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Spotted Coralroot (Corallorhiza maculata)

Spotted coralroot (Corallorhiza maculata) is a mycoheterotrophic orchid species which derives its nutrients from subterranean fungal fibers (mycelia) through parasitism. Since it lacks chlorophyll and does not rely on sunlight, this non-photosynthesizing plant is able to thrive in the semi-shaded environment of white fir and red fir forests, where there is reduced competition from plants that obtain their nutrients in a more traditional manner. California is home to two varieties of this species, which are depicted in the following photographs.


Spotted coralroot (Corallorhiza maculata var. occidentalis), highly detailed close-up of an orchid flower in bloom. Thunder Mountain Trail, Eldorado National Forest, Sierra Nevada, Amador County, California.
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Spotted coralroot (Corallorhiza maculata var. occidentalis), close-up portrait orientation. Thunder Mountain Trail, Eldorado National Forest, Sierra Nevada, Amador County, California.
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Spotted coralroot (Corallorhiza maculata var. occidentalis), extreme close up of a single orchid flower. The labellum or "lip" of this variety has sides which clearly widen towards the tip. Plumas National Forest, Sierra Nevada, Plumas County, California.
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Spotted coralroot (Corallorhiza maculata var. occidentalis). Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve, Sonoma County, California, USA.
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Spotted coralroot (Corallorhiza maculata var. occidentalis), documentary shot of a cluster of orchids under a forest canopy. Plumas National Forest, Sierra Nevada, Plumas County, California.
PLA0367


Spotted coralroot (Corallorhiza maculata var. maculata). The labellum or "lip" of this variety has nearly parallel sides, except for nodes at the tips of some specimens. Butterfly Valley Botanical Area, Plumas National Forest, Sierra Nevada, Plumas County, California.
PLA0382


Spotted coralroot (Corallorhiza maculata var. maculata). Butterfly Valley Botanical Area, Plumas National Forest, Sierra Nevada, Plumas County, California.
PLA0381

Next Plant: Stream orchid (Epipactis gigantea)



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All images copyright Timothy Boomer. All rights reserved worldwide.