Northern green orchid (Platanthera hyperborea, Gen. Sp. Orchid. Pl.: 287 (1835))

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: (L.) Lindl.

Bibliography: Gen. Sp. Orchid. Pl.: 287 (1835)

Year: 1835

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Platanthera

Vegetable: False

Observations: Nunavut (Akimiski I.), Greenland to Iceland

Description

The Northern Green Orchid, scientifically known as Platanthera hyperborea, is a captivating species adorned with a rich history and wide presence. First described in “Genera et Species Orchidearum Plantarum” in 1835, this orchid was given its distinct scientific classification by Lindley, based on the earlier work by Linnaeus.

Belonging to the Orchidaceae family, the Northern Green Orchid thrives in some of the most intriguing and frigid regions of the northern hemisphere. Its natural habitat spans from Greenland to Iceland, reaching as far as Akimiski Island in Nunavut. This geographical distribution highlights its remarkable adaptation to cold climates and rugged terrains.

The Northern Green Orchid is renowned for its sturdy, upright stems and verdant green flowers, which provide a striking contrast against the often stark, Arctic landscapes. The flowers, though subtle in their individual beauty, collectively create a lush and vibrant appearance that is both resilient and enchanting.

Observers and botanists who encounter this robust orchid often note its impressive tenacity and the delicate intricacies of its floral structure. The Northern Green Orchid not only survives but thrives in environments where many other species might struggle, making it a fascinating subject of study for those interested in botany and ecology.

In summary, the Northern Green Orchid (Platanthera hyperborea) is a botanical treasure of the Orchidaceae family, resiliently gracing the northernmost reaches of our planet. Its presence from Nunavut’s Akimiski Island to the icy expanses of Greenland and Iceland serves as a testament to nature’s incredible adaptability and the enduring allure of orchid species.

Common Names

Nor: islandsk huvendel, nor-huvendel
Eng: northern bog orchid, northern green orchid, leafy northern green orchid, northern green bog orchid
Swe: grönlandsyxne
Fra: platanthère hyperboréale, habénaire hyberboréale
En: Northern green orchid, Northern bog orchid, Leafy northern green orchid, Northern green bog orchid
Fi: Lumilehdokki
Fr: Platanthère hyperboréale, Habénaire hyberboréale
No: Islandsnattfiol, Islandsk huvendel, Nor-huvendel
Sv: Grönlandsyxne

Synonyms

• Limnorchis hyperborea ((L.) Rydb.)
• Platanthera koenigii ((Gunnerus) Lindl.)
• Habenaria hyperborea ((L.) R.Br.)
• Platanthera hyperborea var. minor (Lange)
• Habenaria borealis (Cham.)
• Orchis hyperborea (L.)
• Orchis acuta (Banks ex Pursh)
• Limnorchis borealis ((Cham.) Rydb.)
• Limnorchis brachypetala (Britton & Rydb.)
• Gymnadenia hyperborea ((L.) Link)
• Platanthera borealis ((Cham.) Rchb.f.)
• Orchis koenigii (Gunnerus)
• Habenaria dilatata var. borealis ((Cham.) Muenscher)

Distribution

• Greenland (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Nunavut (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 6, 2020 by Stefan Ippenberger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2010 by EOL − Gerald and Buff Corsi (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2022 by Magdalena Held (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2022 by Birgitta Tittel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2022 by Possnigg Ingrid (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 13, 2002 by EOL − Gerald and Buff Corsi (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2013 by EOL − Brian Gratwicke (cc-by)

Taken Aug 9, 2014 by EOL − Brian Gratwicke (cc-by)

Leaf

Taken Jun 26, 2016 by Szabolcs Frater (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Acharacle Nibheis (cc-by-sa)

© 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/2797898)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:651783-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Platanthera hyperborea (L.) Lindl.)

Specifications

Growth