early 19th century, with its official classification appearing in the publication “Genera of North American Plants” in 1818, thanks to the work of (Pursh) Nutt.
This intriguing orchid is predominantly found in the eastern and central regions of the United States. It thrives in a variety of forested environments, often favoring shaded, moist areas where the soil is rich in organic matter. One of the most captivating aspects of Tipularia discolor is its seasonal contrast in appearance. The leaves, which emerge in the autumn, are distinguished by their green pigmentation on the upper side and a striking purple hue on the underside. These leaves persist through the winter, allowing the plant to photosynthesize and store energy during the cooler months.
In late summer, Crippled cranefly produces its inflorescence, a slender, spike-like structure adorned with small, inconspicuous flowers. The flowers, which may be greenish or brownish in color, are adapted for pollination by nocturnal insects, particularly moths. One key to its pollination success is the flower’s ability to self-pollinate, ensuring reproduction even in the absence of pollinators.
Another notable feature of Tipularia discolor is its corm, a bulb-like storage organ that lies beneath the soil. This corm enables the plant to endure adverse conditions and to re-sprout annually. Such resilience has made the crippled cranefly a subject of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
Overall, Tipularia discolor is a testament to nature’s ingenuity and adaptability. Its subtle beauty and ecological versatility make it a valuable component of the diverse tapestry of plant life in the eastern and central United States.
Common Names
Eng: crippled cranefly
En: Crippled cranefly
Synonyms
- Plectrurus discolor ((Pursh) Raf.)
- Tipularia unifolia (Britton, Sterns & Poggenb.)
- Orchis discolor (Pursh)
- Limodorum unifolium (Muhl.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Delaware (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Heather Anne Walter (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 8, 2021 by fourgoldfinches (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 24, 2021 by Caleb Usadi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 25, 2021 by David Chenoweth (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 20, 2021 by Allen (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Aug 7, 2022 by tomhuck88 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2022 by darcy welch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 28, 2021 by Philip Enteles (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 23, 2021 by Cathie Brumfield (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 18, 2016 by EOL − Jonathan Carpenter (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 1, 2015 by EOL − Bradley Saul (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 17, 2015 by EOL − Milo Pyne (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 15, 2016 by EOL − Bradley Saul (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 14, 2022 by Corrine Marshall (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 28, 2014 by EOL − Evan Raskin (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − TheAlphaWolf (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5308378)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30220355-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Tipularia discolor (Pursh) Nutt.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb