Spiranthes infernalis
Spiranthes infernalis, common name Ash Meadows lady's tresses,[1] is a rare species of orchid known from only four locations in Nevada, all close to one another. The type locale is inside Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, in Nye County approximately 90 miles (140 km) WNW of Las Vegas. The site is a seasonally wet meadow.[2][3][4]
| Ash Meadows lady's tresses | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Orchidoideae |
| Tribe: | Cranichideae |
| Subtribe: | Spiranthinae |
| Genus: | Spiranthes |
| Species: | S. infernalis |
| Binomial name | |
| Spiranthes infernalis Sheviak | |
The epithet infernalis means "of the underworld" or "of the nether regions," in reference to the extremely hot climate of the region.[2]
Description
Spiranthes infernalis is a terrestrial herb up to 40 cm (16 inches) tall. It has tuberous roots. Leaves are lanceolate, up to 15 cm (6 inches) long. The flowers are yellowish-white with an orange lip, borne in a tightly spiralled spike.[2][5]
References
- "Spiranthes infernalis". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 27 November 2015.
- Sheviak, C. J. 1989. A new Spiranthes (Orchidaceae) from Ash Meadows, Nevada. Rhodora 91: 225–234.
- Flora of North America v 26 p 544.
- Siegel, Carol. Native Orchids of Nevada. Arboretum at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
- Calphotos, James Andre, University of California, Berkeley
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