Malaxis unifolia Michaux [Malaxis bayardi]
Microstylis ophioglossoides (Muhlenburg) Nuttall
Green Adder's Mouth
Location |
Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec,
Ontario, Manitoba. |
Specific Habitat |
Variety of habitats from dry hilltops to moist swamps, under open sun
to dense shade. Mixed and Deciduous Regions. In Ottawa District, most
often encountered in thin sandy soil on open or partially shaded Precambrian
knolls, on expanses of flat-lying sandstone, or in recently disturbed,
open areas of mesic sand amongst sparse vegetation. Most habitats are
sandy and acidic.
Rare in OntarioÕs Bruce Peninsula Region but occurring on elevated hummocks
of sphagnum or dryish stumps and logs in cedar and spruce swamps or in
sterile sandy spots where grape ferns (Botrychium) thrive.
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Flowering Season |
Mid June to mid August.. |
Description |
Height to 20 cm. Stem bright green erect, smooth.
Leaf solitary, sheathing the bottom half of the stem, abruptly flaring.
Raceme cylindric, elongated in lower part.
Flowers rich green, lip at first uppermost, becoming lowermost at maturity.
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Comments |
Distinguished from others in its genus by its flat-topped, finger-thick
raceme of extremely small blooms. A single raceme may have fifty tiny
flowers but only three or four will produce seeds.. Upon fertilization
of the flowers and consequent setting of the fruit, vegetative growth
resumes and leaf increases noticeably in size.
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References |
Orchids of Ontario
The Canadian Field-Naturalist Vol III - 1
The Orchids of Bruce & Grey
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© Royal Botanical Gardens, Dr. Donald Gunn Image Collection.