Family: Orchidaceae
Author: Sheviak
Bibliography: Bot. Mus. Leafl. 23: 287 (1973)
Year: 1973
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Spiranthes
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. Canada to C. & EC. U.S.A.
Description
The Great Plains lady’s tresses, scientifically known as Spiranthes magnicamporum, is a fascinating species belonging to the Orchidaceae family. This beautiful orchid was first described meticulously in 1973 by Sheviak, as documented in “Bot. Mus. Leafl. 23: 287”.
Spiranthes magnicamporum is native to North America, with its distribution spanning from southeastern Canada down through central and east-central regions of the United States. This orchid is particularly noted for its resilience and ability to thrive in a variety of habitats across these regions, often found in prairies and other grassy environments.
The plant is characterized by its striking spiral arrangement of flowers, a feature that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, aiding in its pollination strategy. The blossoms are white and fragrant, and they typically appear in late summer to early autumn, offering a delicate contrast against the green backdrop of their natural surroundings.
Great Plains lady’s tresses are an essential part of the ecosystem, contributing to biodiversity and providing a critical food source for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. They grow from tuberous roots, which store nutrients and allow the plant to survive in less-than-ideal conditions, a trait that underscores the hardy nature of this species.
This orchid’s ecological significance, combined with its unique beauty, makes it a subject of interest for botanists and nature enthusiasts alike. Conservation efforts are important for maintaining the populations of Spiranthes magnicamporum, especially as their habitats face pressures from human activity and climate change.
In summary, Great Plains lady’s tresses are not only a beautiful addition to North America’s flora but also an important species for maintaining ecological balance. The detailed study and documentation by Sheviak in 1973 provided valuable insights into this orchid, helping to underscore its significance and the need for its conservation.
Common Names
Eng: great plains lady’s tresses, great plains ladies’-tresses, prairie ladies’-tresses
Fra: spiranthe des grandes plaines
En: Great Plains lady’s tresses, Great Plains Ladies’-Tresses, Great Plains ladiestresses, Prairie ladies’-tresses
Fr: Spiranthe des Grandes Plaines
: Great plains lady’s tresses
Synonyms
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New York (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bill Summers (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 14, 2009 by EOL − Frank Mayfield (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 14, 2009 by EOL − Frank Mayfield (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Mason Brock (Masebrock) (public)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Barnes Dr Thomas G, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (public)
Habit
Taken Sep 17, 2015 by EOL − Aarongunnar (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 15, 2013 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 15, 2013 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 7, 2014 by EOL − Aarongunnar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 14, 2009 by EOL − Frank Mayfield (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2805431)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:242733-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Spiranthes magnicamporum Sheviak)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
