Ladies-tresses (Spiranthes sinensis, Orchidaceae 2: 53 (1908))

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: (Pers.) Ames

Bibliography: Orchidaceae 2: 53 (1908)

Year: 1908

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Spiranthes

Vegetable: False

Observations: Assam to SC. Japan and New Caledonia

Description

Ladies-tresses, or Spiranthes sinensis, is a captivating member of the Orchidaceae family. Recognizable for its elegant, spiraling flower spikes, this perennial plant is lauded for its delicate beauty and intricate structure. The genus name “Spiranthes” derives from the Greek words for “coil” and “flower,” aptly describing the spiraled arrangement of its blossoms.

This enchanting orchid can be found in a variety of habitats stretching from Assam in India to southeastern Japan and even reaches as far as New Caledonia in the Pacific. Such a broad range speaks to its adaptability and resilience in different environments. It typically flourishes in meadows, grasslands, and forested regions, often preferring moist, well-drained soils that allow its tuberous roots to thrive.

The flowers of Spiranthes sinensis are a delicate pink or occasionally white, with a noticeable lip that aids pollinators, such as bees, in their visits. These blooms arrange themselves in a tight spiral along the stem, giving the plant an orderly yet whimsical appearance. Each flower is small but meticulously detailed, exhibiting the complex morphology characteristic of orchids.

Ladies-tresses is not just a marvel to behold; its presence in any ecosystem signifies good health of the local environment, acting as a natural indicator of soil and habitat conditions. Given its ecological and aesthetic value, it has captured the attention of botanists and horticulturists alike since the publication of Orchidaceae 2: 53 by Ames in 1908, where it was formally described and classified.

In cultivation, Spiranthes sinensis is prized for its ease of care and its ability to bring a touch of nature’s elegance into gardens and greenhouses. Enthusiasts should plant it in a mimicry of its natural habitat, ensuring adequate moisture and well-managed soil conditions to encourage flourishing displays of its charming spirals year after year.

In summary, the Ladies-tresses (Spiranthes sinensis) continues to enchant plant lovers across its native and introduced range. With its spiraling sprays of delicate flowers and strong ecological presence, it stands as both a botanical wonder and a beacon of environmental health.

Common Names

Dan: rødlig skrueaks
Eng: ladies-tresses, chinese spiranthes
En: Ladies-tresses, Chinese Spiranthes, Maidens’ Tressses Spiranthes
Ar: لولوبة صينية
Bg: Китайски спиралник
Zh: 綬草, 绶草
Da: Rødlig skrueaks
Ko: 타래난초
Ru: Скрученник китайский
Zh-tw: 綬草
Zh-hant: 綬草
: Chinese lady’s tresses

Synonyms

• Neottia sinensis (Pers.)
• Spiranthes australis var. sinensis ((Pers.) Gagnep.)
• Neottia pudica ((Lindl.) Sweet)
• Ibidium spirale ((Lour.) Makino)
• Spiranthes aristotelea (Merr.)
• Epidendrum aristotelea (Raeusch.)
• Neottia australis var. chinensis (Lindl.)
• Aristotelea spiralis (Lour.)
• Spiranthes indica (Lindl. ex Steud.)
• Spiranthes australis var. pudica ((Lindl.) F.Muell.)
• Spiranthes pudica (Lindl.)
• Spiranthes spiralis ((Lour.) Makino)
• Spiranthes sinensis f. gracilis (F.Maek. ex Tsukaya)
• Spiranthes sinensis f. autumnus (Tsukaya)
• Gyrostachys australis var. sinensis ((Pers.) Blume)
• Spiranthes lancea var. chinensis ((Lindl.) Hatus.)
• Spiranthes papuana (Schltr.)
• Spiranthes neocaledonica (Schltr.)

Distribution

• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Bismarck Archipelago (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Hainan (native)
• Japan (native)
• Laos (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• New Caledonia (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Western Australia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Anja Garland (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2022 by Mir Anda (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2019 by Vedavyas Chavan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 9, 2020 by Julien dondé (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2021 by ??? 囧 (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 12, 2015 by Endemia – C. Laudereau (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 26, 2014 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Patrick Kuss (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 26, 2014 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Patrick Kuss (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 26, 2014 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Patrick Kuss (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 7, 2019 by Елена Елена (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 9, 2022 by 道草 (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 26, 2014 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Patrick Kuss (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 28, 2020 by m. ikeda (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 17, 2015 by Endemia – C. Laudereau (cc-by-nc)

© 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/2805433)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1208023-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Spiranthes sinensis (Pers.) Ames)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb,

Growth