Cephalanthera austinae
(A. Gray) Heller [Eburophyton austinae]
Phantom Orchid, Snow Orchid
Location | British Columbia |
Specific Habitat |
Dimly lit virgin coniferous forests in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, from British Columbia to California. A relatively primitive genus, and the only truly saprophytic orchid, requiring on a symbiotic relationship with a subterranean mycorrhizal fungus for nutrients.
|
Flowering Season | June to August. |
Description |
Roots thickened and fibrous, from a short rhizome. |
Comments | The only totally saprophytic species. Capsule is as white as the flower. The plant reminds one of the white Indian pipe (Monotropa uniflora). |
References | The Native Orchids of the United States and Canada excluding Florida |
Habitat | Plant | Flower |
© Royal Botanical Gardens, Dr. Donald Gunn Image Collection.