Corallorhiza odontorhiza – Autumn Coralroot

This orchid has no green parts.  It is mycotrophic – it gets its nutrients by parasitizing fungi.  It sends up slender red flower stalks in October and November.  The rest of the year the plants aren’t visible.

A group of flower stalks 11/3/2007

Corallorhiza odontorhiza 11-3-07 2

 

Flowers  11/3/2007

Corallorhiza odontorhiza 11-3-07 1

 

Close-up of flower 10/5/2007

 

Spent flowers 8/31/2008

Corallorhiza odontorhiza 8-31-08 2