Ponthieva racemosa (Walter) C. Mohr
Hairy Shadow Witch
Facts About
Accepted Synonyms: Arethusa racemosa
Ponthieva racemosa, also known as Hairy Shadow Witch, has a limited distribution in the southeastern United States, from Texas to Virginia. It produces a basal rosette of several dark green, somewhat glossy leaves which stay green throughout the winter. When blooming in the fall and early winter, it bears an inflorescence of up to 35 greenish white flowers. The labellum is deeply concave and clawed, and the white petals are often marked with distinct green veins. It can be found in moist, shady environments, including hammocks, forests, and swamps.
Ponthieva racemosa is globally considered to be apparently secure, although it is vulnerable throughout most of its southern range in the United States. It blooms at the same time and in a similar range as Spiranthes odorata, but is unlikely to be confused with the latter's cylindrical flowers.
Pollination
Pollinator information for this orchid has not been reported but the genus, though self-compatible, may require insects, such as halictid bees, to transfer the pollen. Anthophora bees may visit the flower to collect oil, secreted by the lip, to feed their larvae.
Ecosystem Type
Forests, swamps
Characteristics
- Habitat:
- terrestrial
- Leaf arrangement:
- basal
- Number of leaves on stem:
- absent
- Form of the labellum:
- the labellum is not pouch-like
- Labellum outline:
- the labellum is simple
- Main color of labellum:
- white
- Nectar spur:
- absent
- Inflorescence type:
- the inflorescence is a raceme
- Labellum characteristics:
-
- the labellum is saccate
- the labellum is simple
- Labellum length:
- 5–7 mm
- Sepal length:
- Up to 6.5 mm
- Plant height:
- 13–60 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 |