White fringed orchid (Platanthera blephariglottis, Gen. Sp. Orchid. Pl.: 291 (1835))

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: (Willd.) Lindl.

Bibliography: Gen. Sp. Orchid. Pl.: 291 (1835)

Year: 1835

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Platanthera

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The enchanting White fringed orchid, known scientifically as Platanthera blephariglottis, is a striking member of the Orchidaceae family. This exquisite plant, first detailed in the bibliographic record General Species of Orchids (Gen. Sp. Orchid. Pl.) in 1835 by (Willd.) Lindl., has captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Endemic to regions extending from Eastern Canada down through Central and Eastern parts of the United States, the White fringed orchid thrives in diverse habitats, including moist meadows, bogs, and wetlands. These areas provide the ideal environment for its delicate and ornate white flowers to flourish.

One of the standout features of Platanthera blephariglottis is its intricate fringed lip, which not only adds to the orchid’s aesthetic allure but also plays a crucial role in pollination. The fringed petals have evolved to attract specific pollinators, ensuring the continuation of the species. Each bloom presents a delightful combination of purity in its whiteness and complexity in its fringed textures, making it a sight to behold in its natural habitat.

The orchid’s presence in both Canada and the United States underscores its adaptability and resilience across a range of climatic conditions found in these regions. Ecologists and conservationists pay close attention to this species, as it often serves as an indicator of the health of the wetland ecosystems it inhabits.

In summary, the White fringed orchid is more than just a botanical marvel; it is a testament to the delicate interplay between plant species and their environments. Its historical documentation and ongoing observation continue to contribute to our understanding and appreciation of the natural world.

Common Names

Eng: white fringed orchid, white-fringe orchis, white-fringed orchid
Fra: platanthère à gorge frangée, habénaire frangée blanche, habénaire à gorge frangée
En: White fringed orchid, White-fringe orchis, White-fringed Orchid
Fr: Platanthère à gorge frangée, Habénaire frangée blanche, Habénaire à gorge frangée

Synonyms

• Orchis blephariglottis (Willd.)
• Platanthera ciliaris var. blephariglottis ((Willd.) Chapm.)
• Blephariglottis alba (House)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Oct 7, 2022 by olmos aaron (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2020 by Pierrick Buskowa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 28, 2022 by Ricardo Zañartu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Patrick (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 2022 by Rosida Mawar31 (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 8, 2021 by Neeraj Neeraj Tiwari (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2021 by cangleska (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 11, 2015 by EOL − Clayton D’Orsay (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2798212)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30050119-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Platanthera blephariglottis (Willd.) Lindl.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth