Early coralroot (Corallorhiza trifida, Spec. Inaug. Corallorrhiza: 8 (1760))

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: Châtel.

Bibliography: Spec. Inaug. Corallorrhiza: 8 (1760)

Year: 1760

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Corallorhiza

Vegetable: False

Observations: Temp. & Subarctic Northern Hemisphere

Description

The Early Coralroot, scientifically known as Corallorhiza trifida, is a unique and fascinating member of the Orchidaceae family. This plant, which was first documented in 1760 in the Spec. Inaug. Corallorrhiza by Châtel, holds a special place in the rich tapestry of the Northern Hemisphere’s flora.

Corallorhiza trifida thrives in temperate and subarctic regions, showcasing its adaptability to a variety of climates within these zones. It is particularly noteworthy for its habitat preferences, often flourishing in shaded woodlands and damp forest floors where it can leverage the moist, nutrient-rich soil.

The Early Coralroot is characteristically leafless and derives its nutrients not through traditional photosynthesis but as a mycoheterotroph. This means it forms symbiotic relationships with fungi to obtain the sustenance required for growth and reproduction. This fascinating survival strategy is one of the many unique attributes that set this species apart within the orchid family.

Its flowers are small, delicate, and typically greenish or yellowish, providing subtle beauty to the understories where they are often found. Blooming typically occurs in the spring, adding a gentle splash of color to the awakening forest landscapes.

As an essential member of the orchid family, Corallorhiza trifida contributes to the biodiversity and ecological complexity of its native habitats. Its presence is a testament to the intricate and interconnected systems that sustain life even in the more temperate and colder reaches of the planet.

Common Names

Dan: almindelig koralrod, koralrod
Deu: gewöhnliche korallenwurz
Eng: yellow coralroot, coralroot orchid, early coralroot, northern coralroot, pale coralroot
Nld: koraalwortel
Lav: trejdaivu koralsakne
Fra: corallorhize trifide, coralline, corallorhize, racine-de-corail
Swe: korallrot
Sme: korállaruohtas
Cym: tegeirian gwraidd cwrel, tegeirian gwreiddgwrel
En: Early coralroot, Yellow Coralroot, Coralroot Orchid, Northern coralroot, Pale coralroot, Coral-root, Coralroot
Hy: Կորալորիզ եռաբաժան
Be: Ладдзян трохнадрэзны
Bg: Триделна коралка
Ca: Coral·lorriza
Zh: 珊瑚兰
Cs: Korálice trojklaná
Da: Almindelig koralrod, Koralrod
Nl: Koraalwortel, Koraal-Wortel
Et: Kõdu-koralljuur
Fi: Harajuuri, Taigaharajuuri
Fr: Racine de corail, Corallorhize trifide, Coralline, Corallorhize, Racine-de-corail, Orchidée-corail, Corallorhize parasite
De: Korallenwurz, Gewöhnliche Korallenwurz
Hu: Erdei korallgyökér
It: Coralloriza
Lv: Trejdaivu koraļļsakne, Trejdaivu koralsakne
Lt: Nariuotoji ilgalūpė, Nariuotoji ilgalupe
Se: Korállaruohtas
No: Korallrot
Pl: Żłobik koralowy
Ru: Ладьян трёхнадрезный
Es: Raíz de corral
Sv: Korallrot
Uk: Коральковець тричінадрізаний
Cy: Tegeirian gwraidd cwrel, Tegeirian Gwreiddgwrel
: Yellow coralroot

Synonyms

• Corallorhiza halleri (Rich.)
• Corallorhiza verna (Nutt.)
• Corallorhiza trifida f. suaveolens (Bordz.)
• Corallorhiza innata var. ericetorum ((Drejer) Rchb.f.)
• Corallorhiza nemoralis (Sw. ex Nyman)
• Corallorhiza neottia (Scop.)
• Epipactis corallorhiza ((L.) Crantz)
• Corallorhiza integra (Châtel.)
• Neottia corallorhiza ((L.) Kuntze)
• Corallorhiza innata var. discolor (Rchb.)
• Corallorhiza trifida f. ericetorum ((Drejer) Soó)
• Corallorhiza trifida var. ericetorum ((Drejer) Rchb.f.)
• Corallorhiza occidentalis (Bach.Pyl.)
• Corallorhiza jacquemontii (Decne.)
• Corallorhiza anandae (Malhotra & Balodi)
• Corallorhiza intacta (Cham. & Schltdl.)
• Helleborine corallorhiza ((L.) F.W.Schmidt)
• Epidendrum corallorhizon ((L.) Poir.)
• Corallorhiza trifida var. integra ((Châtel.) Schinz & Thell.)
• Corallorhiza trifida subsp. virescens ((Drejer) Løjtnant)
• Corallorhiza innata (R.Br.)
• Corallorhiza virescens (Drejer)
• Ophrys corallorhiza (L.)
• Corallorhiza trifida var. virescens ((Drejer) Farw.)
• Corallorhiza corallorhiza subsp. coloradensis (Cockerell)
• Corallorhiza trifida var. verna ((Nutt.) Fernald)
• Cymbidium corallorhiza ((L.) Sw.)
• Corallorhiza wyomingensis (Hellm. & K.Hellm.)
• Corallorhiza trifida f. verna ((Nutt.) P.M.Br.)
• Corallorhiza dentata (Host)
• Corallorhiza ericetorum (Drejer)
• Corallorhiza corallorhiza ((L.) H.Karst.)
• Corallorhiza innata var. virescens ((Drejer) Farr)
• Corallorhiza trifida f. integra ((Châtel.) Soó)
• Corallorhiza innata subsp. ericetorum ((Drejer) Nyman)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Altay (native)
• Amur (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• California (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• Chita (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Denmark (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Krym (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nepal (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Poland (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Qinghai (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Romania (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Utah (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 19, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2008 by Henk Van Lottum (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 8, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 10, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2022 by Marc Solà (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2018 by François Munoz (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 8, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2014 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2014 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Louis Constantin (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 8, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2797313)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30219502-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Corallorhiza trifida Châtel.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.0

Ph minimum: 4.5

Light: 2

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 2