Mesadenus lucayanus (Britton) Schltr.
Copper Ladies' Tresses
Facts About
Accepted Synonyms: Mesadenus stahlii, Spiranthes stahlii
Mesadenus lucayanus, commonly known as Copper Ladies' Tresses, is distributed throughout the West Indies, Mexico, Central America, and in widely scattered wooded areas in northern and central Florida. This orchid has 2-5 leaves in a basal rosette that wither at flowering time. It bears an inflorescence of 8-60 very small (4-6 mm) coppery green flowers on a slender spike in late December through March. This species is found in cracks and crevices of rocky terrain and exposed limestone that support scrubby oak forests.
Mesadenus lucayanus is apparently secure globally because of its widespread distribution, although it is considered rare and endangered in Florida.
Pollination
Pollinator information for this orchid has not been reported.
Ecosystem Type
Forests, woodlands
Characteristics
- Habitat:
- terrestrial
- Leaf arrangement:
- basal
- Number of leaves on stem:
-
- two
- three
- four
- five
- 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 spike
- Labellum characteristics:
-
- the labellum has a spur
- the labellum is simple
- Labellum length:
- 3–6 mm
- Sepal length:
- 4–5 mm
- Plant height:
- Up to 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 |