Malaxis brachystachys (Rchb.f.) Kuntze
Huachuca Mountain Adder's Mouth Orchid, Madrean Adder's Mouth
Facts About
Accepted Synonyms: Achroanthes corymbosa, Malaxis corymbosa, Microstylis brachystachys, Microstylis corymbosa
Malaxis brachystachys, the Huachuca Mountain Adder's Mouth Orchid, is native to Mexico with southern Arizona as the northernmost extent of its range. This orchid produces a single cordate shaped leaf midway up the stem and the inflorescence appears circular when viewed from above. The tiny green flowers are uniformly distributed around the stem, face up, with the lip pointing outward from the center. This orchid is widely scattered in mountain ranges where it grows in mixed oak and pine forests in canyons near springs and streams.
Malaxis brachystachys is apparently secure, occurring through much of northern Mexico. In Arizona, this orchid is known from just 20 locations and while rare, it is not considered endangered, with some populations protected by Wilderness Areas and the US Army's Fort Huachuca installation.
Pollination
This orchid is pollinated by fungus gnats and gall gnats.
Ecosystem Type
Forests, woodlands
Characteristics
- Habitat:
- terrestrial
- Leaf arrangement:
- stem
- Number of leaves on stem:
- one
- Form of the labellum:
- the labellum is not pouch-like
- Labellum outline:
- the labellum is simple
- Main color of labellum:
- green to brown
- Nectar spur:
- absent
- Inflorescence type:
- the inflorescence is a raceme
- Labellum length:
- 3–4 mm
- Sepal length:
- 3.6–4.2 mm
- Plant height:
- 6–40 cm
Native to North America
Yes
North American Conservation Status & Distribution
Conservation Status
| Conservation and Wetland Status | |
|---|---|
| Global Rank | Apparently Secure |
| US Status | N/A |
| Canadian Status | N/A |