Corallorhiza mertensiana

Western Coralroot

Western Coralroot
aka Merten’s Coralroot, Pacific Coralroot. As one author aptly put it, though common “Western Coralroot never fails to delight.” Could it be the allure of another of the Park’s orchids? A saprophyte its stems can grow to 1 1/2′ (45 cm) and can be found in large clusters or an occasional single or pair made brillant from a shaft of light through the forest canopy. The flower petals are a mere 1/4″ – 1/2″ long; a bright yellow column (reproductive parts) arches over the lower lip. Usually found in woods to 5,000′ elevation.

Family:

Orchidaceae - ORCHID FAMILY

Genus:

Corallorhiza means 'coral-like roots'

Species:

mertensiana after F. C. Mertens (1764 - 1831), German botanist
Photo location: From several locations along wooded sections of the WLT including Rampart Ridge, near Longmire and Nickel Creek. Also along the Paul Peak trail.