Spiranthes torta (Thunb.) Garay & H.R.Sweet
Southern Ladies' Tresses
Facts About
Accepted Synonyms: Ophrys torta, Spiranthes laxiflora
Spiranthes torta, commonly known as Southern Ladies' Tresses, is found in Bermuda, the Bahamas, West Indies, Mexico, Central America, but is restricted to the rocky pinelands in southern Florida. The leaves are reduced to bracts along the stem and the 2 or 3 basal, linear leaves wither or are absent at flowering time. The inflorescence has small white and green flowers with downward-pointing lateral sepals arranged in a loosely spiraled spike. The labellum, green with a white apex, distinguishes this species from S. tuberosa, a much shorter orchid with pure white flowers. This species blooms in late May-July on dry, rocky pinelands.
Spiranthes torta is apparently secure across its established range but it is extremely rare and endangered in southern 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:
- absent
- Form of the labellum:
- the labellum is not pouch-like
- Labellum outline:
- the labellum is simple
- Main color of labellum:
-
- green to brown
- white
- Nectar spur:
- absent
- Inflorescence type:
- the inflorescence is a spike
- Labellum characteristics:
- the labellum is simple
- Labellum length:
- Up to 4 mm
- Sepal length:
- Up to 5 mm
- Plant height:
- 20–50 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 |